The holidays come once a year, but diamonds are forever. The gift-giving season is fast approaching and many of you will be out looking for jewelry for that special someone. But do you really know what you are buying? A diamond is a diamond, as long as it comes from a jeweler, right? If that is what you were thinking, maybe a gift certificate would be a better choice.
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| This column will act as a guide covering the basic terminology that you might encounter while jewelry shopping. |
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• Carat is the weight measurement of a diamond. One carat equals 0.2 grams.
• Cut refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond, but don't confuse that with the shape. Cut is a reference to the stone's reflective qualities and determines its brilliance, not the shape.
• Color is the presence or absence of color in white diamonds. D is the highest rating for colorless and Z is the lowest in alphabetical order with a faint yellow or brown color. D through F are generally the most desirable. To the trained eye, G through I show almost no color.
• Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions in a diamond. The inclusions, internal flaws, may or may not be visible to the naked eye, but they will have an impact on the value of the stone. For clarity grades F through SI, inclusions are not visible to the naked eye. |
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| This is a list of clarity grades beginning with the highest quality (F) to the poorest quality (I3). |
• F (Flawless): No internal or external flaws, which is extremely rare.
• IF (Internally Flawless): No internal flaws, but some surface flaws, which is very rare.
• VVS1-VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included): Two grades with minute inclusions that are very difficult to detect under 10x magnification by a trained gemologist.
• VS1-VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Two grades with minute inclusions seen only with difficulty under 10x magnification.
• SI1-SI2: (Slightly Included): Two grades with minute inclusions more easily detected under 10x magnification.
• I1-I2-I3 (Included): Three grades with inclusions visible under 10x magnification and with the human eye. |
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| Here are a few quick tips on buying: |
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1. Purchase from a reputable jeweler.
2. Check the return policy, all sales should not be final.
3. The stone information (weight, clarity, etc.) should be stated on the receipt or on documentation received at the time of the sale. Stick with these and you will be on the right track. |
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| Go ahead and clip this article and reference it when your nerves get the best of you at the jewelry counter. This information is for both new and old jewelry with diamonds. And remember, when in doubt, have it appraised by a certified gemologist jewelry appraiser, not by just a jeweler. |
