The Diamond Broker: GIA Certified Excellent Cut Diamonds & Wedding Jewelry From Finest Jewelers & Designers

		Let us help find the perfect diamond for you. The Diamond Brokers diamond experts will assist you in selecting the diamond that meets or exceeds your unique individual criteria.
		The 4 C's Demystified CLARITY- Clarity grading is a system of describing the internal appearance of a diamond. The GIA gemtrade laboratory diamond grading scale is a universally accepted language that allows consumers to compare one diamond to another. The clarity scale is comprised of eleven (11) grades: flawless (FL), internally flawless (IF), two categories of very, very, slightly included (vvs1 and vvs2), two categories of very slightly included (vs1 and vs2), two categories of slightly included (si1 and si2), and three categories of imperfect (i1, i2, and i3). EACH CATEGORY IS DEFINED AS FOLLOWS: FLAWLESS - “flawless” shows no inclusions or blemishes of any sort under 10X magnification. INTERNALLY FLAWLESS - “internally flawless” shows no inclusions and only insignificant blemishes under 10X magnification. these blemishes include naturals, surface grain lines, and extra crown facets sufficent to grade the diamond IF (internally flawless) instead of FL (flawless). VERY, VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED - “VVS1 and VVS2” graded diamonds contain MINUTE inclusions that are difficult for even a skilled grader to see under 10X magnification. These inclusions are very difficult to see, usually visible only from the pavilion. VERY Slightly Included - “VS1 and VS2” graded diamonds contain MINOR inclusions ranging from difficult to somewhat easy for a trained grader to see under 10X magnification. inclusions are small, typically including crystals, feathers, distinct clouds, and or groups of pinpoints. they do not affect the stone’s beauty. SLIGHTLY INCLUDED - “SI1 and SI2” graded diamonds contain NOTICEABLE INCLUSIONS which are from easy to very easy to see under a 10X magnification. Some inclusions may be eye visible in si2 diamonds. You must consider the size, nature, position, number, and color or relief of the inclusion. the size and shape of the stone must be taken into consideration. The type of inclusion can be included crystals, clouds, and feathers, normally centrally located and noticed immediately. IMPERFECT – “I1 to I3” these diamonds contain inclusions that are obvious to the trained grader. Inclusions can be seen face up with the unsided eye and Seriously affect the stone’s potential durability. Inclusions are so numerous they affect the transparency and brillance. COLOR The color of a diamond is one of the most eye visible characteristic features; and equally, is one of the most important, for color strikes the human eye most strongly. Color or lack of color is determined by the individual color component of which white light is composed and absorbed in the diamond, therefore, the color is seen by the eye. Diamonds come in many colors. From colorless to yellow and rare collector colors of red, blue, green, etc… 16 colors in total. Generally, the diamonds most individual’s select are in the colorless or near colorless categories. Colorless diamonds are rated D-E-F. With near colorless in the ranges of G to J. Diamonds that are graded better than J have so little color that is typically undetectable to the unaided eye. Below K will begin to show graduated degrees of yellow until reaching the fancy colors of intense or vivid yellow. Most prefer the lack of color. However, there are those who prefer the richness of color with the high reflective brilliance that only diamonds can give. Although many diamonds appear to be colorless, most have hints of yellow or brown. These variations are barely perceptible to the eye but the cost difference can translate to thousands of dollars. CUT GRADING Cut grading is the scientific process of evaluating the proper balance of effective light return versus high net weight retention when the diamond is cut and polished from the original rough crystal. The quality of cut or proportions should not be sacrificed for weight retention resulting in higher profit over beauty. Cutting style is the description the shape of the diamond and the basic facet arrangement . Make describes the proportions and finish of the diamond. Proportions are the relationships between the sizes and angles of various parts and facets. The goal and art in cut is to maximize the natural brilliance and light reflection of the diamond no matter what the shape. Our diamonds are cut for maximum brilliance using the latest diamond cutting technology. Brilliance is graded using the GIA grading system for cut. The proportions of each shape diamond will have different proportion criteria. For example: A larger table on a princess cut diamond may be acceptable whereas it is not in a round brilliant. Cut has been the most researched of the GIA diamond grading system. As of January 1, 2006, the "GIA" gem trade laboratory the world leader in diamond grading since 1931 www.GIA.edu has instituted a revolutionary new cut grade system and criteria for cut grading and comparison of light performance which measures brightness, dispersion, light leakage, and contrast or light return. Proportion factors through the analysis of girdle, culet, weight ratio, durability, and tilt. We have learned that cut grading is more than just percentages and angles.. The combination of all these factors is what ultimately determines the best and most brilliant diamond. For more detail log on to: www.GIA.edu Above all a diamond must be brilliant and display a very pleasing appearance to you Subtle variations in proportions can result in a price difference on diamonds of the same size, color, and clarity by as much as 30% or more. Ultimately, what you are buying is the most rare, beautiful and brilliant gemstone created by nature. The accurate information provided by a GIA diamond grading report will help you in making sure your selection criteria is met and guide you the ultimate test - seeing the diamond in person. The diamond that meets your individual criteria is the rarest of all diamonds. Carat - Weight Carat-Weight is obviously the actual weight of the diamond. Metric Carat (0.20 Grams) is the standard unit of weight for gemstones. Size can have the biggest impact on its price. If other factors are equal, the more weight, the higher the price. When expressing weight: Example 1.0 CT 1.00 Carat = 1/5 Gram 100 Points Carat-Weight prices are expressed as a price per carat in the trade. So in regards to biggest impact it is in reference to unit price per carat not the overall price. How do we know what a carat looks like? DIAMETER- For example an approximate measurement of a 2 CT. diamond should be approximately 8.2mm. A 1 CT. diamond should be approximately 6.5mm. A 1/2 carat approximately 5.2mm and so on. Beware of diamonds that are cut too deep or thick since they will be short on diameter. If they were cut with the proper diameter they would weigh less and in most cases result in the stone falling into a lower size category losing the premium charged as diamonds go up in weight. These premiums usually occur in 1/2 CT increments. You will see these diameter shortages on diamonds at just the breaking point of the premiums. For example 2.00 CT - 1.00 CT - .50 CT etc... so in most cases it is best to only consider diamonds that weigh slightly over the premium break point to make sure you are not buying a diameter compromised stone. The cost effect of carat-weight is best understood by example. Let's look at a diamond with G color and SI1 clarity respectively. As an approximate example if prices per carat on diamonds weighting .50 - .69 CTS are $2900.PC, next category of .70 - .89CTS would be $4100. PC (A $1200 PC difference), .90 - .99CTS IS 5100.PC (an additional $1000. PC difference), and 1.0-1.49CTS is $5900.PC ( an additional $800.PC difference). In other words, one half carat difference can translate into a $3000 per carat difference not to mention the extra cost for the additional weight retained by cutting the stone too deep or thick.

The Diamond Broker: GIA Certified Excellent Cut Diamonds & Wedding Jewelry From Finest Jewelers & Designers

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