Buying Diamonds 

You need to evaluate the “Four C’s” of diamonds to determine their value.

 

• Clarity
• Color
• Cut
• Carat weight    
  

Clarity.
Determined by analyzing a stone for any “inclusions” (blemishes) under predefined magnification.

The Gemological Institute of America maintains the standard for grading diamonds as seen here. Although other organizations such as the European Gemological Laboratory grade diamonds as well. We ship an in-house certificate with all your diamond jewelry. For a fee, GIA and EGL supply certificates that are considered by many to guarantee that the gem you receive is what has been advertised. Contact us for the cost if you want a GIA or EGL certificate. 

Color of diamonds.
Color is actually a product of internal impurities.  Generally, colorless diamonds are the most desirable. However, colored diamonds are making a splash in the fashion industry. Diamonds with color saturation beyond a Z rating and many yellow color diamonds are considered “Fancy Diamonds.”  

Cut.
Cuts of diamonds vary as much as much as the imagination will allow.  By far, the most popular cut is “round brilliant.”  This cut preserves a strict mathematical symmetry and proportion developed by trained diamond cutters over years.  

Carat weight.
Although the carat weight of a diamond is often associated with its size, the two figures are independent. Carat weight measures mass, with one carat equal to 200 milligrams. The price per carat increases with carat weight, but not evenly. Demand for diamonds one carat and above produces a sharp increase in price relative to an equal quality diamond just below one carat. Two diamonds of equal carat weight can have different sizes depending on the cut.

Unless otherwise specified, Romancing the Stone uses VS1-2 clarity and F-G color, with full cut, round brilliant side diamonds on all our gold and platinum jewelry. You will receive a certificate of appraisal that includes diamond color and clarity for every item you buy. 
 

GIA Diamond Clarity Grading Scale

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