If you were born in December you have a lot to celebrate, including three December birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. With a spectrum of colors to choose from, learning about where the sources of these gems will only add to their appeal. (more…)
GIA created the 4Cs (Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight) as a universal method for establishing how to check diamond quality anywhere in the world. The 4Cs means two very important things: diamond quality can be communicated in a universal language, and diamond-buying consumers can know exactly what they are about to purchase.
For many, jewelry shopping can be an intimidating experience. Add crowded malls, a long list of gifts to purchase, and the desire to get ‘just the right thing,’ and it can be downright stressful. But knowing what to ask a jeweler can help make this a great shopping experience
In part 4 of our 2013 Holiday Buying Guide, GIA put together the top five questions to ask a jeweler when you’re shopping for jewelry this holiday season.
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The 4Cs – color, clarity, cut, and carat weight – describe a diamond’s appearance, define its quality, and greatly influence a diamond’s value. But did you know that before GIA established the 4Cs in the 1940s, there was no agreed-upon system by which diamond quality could be communicated? (more…)
GIA’s 4Cs Q&A series wraps up with some bonus information on fluorescence, while passing along a few friendly words of advice. (more…)
When buying a diamond, it is important to understand what diamond carat weight is and how the weight of a diamond is measured.
A diamond’s cut and its shape are often confused, but we’re here to help! A diamond’s shape refers to its outline when viewed face up. A diamond’s cut refers to its facet arrangement. (more…)
No diamonds are entirely without inclusions or blemishes, and these characteristics help gemologists accurately determine natural diamond clarity. (more…)
The prospect of purchasing a diamond may seem daunting, but through GIA, an unbiased authority on diamonds, you have several handy resources to help you select the highest quality diamond. First up, an overview of the 4Cs: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight. (more…)
Owners of Android phones and tablets like the Kindle Fire and Samsung Galaxy can now benefit from GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) free interactive diamond app for consumers and retailers, available in both English and Simplified Chinese. The app engages consumers with interactive features, video content and information on the GIA-created 4Cs (Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight) of diamond quality. (more…)
Here is a printable diamond buying guide designed to help anyone shopping for a diamond understand the 4Cs of Diamond Quality; Color, Clarity, Cut and carat weight. Print this handy guide and take it with you wherever you need to better understand the 4Cs of diamond quality.
We hope our diamond buying guide will help you navigate and understand the relative quality differences that exist on the color, clarity and cut grading scales. Print this guide and take it with you when you visit your jeweler.
Updated: GIA report scales have been updated with the newest scales as of December 2019.
Previously we outlined four basic steps to purchasing a diamond. Today we will expand on our explanation of the 4Cs – the four factors that determine a diamond’s value. (more…)
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