Diamonds, from the Greek “adamas” meaning invincible, are the hardest of all gemstones. April’s birthstone is formed deep within the Earth and reached the surface through violent volcanic eruptions. (more…)
Diamonds, from the Greek “adamas” meaning invincible, are the hardest of all gemstones. April’s birthstone is formed deep within the Earth and reached the surface through violent volcanic eruptions. (more…)
Even the slightest change in diamond color can affect the quality and value of a diamond. Although most diamonds are thought of as colorless (that is, not fancy-colored), most colorless diamonds actually contain hints of brown and yellow. These differences in color are often very subtle – so subtle that an untrained eye can’t tell the difference between a nearly colorless diamond and a colorless one. Yet these minute variations in what color a diamond is can have a significant impact on the purchase price of the stone. (more…)
Purchasing a diamond ring can be overwhelming. After you get through the education process of learning the diamond 4Cs there is still one more piece of the puzzle: understanding the difference between a grading report and an appraisal. (more…)
Perhaps a special piece of diamond jewelry has been passed down to you. It may be a ring or a pendant set with a beautiful gem. Because this item did not come from a jeweler or gemologist, you really have no way of knowing anything about the diamond’s color, clarity, cut or carat weight – those factors that determine quality, and help you decide whether the diamond is worth resetting or leaving it as it came. (more…)
Often when picturing a diamond, we envision the classic colorless gem depicted in films, showcased in engagement rings, or displayed with other popular jewelry in glass cases. A colorless diamond is the clear, classic diamond we envision. Many “colorless” diamonds possess very subtle hints of yellow or brown, colors that can affect the value of the stone. But diamonds come in colors that extend beyond the D-to-Z color scale. And when the color of the stone is strong enough, the diamond becomes known as a “fancy-color diamond.” (more…)
Diamonds are among the hardest natural minerals on Earth, yet they require special care to keep them shining and looking their absolute best. In fact, a diamond’s sparkle can be lost by the mere touch of a finger, which can cause dirt to collect on the diamond. (more…)
Most consumers don’t realize the long, complicated, precarious journey a diamond takes from its humble beginning amidst tons of rock in the Earth to its sparkling transformation in a jewelry store counter. An especially critical point in the diamond’s journey is its time with the diamond artisan, who must cut the diamond to maximize its beauty. (more…)
When it’s time to buy a diamond, many people spend a lot of time educating themselves on the 4Cs of diamond quality, and then determining what the personal trade-offs between those various quality characteristics will be. (more…)
Diamonds are famously known for being one of the hardest substances on earth – we know you’ve heard the rumor that a real diamond can cut glass. But do you know why diamonds are so hard? (more…)
GIA strives to make sure diamond grading is objective and fair, keeping a standard in the diamond market, so that the public can buy a diamond with a GIA report and know that the report is accurate and absolutely impartial. This creates the ultimate peace of mind for your diamond purchase. (more…)
When your guy gets down on one knee and pops the question, you know what you want to see inside that little box. But does he? When it comes to engagement rings, even the most well-intentioned soon-to-be fiancé can use a little help. That’s where you come in—read on for 5 easy tips to getting the diamond you’ve always dreamed of. (more…)
The engagement ring’s romantic traditions resonate through time. The Romans first introduced the betrothal ring as a plain, iron hoop. Among the gentry, the iron ring was worn while indoors and replaced with the more valuable gold band when outdoors. As early as the 4th century AD, inscriptions, elaborate or as simple as “honey,” embellished the inside of the band. (more…)