“finding the one that’s right for you can feel overwhelming”
Choosing Diamond
While there are difference in color between D, E and F diamonds, they can be detected only by a gemologist in side by side comparisons, and rarely by the untrained eye. D-F diamonds should only be set in white gold / platinum. Yellow gold reflects color, negative the diamond’s colorless effect
While containing trace of color, G-J diamonds are suitable for a white gold or platinum setting, which would normally betray any hint of color in a diamond. Because I-J diamonds are more common than the higher grades, they tend to be a great value. An I-J diamond may retail for half price of a D diamond. Within the G-J range, price tends to increade 10-20% between each diamond grade .
Beginning with K diamond, color is more easily detected by the naked EYE.
Set in yellow gold, these warm colored diamonds appeal to some, and are an exceptional value. Others will fell they have too much color. K diamonds is often half the price of a G diamond
Diamonds in N-R color range have an easily seen yellow or brown tint, but are much less expensive than higher grades.
For almost all customer, S-Z diamonds have too much color for a white diamond
ROUND DIAMOND
The round cut diamond is the most populat diamond shape, representing approximately 75% of all diamonds sold. Due to the mechanics of its shape, the round diamond is generally superior to fancy shapes at the proper reflection of light, maximizing potential brightness.
OVAL DIAMOND
Because the oval diamond is a modified brilliant-cut( like virtually all round cut diamonds) the two diamond shapes prosess a similar fire and brilliance. However oval cut diamonds have the added advantage of an elongated shape, which can creat the illusion of greater size.
PRINCESS CUT DIAMOND
The princess cut diamond, first created in 1980, is the most popular fancy diamond shape, especially for engagement rings. Like round cut diamond , princess cut diamonds are a good choice for their flexibility in working in almost any style of ring.
PEAR SHAPE DIAMOND
The modified brilliant cut pear shaped diamond is a combination of a round and marquise shape, with a tapered point on one end.Ideally, a pear shape diamond should possess excellent or very good symmetry. The point should line up with the apex of the round end. The shoulders and wings should form uniform,symmetrical curves.
MARQUISE DIAMOND
The marquise cut diamond is a rugby football shaped, modified brilliant cut. Because the marquise diamond is long and narrow, it can also creat the illusion of greater size. Carat for Carat, the marquise diamond has one of the largest surface area of any diamond shape, making it a good choice when trying to maximize perceived size.
HEART SHAPES DIAMOND
The modified brilliant cut heart shaped diamon is a unique and unmistakable symbol of love, popular in solitaire pendant as well as ring, Heart shaped diamonds less than .50 carats may not be a goodchoice, since the heart shape is more difficult to perceive in smaller diamond, especially after they are set in prong.
CUSION CUT DIAMOND
The cusion cut diamond combines a square cut with rounded corner.much like a pillow, This classic cut has been around for almost 200 years, and for the first century of its existence was the most popular diamond shape, Refinements in cut have led to a recent resurgence in popularity.
Because they are formed deep within the earth, under extreme heat and pressure; virtually all diamonds contain” birthmarks” small imperfections inside the diamond(called inclusions) or on its surface (called blemishes).
Clarity refers to the degree to which imperfections are present. Diamonds which contain numerous or significant inclusions or blemishes have less brilliance because the flaws interfere with the path of light through the diamond
No inclusion or blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10X magnification.
FL and IF diamonds appear identical unless viewed under 10X magnification by a skilled grader, less than 3% of jewelry quality diamonds are rated IF.
VVS1 inclusions are typically only visible from the pavilion, while VVS2 inclusions are visible from the crown, In each, the inclusions are invisible to the eye, appearing identical to the higher grades unless viewed under 10X magnification by a skilled grader.
Inclusions are not visible to the naked eye. Perhaps 1 in 100 untrained observes can detect VS2 inclusions with the naked eye, on close inspection under ideal conditions.
SI1 is the lowest grade with flaws often invisible to the naked eye. SI2 inclusions are usually visible to the naked eye, although they will require close inspection.
I1 diamonds have inclusiond that are almost always visible to the naked eye. Because I2-I3 diamonds have prounounced inclusions, and in the case of I3 may even affect the diamond’s durability.