How to Buy A Diamond
Hindus used them to represent the eyes of the gods; ancient Romans believed they were splinters of fallen stars. Its name derives from the ancient Greek word adamas, meaning “invincible”. With its purity, brightness, and endurance, it's no wonder the diamond is a symbol of virtue, love, and eternity.
Diamonds possess incomparable beauty and radiace, but a diamond's power to transmit and reflect light depends on various factors. What should you look for when buying a diamond? Gemologists train for years to master the art and science of diamond apprasails, but with a little basic instruction, you can learn how to choose the best one for you.
Professionals use four factors to describe and classify diamonds: color, clarity, cut, carat. Keep in mind that all four C's are equally important. They are all factored in together to determine the true value of a diamond.
Color
Many people think of diamonds as colorless, but truly colorless diamonds are very rare and very expensive. Most diamonds used in jewelry have faint yellow or brown tints. Differences in color can be so slight, that, in a mounted diamond, some might look colorless. Only an experienced eye can see a slight tint within a diamond's depths. Just keep in mind that the closer the stone comes to being colorless, the more valuable it is.
Clarity
Because diamonds are natural substances, they have certain internal features, called inclusions, and surface irregularities, called blemishes. Clarity refers to the relative absence of inclusions and blemishes. A truly flawless diamond is extremely rare and some inclusions can only be seen with maginification and a few hard-to-see pinpricks can be covered by the mounting. Some clarity characteristics can be positive. For example, they help separate natural diamonds from lab-created simulants.
Cut
Cut refers to more than just the shape and style of a polished diamond. Cut is also about proportions, symmetry, and finish of diamond. A diamond with good Cut will be brilliant and symmetrical.
Carat
The Carat is a measure of diamond weight. One carat is divided into 100 "points," so a "50-point" diamond weighs half a carat. Larger diamonds are scarcer, and thus more valuable, than smaller diamonds.
GIA
Established in 1931, the Gemological Institute of America is the world’s largest and most respected nonprofit institute of gemological research and learning. GIA developed the international diamond grading standard known as the Four Cs and the Institute's color and clarity grading system are used by virtually every professional in the jewelry world today. GIA issues a report providing an objective analysis of diamonds that have been registered. Registry numbers are even laser-inscribed on the stone.
AGS
The American Gem Society was established in 1934 to settle and maintain the highest possible standards of business ethics and professionalism in the jewelry industry. AGS is a leading diamond grading laboratory in the United States.
Kirk Jewelers is committed to bringing you the very best in diamonds. We are a proud member of the American Gem Society and our staff includes two GIA graduate gemologists and one AGS certified gemologist. We are the the exclusive source in Miami for the Original Radiant Cut Diamond. Whether it's a special stone for an engagement ring, anniversary gift, or graduation present, Kirk Jewelers has just what you're looking for. Contact us today!
