Carat (ct) is a measurement of weight, not size. There are five carats to a gram. A 1 ct sapphire is smaller in size than a 1 ct diamond because it is heavier. There are 100 points to a carat, so a 50 point diamond weighs 1/2 a carat or 0.50 ct Continue reading “About Carat Weight”
About Diamond Cuts
A rough diamond looks like any other rock until it is “cut” into many facets at optimum angles to produce maximum brilliance (sparkle) and fire (reflected colors). The quality of the cut is known as the “make”. Continue reading “About Diamond Cuts”
About Diamond Clarity
A diamond’s clarity grade is actually a flaw-grade and refers to the tiny imperfections present when the stone was originally formed by nature. If no flaws can be seen under 10X magnification, such as with a diamond loupe, it is considered “flawless”. Continue reading “About Diamond Clarity”
Diamond Grading
Diamond color is graded from D-F (colorless) through G-J (near colorless), K-M (faint yellow), N-R (very light yellow) down to S-Z (light yellow). In the K-R range you sometimes get a very light brown called “champagne” and a darker brown called “cognac”, both very attractive. Even when a stone has a visible tint, such as an M color, it can still be very lovely if it has good clarity and cut.
(More info) Continue reading “Diamond Grading”
About Diamond Color
The lack of natural body color is a major factor in determining the value of a diamond. The most expensive are colorless and are graded downward by the amount of yellowish or brownish tint they have. Continue reading “About Diamond Color”
How to Buy Diamond Engagement Rings
Some jewelry stores mark up their diamond engagement rings as much as three times the Rapaport List wholesale price. However, on the wholesale market diamonds are sold well below the published value, so you can buy below list wholesale from a jeweler with low overhead and markup. Continue reading “How to Buy Diamond Engagement Rings”
1/10 ct tw Diamond and Aquamarine Gold Ring
Available in White Gold Only
This very pretty ring is made from 14k white gold, a 7 X 5 mm aquamarine and 1/10 carat total weight in diamonds. The aquamarine is medium color, eye clean and cut well. The diamonds are top white G-I color, I1 in clarity and have good cut and polish. This ring measures about 9 mm at its widest point and comes in a stock size 6 to 7 and is sizable within reason.
Ruby and 1/8 ct tw Diamond and Yellow Gold Ring
Available in Yellow Gold Only
This modernist style ring had a 5 X 5 genuine ruby and 6 round cut diamonds that weigh a total of 1/8 carat. The ruby is medium color pinkish red to red, very slightly included and has good cut and polish. The diamonds are top white G-I color, I1 clarity, with good cut and polish. This ring measures about 6 mm at its widest point and comes in a stock size 6 to 7 and is sizable within reason.
Man’s Platinum and Channel Set Diamond Ring
1/2 ct tw of diamonds
This man’s ring is fashioned from platinum and has 5 channel set round cut diamonds that weigh a total of 1/2 carat in one version or five princess square cut diamonds totaling 3/4 ct in another. The diamonds are top white G-I color, SI2-I1 clarity with good cut and polish. This ring measures about 7 mm at its widest point and comes in a stock size 10. It can be sized up or down a few sizes.
Sapphire and Diamond Ring in White Gold
Available in White Gold Only
This ring comes in 14k white gold and has five sapphires and 1/5 carat total weight of diamonds. The sapphires are eye clean, medium to medium dark blue color, little or no color zoning and good cut polish and brilliance. The diamonds are round cut top white G-I color, SI2-I1 clarity with good cut and polish. This ring measures about 8 mm wide and comes in a stock size 6 to 7.