Posted on Fri, Feb 06, 2009
When considering the clarity of a diamond, I always begin with the advice that you do not want to have any inclusions that are easily visible to the naked eye. In practice, all flawless, VVS and VS diamonds will be "clean" to the naked eye. Most SI1 round diamonds and some SI2 round diamonds will as well. Using this as a starting point, you can decide how high on the scale you wish to be, understanding that it will cost more to move up to increasingly better grades. In my view, the best tradeoff for clarity versus the other factors of size, color and budget occurs in the range between VS1 - SI2. If the purity of the crystal structure is of exceptional importance to you, you should consider diamonds in the IF or VVS range. Otherwise, you will get a bit more for your money in the VS or SI range.
It is also important to note that emerald cut and asscher cut diamonds will more readily show any inclusions because of their step cut faceting pattern. The step cut faceting pattern results in a more window-like appearance of the diamond and allows you to see into the heart of the stone. As a result, any inclusions that are present may be more apparent to the eye. As a general rule, step cut diamonds should have a grade of VS2 or better, with the exception of the occasional SI1 stone that is otherwise clean to the naked eye.
Posted on Thu, Feb 05, 2009
The clarity of a diamond refers to the presence of "inclusions," or imperfections, in its crystal structure. Nearly all of the world's diamonds have inclusions of some kind, and the clarity scale is used to denote the degree to which those inclusions are present and visible within the diamond. In higher quality diamonds, the inclusions are not visible to the naked eye and in lower quality stones they will be easily spotted without any magnification.
The Clarity Scale & How Diamond Clarity Is Graded
Diamond clarity is graded by a skilled professional under 10x magnification and uses a scale originally developed by the GIA. The specific characteristics of any inclusions present are considered when assigning a clarity grade, including the size, location and type of inclusion. The clarity scale begins with the grade of "Flawless" or "Internally Flawless," and continues using the following grades:
Flawless & Internally Flawless ("IF") - The diamond shows no inclusions when examined under 10x magnification.
VVS1 & VVS2 - "Very Very Slightly Included" - The diamond contains microscopic inclusions that are very difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification. These inclusions are never visible to the naked eye
VS1 & VS2 - "Very Slightly Included" - The diamond contains minor inclusions that are visible to a skilled grader under 10x magnification. These inclusions are not visible to the naked eye.
SI1 & SI2 - "Slightly Included" - The diamond contains inclusions that are easily visible under 10x magnification. The inclusions in SI1 diamonds are often not visible to the naked eye. The inclusions in SI2 diamonds are sometimes not visible to the naked eye.
I1, I2, I3 and beyond - The diamond contains inclusions that are obvious under 10x magnification and easily visible to the naked eye.
Posted on Tue, Jan 20, 2009
Of the 4Cs of diamonds, carat weight is the most objective and the easiest to understand. Quite simply, it refers to the weight of the diamond as measured in carats, the scale used for gemstones. The greater the carat weight of the diamond, the more rare it is and
usually the bigger it is.
But size in diamonds is first and foremost about the visual size appearance and not only about carat weight. To be sure, a 2 carat stone will have a larger visual size appearance than a 1 carat stone and a 5 carat diamond will look bigger than a 3 carat. Certainly carat weight and size are closely related. But when comparing stones that are closer in carat weight, you will find that sometimes the stone with the smaller weight will have a bigger look. The key is in looking at the millimeter dimensions.
As beauty in diamonds always does, it all comes back to the quality of the cut. A well-cut diamond will not only be brilliant and bright, but it will have a larger size appearance than other lesser-cut stones of the same weight. When properly cut, a diamond will not be too deep and will not have too much weight in the girdle or other areas of the stone that add to the carat weight on the scale but not at all to the visual size appearance. At Kwiat, we refer to this as "the weight being in the right place." A beautifully cut 2 carat stone will look larger than a poorly cut 2.5 carat diamond because in the poorly cut stone, the weight is in the wrong places where you can't actually see it. When looking at diamonds, pay close attention to the millimeter dimensions as well as the carat weights, and don't assume that a higher weight automatically means a bigger look. Greater carat weight is only worth paying for when it adds to the beauty and visual size appearance of the stone.
Posted on Sat, Jan 10, 2009
Buying a diamond engagement ring can be a scary process for a man. But with the proper education and guidance it doesn't have to be. Before you get started, here's a list of 5 important things you must know.
1) Find Out What She's Hoping For
First and most important question - what shape diamond does she like? Let's make one thing clear. The opinion that matters most on the shape of the diamond is hers. She is the one who will wear it, and she's the one you want to please. There are a number of different options, from the classic round brilliant to the vintage style of the cushion shape, to the understated elegance of the emerald cut. It's your job to find out which shape appeals to her.
Second question and equally as important - what style of ring setting does she like? There are many different ring styles and there's a good chance she has one in mind. Does she like the traditional simplicity of a solitaire platinum mounting? Maybe she prefers side stones, such as tapered baguettes or pear shapes. Or maybe she wants small pave diamonds on the band.
It's possible that she's dropped some hints for you along the way. Perhaps you can ask her best friend. Maybe the two of you have been to a jewelry store together. But one way or another, it's a good idea to find out the answers to these questions. Any inside information you can gather before starting the process will help you along the way.
2) Get Her Finger Size
When you give her the ring, you'll really want it to fit on her finger. This makes the process of getting her ring size in advance an important one. For some suggestions on how to get her ring size, see our section on Tips on Getting Her Ring Size. Try to get as close as possible, but don't worry too much if it's not exact. A ring can be sized up or down slightly after the fact if need be.
3) Set Your Budget
There are a number of different guidelines and suggestions on how to decide how much to spend on a diamond engagement ring. But the most important thing is that you pick a budget that is comfortable for you. Remember that this is a lifetime purchase and that stretching that extra step may ultimately only amount to a small number when spread over the long-run. But never spend more than you are financially comfortable with. The most beautiful element of a diamond engagement ring is not the size or the cost but the sentiment of love with which it is given.
4) Do Your Homework
It's always important to do some research on your own to learn about the basics of diamonds, often referred to as the 4Cs. An educated consumer is the best consumer and having a basic understanding will help you find your way through the process. Talk to friends or family members who have been down the path, visit a jewelry store to see some diamonds in person, and read the education tools on some reputable Internet sites.
5) Pick a Jeweler To Guide You
Once you've given thought to steps 1-4, you need to make perhaps one of the most critical decisions of the engagement ring buying process - selecting a jeweler who will work with you to find the perfect ring. You will want someone who can show you a range of options and who can provide wise guidance to help you select from among the choices. Trust is a critical element of the process, and you must feel comfortable with the person you work with. This is the first stage of what can become a lifelong relationship with a jeweler, so it's important that you choose wisely.