This is from awdiamonds.com. I liked this faq because of it simplicity and usefulness.
What is loose diamond certification?
A diamond certificate usually accompanies a genuine diamond that you buy. It is also referred to as a diamond grading report or diamond quality document. The certificate is a printed report that states the features and value of a diamond. It includes details as the stone’s color, carat, clarity, cut, measurements, polish and symmetry as well as other characteristics such as graining, fluorescence and imperfections.
Who issues these loose diamond certificates?
There are five major credible organizations that certify a loose diamonds quality and market value. These are the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the International Gemological Institute (IGI), European Gemological Laboratory (EGL), American Gemological Society (AGS) and the Diamond High Council of Hoge Raad Voor Diamant (HRD). Their diamond certificates are recognized internationally hence, you can be sure that the diamond you purchase is the real one.
What does a certified loose diamond mean?
A diamond that comes with a certificate guarantees the buyer of the stone’s quality and genuineness. The certificate is also an important requirement if the buyer wishes to have the diamond insured. And should the owner later decide to sell the diamond, the certificate will confirm the stone’s authenticity to be able to get a fair price.
Is buying a loose diamond over the Internet safe?
It is definitely safe to buy a diamond online. In fact, diamonds have been sold publicly online since 1995. Diamond stores on the Internet usually list the GIA grading report so you can be sure what you are getting. You can also check first the credentials of suppliers before making the purchase. In paying for the product, the safest way is to always use your credit card. Prices of online diamond rings, for instance, are the same as that of wholesale diamonds. Most online stores ship diamonds overnight and have a money back guarantee good for 30 days.
What is the Tolkowsky ideal cut loose diamond?
The man who discovered the perfect way to cut a diamond in the 1920’s is Marcel Tolkowsky of Russia. A mathematician by profession, he formulated a scientific basis in cutting a diamond based on the stone’s ability to refract light. In establishing the perfect cut, certain parameters must be followed – table diameter of 53 to 66%, crown height of 11 to 16% and Pavilion depth of 42 to 45%.
How do you pick a good loose diamond?
Before buying your loose diamond, be sure to set a budget because this stone is an expensive one. Learn first the 4Cs – carat, color, clarity and cut which are important qualities that determine a diamond’s appearance and value. Choose the qualities that you would like to have for your stone – the shape (round is the most popular but there are other attractive shapes as well), color, clarity (absence of blemishes) or carat weight. Be conscious about a diamond’s cut. Remember that a good cut should reveal brilliance otherwise it might just look like ordinary glass. By all means, search the Internet for the various online diamond stores and check the products they offer. Doing so will give you a chance to compare prices and designs.
Where do these diamonds originate?
Around 2.5 billion years ago, loose diamonds were just coals (pure carbon) heated and compressed into carbon crystals. They were formed very deep beneath the earth’s surface and the first known diamonds were spewed by volcanic eruptions. This hardest known mineral on earth mostly comes from South Africa, Russia and Australia.
What is the Rapport diamond report?
The Rapport report provides a list of wholesale loose diamonds prices worldwide as well as news, business issues and fashion trends of diamond wedding rings. The diamond and jewelry industry subscribes to this weekly report which is made as the basis for diamond prices. The prices are listed on tables by color and clarity corresponding to the carat weight. Most jewelers usually get a 10 to 20 percent discount in buying diamonds from the so-called Rap sheet.
What’s the right way to clean loose diamonds?
Diamonds may be the hardest mineral on earth but they can still be damaged. Keep in mind that only a diamond can scratch another diamond hence, if you own a set of diamond jewelry such as a necklace, ring and earrings, it is best that you store them separately. Also, take off your diamonds while doing rough work because a hard blow can chip the stone. If you observe a loose stone setting, bring your jewelry right away to your jeweler and have it fixed. Make sure to clean your diamonds as often as you can especially if you wear them every day and expose them to dust and pollution. You can clean it yourself by using a mild liquid soap and a toothbrush. Of course, just use gentle strokes. Use a small container where you can place the diamonds while cleaning. Rinse them with warm water and pat dry with a soft cloth. But if you’re not satisfied with your own work, then bring your diamonds to your jeweler for professional cleaning.