What Is Diamond Clarity?
December 22, 2009 by OldRomantic
Filed under Diamond Jewelry
Diamond clarity is the evaluate of flaws institute in and on the outside of a diamond. The a smaller amount incorrect a diamond is, the more than value it has and the higher the charge tag. There are exceedingly the minority diamonds which be able to be categorized because having no flaws at all, however, greatest diamond flaws cannot be seen lacking magnification of at least 10 times. For the reason that issues counting diamond clarity are habitually undetected what time looking at a diamond, some relations think this to be one of the least of their concerns at what time selecting a diamond to purchase.
How is Diamond Clarity Determined?
The greatest well renowned measurement of diamond clarity is done by the Gemological Create of America (GIA). It ranks diamonds based on a grading system it twisted that ranges beginning flawless diamonds, to imperfect diamonds, plus multiple miscellaneous position ranges in between. The superior the clarity ranking, the in excess of valuable a diamond will promote for for the reason that it has in excess of value.
Types of Inclusions that Outcome Diamond Clarity
Inclusions are flaws that result diamond clarity. They create it as a result that the diamond is not “perfect”, and there are visual imperfections within the gemstone. Most flaws however, are un-noticeable to the discovered eye and know how to merely be seen under high levels of magnification.
There are names for several of the greatest common inclusions. Carbons end product diamond clarity since they are tremendously small black dots create on the wall of a diamond, which may or may not be visible in proportioned lighting. Some may be hence small that you could do with magnification to view them. Pinpoints outcome diamond clarity as they are white dots along the plane of a diamond. Pinpoints are the highest common of all diamond flaws.
Clouds consequence diamond clarity as they aspect no matter what air to be dull areas within the gemstone. The clouds are in truth through up of various growths of crystals that are to be found very surrounding mutually within the diamond, and their proximity to one an additional is what causes the murkiness to appear. Feathers consequence diamond clarity by causing cracks to state within the diamond, that expression similar to that of broken glass.
Clarity Enhancements
Diamond clarity flaws be able to often be engraved or abridged by using a selection of clarity exaggeration treatments. Some diamonds are painted, some attain lasered in circumstance to remove pinpoints and carbons, and some diamonds experience a practice by which tiny holes are drilled keen on the diamond in state to reach areas of inclusions within the gemstone, and then the cracks are later filled including molten glass.
Having enhancements done to advance diamond clarity decreases the generally meaning of the diamond, save for know how to perk up it’s appearance. Diamond certificates ought to indicate that enhancements were done on the diamond, hence ask to see documentation previous making a purchase. Even if utmost enhancements barely dynamic the diamond to look nicer, some may really aspect the diamond to be weaker, and larger than prone to breakage than a diamond that has not had any treatments.
Check out my other guide on asscher cut diamond engagement rings here
How to Tell the Difference between Real and Fake Pearls
November 13, 2009 by OldRomantic
Filed under Diamond Jewelry
Pearls come in many shapes and sizes whether they are real or not, and it’s not always easy to tell the difference between those that are genuine and those that are imitations. Even amongst genuine pearls there are many different classes of both natural and cultured varieties, all with their own different properties and all valued very differently as pearl jewellery. Before buying any pearls it’s important that you know what you’re getting, so here are a few ways to help differentiate between a genuine pearl and a fake:
The Tooth Test
It’s said that if you rub a pearl against the biting edge of your front teeth, the texture of the surface will tell you whether or not it is genuine. Real pearls normally have a more rough, irregular texture whereas fakes are glassy and perfectly smooth. This isn’t really the most reliable method of testing, as fakes are often made to appear completely genuine and cultured pearls in particular can often be very smooth, especially if they are dyed.
The Sun Test
A slightly more reliable method is to take the pearls out in the sun and take a close look at the appearance of the lustre, or shine, that you see on the surface. Apart from extremely unusual and rare specimens, genuine pearls won’t be perfectly matched under the sun and have clear differences in shine, iridescence and colour.
Surface Magnification
Don’t underestimate the power of a magnifying glass – a closeup look at the pearl earrings, necklace or brooch can tell you a lot, and is one of the most effective ways of distinguishing between genuine and fake pearls. The surface of a real pearl is crossed with hundreds of tiny almost invisible crooked lines, giving them an almost scaly look when placed under the microscope. Whilst there you could also take a look at the small drill holes at either end of the pearl, which in a real pearl will be as tiny as they can be because larger holes devalue the gem. Real pearls usually have holes drilled from either end, making the passage narrower at the centre of the pearl.
Shape
One of the most obvious ways to identify real pearl sets is to look closely at the shape of each pearl and whether or not they are close to being identical – real pearls are hardly ever perfectly round, and it is almost unheard of to find a whole string of pearls of exactly the same size, shape and weight. Real pearls that are regular in this way are extremely expensive, and if not they are probably fake.
X-Ray
The best way to be absolutely positive of a pearl’s authenticiety is to have it verified and certified by a qualified gemologist. For a fee they will be able to x-ray the pearls, showing any variations in density and identifying the nucleus to determine how the pearl was originally formed. To be worth paying the price you need to first be fairly sure that the pearl is genuine, but many imitation pearls look very real and without damaging the pearl it really is the only way to be completely sure.
Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring – What You Need To Know Before You Buy
December 1, 2008 by OldRomantic
Filed under Diamond Engagement Rings
If you are planning to go out and buy a diamond engagement ring, you really should do your research first and learn the different information, tips and tricks that will help you buy the best diamond. This way you will feel more comfortable when you head to the jeweler’s.
One of the most important days in your life will be the day that you offer an engagement ring to the woman you love and ask her to be your wife, so of course you want to make sure that you take the time to find just the right diamond engagement ring.
The Four C’s
When you are buying a diamond engagement ring, you need to be aware of the “Four C’s”, which are: cut, clarity, color, and carat weight.
Cut
Let’s start with the cut of the diamond. This is one of the most important aspects of all, and refers to the way the diamond has been cut. When cut properly, a diamond will allow light to shine through it and be more brilliant. This is because if the angles are correct, the light that enters will be dispersed properly back through the diamond’s top facets.
Clarity
You also have to think about the clarity of the diamond. The clarity of a diamond is determined by the amount and location of flaws in the diamond, when viewed under proper magnification. When you are looking at a diamond in an engagement ring, you need to ask the jeweler what rating of clarity it has.
Color
The color of the diamond is another important aspect here. Diamonds are available in almost every color of the rainbow, so you can get a pink or blue diamond engagement ring, whatever color you know that she is going to love. If you would rather select something more traditional, you should stick to a white diamond engagement ring, which is by far the most popular choice.
Carat Weight
Finally there is carat weight that you will need to be concerned with, and this is what basically determines the value of the diamond. This is the weight of a diamond when measured in carats, and as the carat weight increases, so does the worth of the diamond.
These tips will be extremely helpful when you go to buy a diamond engagement ring, making sure that you choose the most perfect ring, one that will show her just how much you care about her and which will suit her personality…and your budget.


![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=69ca9945-2f89-4ab6-bdd6-e0b4e78b4c42)