DIAMONDS
The 4Cs are used throughout the world to classify diamonds. Diamonds with the
combination of the highest 4C ratings are more rare and consequently more expensive.
Once you have established those 4C characteristics that are most important to you, we can
then begin to show you various options with quoted prices.
CARAT
Refers to the weight of a diamond.
Carat is often confused with size even though carat is actually a measure of weight. One
carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. One carat can also be divided into 100 “points.” We
sometimes refer to points to carats like pennies to a dollar. A .50 carat diamond is the
same as a 50 points or 1/2 carat diamond, just as .50 dollars is fifty cents or 1/2 dollar.
So, does a carat diamond costs exactly twice the price of a half-carat diamond? No. Since
larger diamonds are found less frequently in nature, which makes them a little more rare, a
1-carat diamond will cost more than twice a 1/2-carat diamond, assuming that the color,
clarity and cut remain constant.
Cut and mounting can make a diamond appear larger (or smaller) than its actual weight so
it is important to find the right diamond and setting to optimize the beauty of your stone.
CLARITY
Refers to the presence of inclusions in a diamond.
Inclusions are natural identifying characteristics such as minerals or fractures, appearing
while diamonds are formed in the earth. Sometimes referred to as "birthmarks"; these may
look like tiny dark spots, crystals, clouds or feathers.
To view inclusions, jewelers use what is called a magnifying loupe. The loupe allows
jewelers to see a diamond at 10x its actual size so that inclusions are easier to see. The
position of inclusions can affect the value of a diamond. Inclusions are ranked on a scale
established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The clarity scale, ranging from F
(Flawless) to Included (I), is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification of 10x.
Some inclusions can be hidden by a mounting therefore having little effect on the beauty of
a diamond. An inclusion in the middle or top of a diamond could impact the dispersion of
light, sometimes making the diamond less brilliant. The greater a diamond's clarity, the
more brilliant & valuable it is.
CLARITY GRADING SCALE
FLAWLESS VVS1 VVS2 VS1 VS2 SI1 SI2 I1 I2 I3
VERY VERY VERY SLIGHT SLIGHT INCLUSIONS IMPERFECT
SLIGHT INCLUSIONS INCLUSIONS
COLOR
Refers to the degree to which a diamond is colorless.
Diamonds are graded on a color scale established by the Gemological Institute of America
(GIA) which ranges from D (colorless) to Z (brown).
Color differences are very subtle and it is very difficult to see the difference between, say,
an E and an F. Therefore, colors are graded under controlled lighting conditions and are
compared to a master set for accuracy.
COLOR GRADING SCALE
D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z COLORLESS WHITE LOW WHITE
YELLOW TOP LIGHT BROWN BROWN
CUT
Refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond.
Based on scientific formulas, a well-cut diamond will internally reflect light from one mirror-
like facet to another and disperse and reflect it through the top of the stone. This results in
a display of brilliance and fire, thereby making well-cut diamonds much more valuable than
deep or shallow-cut diamonds. Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow lose or leak
light through the side or bottom, resulting in less brilliance and ultimately, value.
Cut should not be confused with shape, although it does have relation to the term. Round,
square, pear, heart, princess, oval, emerald and princess are the common known shapes
involving diamonds. Since a round diamond is symmetrical and capable of reflecting nearly
all the light that enters, it is the most brilliant of all diamond shapes and follows specific
proportional guidelines.
The non-round shapes as mentioned above, sometimes known as fancy shapes, have their
own guidelines to be considered well-cut.
DIAMOND CERTIFICATION
Diamond certificates, also known as diamond grading reports, are commonly provided with
the purchase of a significant piece of diamond jewelry such as a diamond engagement ring.
These reports are prepared by independent, certified gemologists from laboratories around
the world and can help calculate the specific characteristics of your diamonds (color, cut,
clarity and carat weight, for example).
Diamond grading reports assure you of the quality and authenticity of your diamond. As
most consumers are not experts, a certificate is an objective comparison.
A diamond grading report will commonly include a plotted diagram of your diamond and all
significant characteristics, including the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat weight). The report will
also describe the diamond's shape, exact measurements, proportions and depth
percentages as well as grade the polish and symmetry. It should also comment on the
characteristics like fluorescence, graining, and any imperfections in the diamond. A
grading report does not include an appraisal or any kind of statement of monetary worth of
the diamond, they simply state the scientific facts of your diamond that can be evaluated by
highly standardized criteria.
To help you understand your diamond grading report, you should talk with your jeweler so
that he or she can explain to you each portion of the certificate while visually examining
your diamond with you. Grading a diamond is only partially scientific; a brief meeting with
your jeweler can help you understand what the certificate really means.
Certification of a diamond does not increase the value of your diamond. Certification is only
a safeguard for the consumer as it is affirmation of your diamond's authenticity and specific
characteristics.
What to Spend
Diamonds can be found in a range of price—and you're certain to find one that suits your
taste and what you plan to spend here at Allison's Custom Jewelry. If you're about to buy a
Diamond Engagement Ring, you may want to consider spending the commonly accepted
guideline of two months’ salary, but it's up to you to select a diamond that will truly
represent your deepest emotions and the promise for the future the two of you will share
together.
A good jeweler is the first step to a smart diamond purchase. Here at Allison's Custom
Jewelry we are knowledgeable about diamonds and will do anything we can to make you
feel comfortable making one of the most important purchases of your life.
COLORED STONES
Here are the birthstones most commonly attributed to their respective months. It is said that
wearing your birthstone brings you luck and protection. Each birthstone is said to have its
own magical properties that can help ward off evil spirits or cure various ailments. What is
the myth behind your birthstone?
JANUARY
Garnet
A durable gemstone most often found in a dark red color, the garnet is actually available in
many other colors such as green, orange, purple & color change. It is also known the be
the gift for the second wedding anniversary
MYTH: Provides guidance and protection in the night; shields you from nightmares,
enhances your strength and endurance, and reduces swelling and joint inflammation.
FEBRUARY
Amethyst
Found in pale lilac to rich deep purple, the amethyst is available in almost any size and
shape. It is known the be the gift for the sixth wedding anniversary.
MYTH: Serves as a symbol of royal sovereignty, prevents intoxication, plague, and evil
spells and protects is wearers from treason and deceit.
MARCH
Aquamarine
The aquamarine is found in a refreshing pastel blue color. It is known the be the gift for the
nineteenth wedding anniversary.
MYTH: Universal symbol of youth, hope and health and ensures a long and happy marriage
APRIL
Diamond
Most popular gemstone of engagement rings, the diamond is most often a colorless stone
but also has a great variety in different colors. It is known the be the gift for the tenth,
twenty-fifth, thirtieth, and sixtieth wedding anniversaries. Known to be the hardest
gemstone, but can fracture.
MAY
Emerald
The emerald is a rich green gemstone that is known to be fragile. It is known the be the gift
for the twentieth and thirty-fifth wedding anniversaries.
JUNE
Pearl or Alexandrite
The pearl is a product of an oyster's defense mechanism-the oyster produces layers of
nacre, which forms the pearl. The pearl is known the be the gift for the twelfth wedding
anniversary.
JULY
Ruby
Known as Lord of the Gems because of its rarity and beauty, the ruby is durable and very
popular in jewelry. Ruby known the be the gift for the fifteenth and fortieth wedding
anniversaries.
AUGUST
Peridot
Created from volcanic action, tiny peridot crystals are sometimes combed from black sands
in Hawaii. It is known the be the gift for the sixteenth wedding anniversary.
SEPTEMBER
Sapphire
Most often found in a deep blue color, the sapphire can also be pink, green, orange, white
and golden yellow. It is a durable gemstone that is popular in jewelry. It is known the be the
gift for the fifth and forty-fifth wedding anniversaries.
OCTOBER
Opal or Tourmaline
Opals are often white with flashes of many colors. It is also found in black, dark blue, dark
green, orange or gray with vivid flashes of color. It is known the be the gift for the
fourteenth wedding anniversary.
Tourmaline is found in a spectrum of colors from green and blue to red and violet. It is
popular in jewelry. It is known the be the gift for the eighth wedding anniversary.
NOVEMBER
Topaz
Most commonly a golden yellow gemstone, the topaz is also found in a wide spectrum of
colors. The blue topaz is known to be a gift for the fourth wedding anniversary and the
imperial topaz is the gift for the twenty-third wedding anniversary.
DECEMBER
Turquoise or Blue Zircon
Most often found in the southwest United States, the turquoise can vary in color from a sky
blue to blue green to apple green. It is known the be the gift for the eleventh wedding
anniversary.
Blue zircon is known to be one of the heaviest stones and ranges in color from pastel to
bright.
Other stones that are not birthstones but are commonly used in jewelry are:
Tanzanite
First discovered in East Africa in 1967, Tanzanite is the ultimate prize of a gem safari. It is
supremely rare, coming from only one place in the world, the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, in
the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. It has a thrilling rich violet blue color that is created by
heat treatment (It is a grayish color when it is mined)but care must be taken when setting
this stone in jewelry because of its fragility that is caused by the heat treatment. It is known
the be the gift for the twenty-fourth wedding anniversary.
Iolite
Iolite is a rich medium to deep blue stone with a hint of violet. It is said that Viking explorers
used thin pieces of precious Iolite as a polarizing lens to determine the position of the sun
and moon, they could navigate safely even in the rain. Today Iolite is prized for its beauty -
- a richness of color that is strong, yet soothing. It is known the be the gift for the twenty-
first wedding anniversary.
Jade
Commonly found in Alaska, Canada and China, Jade is a hard stone that works well
jewelry. It is known the be the gift for the thirty-fifth wedding anniversary.
Onyx
Onyx is a variety of agate with parallel bands of color that are linear and not in the form of
curves. (There is a variety of marble that is sometimes called onyx, but is much softer and
easily damaged by acid.) This is a stone that is very commonly used in mens ring and is
also the gift for the seventh wedding anniversary.
Lapis
The names comes from the Persian lazuward, meaning blue. It was the main coloring agent
for ultramarine blue pigment, but has now been surpassed by synthetic colorants. It is
easily damaged by both acids and strong base. Lapis has been mined for more than a
thousand years as an ornamental stone, and was found in the possessions of
Tutankhamen. It is usually cut into cabochons, or geometric shapes and is also prized for
carving. It is known the be the gift for the ninth wedding anniversary.
Smoky Quartz
It is very inexpensive in cut stones that gets its color from irradiated impurities which have a
smoky area around them.
Rose Quartz
It is one of the more rare types of crystalline quartz, it is usually somewhat cloudy due to
the inclusion of rutile crystals. Large cut stones are rare, and even small ones tend to be
cloudy looking. It tends to have more value as a carving material.
Diamonds &
Colored Stones
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104 E. Mason Road ** Sidney, Ohio 45365 ** (937) 492-6937
