EDUCATION

DIAMONDS Initially, selecting a quality diamond seems to be a daunting task for the customer who must become familiar with the grading system, the different grading certificates offered, sizes, shapes and prices. Information is not in short supply, but filtering through the partial truths is not simple. Having a jeweler like assists the client in navigating the path to find the diamond that best fits his/her requirements. Only conflict free diamonds are offered.                                                               The Four C's Carat: This term is the measurement of weight. There are 100 points to a carat, so a diamond that weighs 1.00ct is 100 points.  Some size categories are as follows:   ½ ct      0.50 to 0.69ct ¾ ct      0.70 to 0.89ct 1 ct       1.00 to 1.49ct 1 ½ ct   1.50 to 1.99ct 2 ct       2.00 to 2.99ct, etc. The larger the diamond the more rarely it occurs in nature. The weight impacts the price of a diamond in two ways: placing it in a specific size category that is related to its rarity, and the price per carat ($/ct) paid based on its carat weight.  The $/ct assigned to a one carat diamond will be less than the price per carat ($/ct) of a 1 ½ carat diamond of the same quality.  Color: The best color is descriptively the lack of any color—referred to as colorlessness. An alphabetical scale is assigned with the best color being D (remember D for diamond). As one travels down the scale to Z, the presence of a yellow tint deepens. The colors D, E, and F are each a unique color grade, and are categorized into the colorless range. The colors G, H, I, and J are grouped into the near-colorless range. The value of a “white” diamond is based upon its colorlessness. Diamonds possessing more yellowish tint demand a lesser price After the color Z , the rare yellow diamonds commence with their own grading scale. Pink, blue and red diamonds that occur naturally are very expensive, again, due to their rarity. Fluorescence is the visible light some diamonds emit when they are exposed to invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays. It may appear blue, yellow, or another color. Clarity: The clarity refers to the largest single inclusion or blemish in or on the diamond. A skilled grader classifies the clarity by looking at the diamond under a 10X magnification. A diamond has its own “fingerprint” determined by its clarity chart. The clarity scale is as follows: Flawless (FL) -  No inclusion or blemish visible. Internally Flawless (IF) - No inclusion and only blemishes visible under 10X magnification. VVS1 and VVS2 - Very, Very Slightly included. Inclusions are very difficult to see under a 10X magnification. The subscript number 1 denotes a smaller type inclusion than 2. VS1 and VS2 - Very Slightly included. Inclusions are visible, but qualified as minor. SI1 and SI2 - Slightly Included. Inclusions are noticeable using 10X magnification. I1, I2, I3 - Included. Inclusions are seen with an unaided trained eye. The inclusions may affect transparency and brilliance. Cut: The cut of a diamond does not refer to its shape, but its brilliance, fire and scintillation. These characteristics are directly related to the diamond’s proportions, symmetry and polish. For example, a diamond whose depth is either too deep or shallow will not beneficially interact with light and the diamond will appear lifeless. Shapes of diamonds include the classic round brilliant cut, princess cut, modified octagonal brilliant (“Radiant”), pear shape, marquise cut, emerald cut, square shaped emerald cut (“Asscher”), cushion cut, heart shape, oval cut and triangle shape. Some companies have developed slightly modified cuts for their diamonds and given them brand names to distinguish themselves from the traditional cuts. The ensuing marketing campaigns for these “branded” diamonds potentially add confusion in disseminating facts from fiction. The wise approach for the consumer is to demand an independently laboratory certified diamond, performed by either the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS), that provides the desired four C’s.                                                            Diamond Certificates Sometimes referred to as “the 5th C”, a diamond certificate is an impartial factual analysis of the technical details and description of a diamond that includes its measurements, weight, and quality. The two independent laboratories offered by are the Gemological Institute of America and the American Gem Society , chosen due to their stringent policy and guidelines.                                                             Care of Diamonds It is advised that jewelry be brought in to for periodic inspection and professional care (cleaning, polishing, tightening, etc.). Between visits, keep the diamonds bright by cleaning them with a very soft small brush and a mild solution of gentle liquid detergent and warm water. Be sure to rinse very well with warm water (closed drain!) and dry with soft lint free cloth. CONFLICT-FREE DIAMONDS Our diamonds are purchased from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and are in compliance with United Nations Resolutions. To the best of our knowledge, our diamonds have not been obtained in violation of applicable laws and/or sanctions by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and have not originated from the Marange region of Zimbabwe. We are a member of the JEWELERS VIGILANCE COMMITTEE. We welcome you to visit our San Francisco Bay Area salon.