The true test to evaluate a diamond is to visually compare it next to other diamonds. At the end of the day all the numbers, certificates and photos in the world mean nothing if you do not like the look of the diamond and it does not sparkle.

You may have heard of terms like Excellent Cut, Ideal Cut, Russian Make, Hearts and Arrows, Belgium Cut, Fine Make and others used by jewellers and diamond retailers when selling their diamonds in order to give the illusion of a ‘better’ quality diamond than other diamonds. Be wary of accepting these terms as is. They are especially dangerous when assigned to diamonds by the jeweler or diamond dealer themselves without third-party independent support such as a diamond certificate or diamond grading report.

When buying diamonds it is important that you do some research and have an understanding about diamonds, diamond certification, and the different standards that diamonds are graded by. While it might be possible to find certified diamonds with the same grade stated on a certificate that appears notably cheaper. As a potential diamond buyer you must be aware that there is no single set of parameters diamond laboratories grade to and every laboratory has a different set of standards. There is no such thing as cheap diamonds, if a diamond is advertised at a special price or seems to have a special price you should ask yourself why? There are no bargains in the diamond industry and there usually is a reason why one diamond is discounted or appears to be cheaper than another diamond.

Not all diamond grading laboratories are as well respected or as stringent in their grading as each other. The diamond certification laboratory or grading laboratory should be accredited, complaint and totally independent of the diamond dealer, jeweler or diamond retailer so that there is no conflict of interest or financial bias. Diamond Certificates are only of value when they are issued by an independent accredited diamond grading laboratory. Always make certain to identify the source of the certificate or diamond grading report. If you have not heard of the laboratory, it could very well be associated in some way with the store, jeweler or diamond wholesaler itself, and so have a vested interest in aiding the sale.

The popularity and appeal of diamonds led to a situation where people wanted to create diamond look-alikes in the laboratory. Many experiments were done to perfect a laboratory process that could create diamonds that were close to the real thing. It was only after a lot of research that the process of developing a diamond in a laboratory was finalized. These lab diamonds are called synthetic diamonds and are far cheaper than real diamonds. However, a proliferation of diamonds in the market necessitated that people trading in the diamond industry be aware of the methods by which synthetic diamonds can be differentiated from real natural diamonds.

Synthetic diamonds are different from natural ones in various ways and these properties can help in segregating them. Since the synthetic diamonds are produced in a laboratory, they do not have the same level of inclusions as the natural ones. They do not have other crystals like garnet, diopside and other diamonds in them. However, synthetic diamonds do contain remnants of the metallic flux that is used in the process of creation of synthetic diamonds.

The other differentiation lies in the structure, graining and color zoning of the diamonds. The high temperature at which a synthetic diamond is produced is yet lower than the temperature at which natural diamonds are created. Natural diamonds grow evenly in all directions from a basic core. The process that produces synthetic diamonds creates different shapes that look like octahedral and cubic faces since the diamond grows only upwards and outwards from a core. The typical shape of a synthetic diamond is like a broad diamond tapering pyramid that ends in a flat face. This difference in growth patterns and shapes forms the most reliable source of differentiating between synthetic diamonds and natural ones.

There are various ways in which one can tell synthetic diamonds from real ones.

-A fiber optic light can be used to determine whether the inclusions observed with the naked eye are reflective or metallic in nature. A simple confirmation of the remnants of metallic flux in the diamonds is proof enough that the diamonds in question are synthetic.

-In case where some synthetic diamonds do not have any inclusions, whatsoever, the differentiating process needs to be different. The shape of the crystals in a real diamond is different from that of a synthetic one. It should be noted that expert cutters can remove the top cover of the crystal during the cutting process while aspects like graining and color zoning cannot be changed.

-The graining pattern of synthetic diamonds and natural ones is also different due to the difference in growth patterns. When viewed through the pavilion of the synthetic diamond, the hour glass graining can be seen under magnification.

-The color zoning in synthetic diamonds also showa the hour glass shape; something that is obviously and most definitely absent in natural ones.

-If there are no differences that can be observed in crystals structures, graining and color zoning, the test to adopt is the UV radiation test. Most natural diamonds fluorescence a blue tint under UV long wave and a yellowish fluorescence under shortwave UV. Synthetic diamonds, on the other hand fluoresce between yellow to greenish yellow under long and shortwave.

-Most synthetic diamonds are phosphorescent and that means that after the UV light is switched off, the light emitted from the diamond remains for some time. And since the natural diamond is not phosphorescent, this quality can be used to pick synthetic diamonds from a parcel of diamonds.

-Another innovative method of differentiating the synthetic from the original is to use magnets. This method can be used since there are likely to be metallic inclusions in the synthetic diamond but not in a natural one. If a diamond is kept free and a strong magnet moved closer, the synthetic diamond will tend to incline more towards the magnets. This is another infallible method of differentiating synthetics from real diamonds because natural diamonds have never known to have metallic inclusions so far.

With these various techniques that can be used to detect synthetics, there should be no doubt that separating the two types should be easy. However, when you are dealing with other professionals it is still important and ethical to mention certain facts.

In case you are buying diamonds and are not too sure about the authenticity of the source, you could send the diamonds to a gemological laboratory for testing.

De Beers, one of the leading organizations in diamond trade has developed two diamond verification instruments in the mid 1990’s. These were called the DiamondSure and DiamondView.

Diamond simulants are gemstones (natural or synthetic) that resembles a diamond and is mostly confused for a natural diamond. Diamond simulant is different from synthetic diamond where synthetic diamonds are man made and has almost the same chemical and physical properties of a natural diamond. Diamond simulants differ completely physically and chemically from a natural diamond. They just imitate natural diamond.

While some differences between a diamond simulant and a real diamond are easy to identify, there are others that can be challenging. It is important to know some basic facts that will allow you to differentiate and therefore keep yourself from being cheated.

Though each diamond simulant has its own physical properties and differs from the diamond in various ways, there are some properties where the differences are common. For example, all diamond simulants are softer than the diamond. Therefore, each of the diamond simulants is likely to have rounded edges and cut. The surface of the simulant is likely to get scratched easily. Even when the simulant is new, it cannot match the clarity and brilliance of the diamond itself. These small differences can easily be observed under a microscope. Sometimes, the naked eye is enough to identify these differences.

All diamond simulants have a higher specific gravity than that of the diamond. This means that if we have a diamond and a diamond simulant that is exactly the same in size and shape, the simulant will weigh more.

The thermal conductivity of the simulants is lower than that of the diamond. Therefore the diamond is a cooler substance and feels cooler than the simulants on touch. A mechanical tool called the thermal tester, diamond tester or the diamond probe can be used to determine this. The tip of the tester should be touched with the face of the diamond and care should be taken to avoid touching any metal (if the diamond is mounted). The tester heats the stone and assesses whether it is a synthetic diamond or a natural one based on the rate at which the heat is absorbed and transmitted.

There are however certain other characteristics of specific diamond simulants that one needs to know about to be able to differentiate between the diamond and its simulant.

Glass – This simple and extremely available diamond simulant has been used as a proxy since the 1700’s. This was made possible when the Europeans discovered that they could add lead oxide to glass to increase its dispersive property and brilliance. Even with this treatment, glass has much less brilliance, hardness and dispersion. The dispersion of glass is so low that one can see through a faceted glass stone; something that is not at all possible if a real natural diamond is symmetrically faceted.

Doublets – The garnet and glass doublet has been used as a diamond simulant since the 1840’s. A colorless or pale color thin layer of garnet is fused to a glass base to create this effect. The hard garnet provides the lustrous and polished look. The fact that the garnet layer is extremely thin allows the coupled gem to look colorless from the face-up.

All that is needed to identify the diamond simulant is a simple rocking of the gem under a light. The difference in luster of the harder garnet and the glass makes it evident that the stone is a doublet and not a genuine diamond.

The garnet and glass doublets can be commonly seen in some antiwue jewelry. They are no longer the preferred doublet option for modern jewelers. INstead synthetic spinels or synthetic sapphires crowns and strontium titanate are used nowadays.

Colorless synthetics- Sunthetic sapphires and spinels are also used as diamond simulants. They are harder than the previously used simulants and provide better brilliance. However, the luster, brilliance and durability does not even come close to that of the natural diamond. The fact that the spinel is extremely inexpensive to produce makes it a favorite for imitation jewelry.

Zircon – Even though natural zircon is not used very commonly as a diamond simulant any more, it was used as one earlier. The natural zircon has more brilliance than glass. However, unlike the natural diamond which is single refractive, zircon gemstone is double refractive. This means that if you look a line through a zircon, you are likely to see two lines on the other side. This feature makes it fairly easy to identify a zircon when it is used as a diamond simulant. The reason why the use of the zircon reduced over the years is because it chips and scratches very easily.

Synthetic Rutile – A gem with relatively low hardness, a synthetic rutile has high levels of brilliance. Actually the rain bow colors that it disperses are so intense that they take away from the luster. This rainbow colors are obvious even to amature gemologists. The synthetic rutile is also doubly refractive.

Are you considering to give a diamond engagement ring to the woman you are about to marry? Does your family possess treasured diamond pieces, which are being passed on from generation to generation as traditional family heirlooms? At present, diamonds are considered extremely valuable. However, these stones were not as precious as this several decades ago. In fact, the hype surrounding diamonds all started in 1947 when De Beers released their famous advertisement, which took the world by storm. Who hasn’t heard of the famous slogan “A Diamond Is Forever”? This single line changed the way the world looks at diamonds forever!

Diamonds are now among the world’s most expensive stones and as such, they are also considered as good investment pieces. Given this reality, it would be wise to insure your diamonds at the soonest time possible to protect your investment from theft or any untoward physical damage that may reduce its value considerably. However, insuring your diamonds may require a little extra effort. It needs some thoughtful planning and may require you to shop around a little to find the best options available.

Generally, there are three types of diamond insurance policy available for you to consider. These are the Replacement Value Policy, the Agreed Value Policy and the Actual Cash Value Policy. We will take a look at each one of these policies for you to determine which one suits you best.

The Replacement Value Policy – This is the most common type of diamond insurance policy available. Under this policy, the insurance company will only be liable to pay up to a certain fixed amount to replace the lost or damaged diamond. However, in most cases, the diamonds are replaced at a much lower value.

The Agreed Value Policy – This is by far the best diamond insurance policy there is but unfortunately, such policies are rarely offered. Under this type of coverage, the insurance company will simply pay you the amount that you and the company have agreed upon. Now, isn’t that neat?

The Actual Cash Value Policy – In the event that the Agreed Value Policy is not available, the next best thing for you to look for is the Actual Cash Value Policy. In the unfortunate event that your diamond is lost or damaged beyond repair, the insurance company will be responsible in replacing your diamond at today’s market value. However, this type of policy is also not very common.

There are a number of factors that may determine just how much you need to pay for your diamond insurance policy. Your rates will greatly be dependent on the value of your diamond, the type of insurance policy that you choose and the area that you live in. For example, let’s say that you live in a high-crime area. You can therefore expect to pay more for your policy to cover the additional risks involved.

The Oscars, Emmys, and People’s Choice Awards are some of the annual events highlighting the achievements of popular screen, television, and stage stars. Millions of viewers tune in to see who won the latest “Best Picture” or “Best Supporting Actress” award, but there is another reason why audiences are enthralled by such programs – the ostentatious display of glamour is excellent water cooler fodder for the workplace!

Fashion trends are apt to change at the drop of a hat, but some things seem to never change including the selection of jewelry worn, particularly timeless diamond studs earrings. Yes, fresh out of rehab Lindsay Lohan may look stunning in that stunning Dolce & Gabanna silk empire-waist dress, but more often than not she’ll choose something like a pair of 14K White Gold Princess Diamond Stud earrings to complement her taste in fashion. Although we can’t say nice things about her out of control living, Lohan remains a fashion statement when substance abuse doesn’t hold sway.

The advantage of wearing diamond studs is simple: no matter if you are wearing Signature GUESS blue jeans or a Serafina wedding dress, studs always look great on you. What’s more, if build your own appeals to you, then you can choose the style and stone that reflects your personality. When selecting build your own earrings, you can mix/match platinum, 14K yellow gold, or a 14K white gold band with your choice of stone. Simply choose either a three-prong or four-prong setting and build your own diamond stud earrings give you the customization you desire.

Of course, karat size matters to most buyers so wearing 3.50 karat diamond jewelry studs when you are gardening may be a bit much. That shouldn’t stop you from wearing earrings, but you may find that .25 karat earrings to be more appropriate. Just don’t let the fashion police dictate your tastes; Hollywood certainly doesn’t!

Guys need not feel left out when it comes to wearing diamond studs. Forest Whitaker has been spotted wearing shirt studs and cuff links while both Jamie Foxx and Tom Cruise have been seen sporting a diamond stud earring while strolling around Los Angeles or New York. No, you won’t see much Boy George excess when it comes to guys wearing jewelry, but some men seem to like diamonds almost as much as their lady friends do.

Of course, if water cooler fodder is what you crave then showing up at the workplace wearing a pair of 14K white gold three-prong diamond stud earrings, one karat or more in size will certainly be a conversation starter. Just don’t make the mistake of wearing them when your annual review comes up as flaunting personal wealth can adversely impact the raise coming your way!

Color diamonds classification from D to Z.

New age diamond simulants have all the look and beauty of genuine diamonds at a ridiculous fraction of the price. It is no wonder that polycrystalline synthetic diamonds have become a popular choice for savvy Hollywood celebrities and sophisticates looking for an ethical alternative to conflict diamonds, a popular choice when traveling when theft risk is an issue, or wearing them daily because they are, from a practical standpoint, indistinguishable from mined diamonds.

After you compare costs, coveted mined diamonds can be North of $10,000 per carat and Moissanite is about $525 per carat, it simply makes good sense to consider polycrystalline synthetics as a mined diamond or Moissanite alternative at approximately $79 per carat. Here are some important questions and answers so that you can discover more about 21st century polycrystalline as a diamond-substitute gem material:

How does the fundamental gem material of a mined diamond compare to a modern polycrystalline gemstone?

Mined diamonds are carbon (C); the most sought after synthetic diamonds are principally polycrystalline. Carbon conducts electricity/heat and polycrystalline does not. Polycrystalline jewels are designed to emulate mined natural diamonds aesthetically. They are not carbons and will not scientifically test as mined natural diamonds. Of the millions who enjoy wearing synthetic diamonds, none have reported being approached when they are out socially by someone admiring their jewelry with scientific testing equipment. Diamond simulants are diamond alternatives that mirror mined diamonds to the naked eye.

Can a jeweler tell the difference between a mined natural diamond and a synthetic polycrystalline diamond?

All mined natural diamonds have structural flaws called inclusions. A competent jeweler under magnification can see that polycrystalline gemstones are perfect and void of birthmarks. That distinction alone should signal to a jeweler that synthetic diamonds are not mined natural diamonds. Most jewelry store counter salespeople, who often call themselves “jewelers,” are not professional jewelers or gemologists and cannot tell the difference, and it is for that reason that many jewelry stores invest in scientific testing equipment. When a proficient jeweler in a retail store, not an inexperienced sales clerk, sees a synthetic diamond without birthmarks, he/she should be able to tell the difference without further testing. There are no reports from that anyone can tell the difference without close magnified scrutiny and years of expertise, or scientific testing equipment.

Will polycrystalline synthetic diamonds test positive on a diamond tester, the kind a retail jewelry store would use?

No, they will not. The heat signature is different and this is reflected when testing by a diamond tester. Diamond testers simply measure heat conductivity; they do not actually detect the presence of carbon. Thus, retail jeweler diamond testers are sometimes fooled by colorless sapphire and Moissanite stones. If you are buying Moissanite at $525 per carat solely because you believe it will test positive on a diamond tester, this is probably an error. You will find that no matter how long or how many times you wear diamond simulant jewelry out in public or out socially, that no one will approach you with scientific testing equipment and ask to test your gemstones.

Are synthetic diamonds cut by hand?

No, they are cut by incredibly precise computer-controlled laser cutting machines. These sophisticated and enormously expensive machines create an optimized cut that perfectly aligns the facets of the stone for maximum light refraction. The best polycrystalline stones are then hand finished and inspected by master gem cutters. The term “hand-cut diamond” is a bit of a misnomer. In this day and age, few, if any, market quality diamonds are entirely cut by hand without mechanical assistance. Hand cutting was primarily done before the days of precise machining techniques, and a completely hand-cut stone can never be as accurately faceted as a stone cut with computer-aided machining processes.

Diamond

Diamond is a crystalline form of carbon.Its rarity makes it extremely valuable and precious. The combination of the 4Cs, namely Cut, Clarity, Carat and Colour, determines the value of a particular diamond.

Cut

While nature determines a diamond’s clarity, carat weight and colour, the hand of a master craftsman is necessary to release its fire, sparkle and beauty. When a diamond is cut to good proportions, light will reflect from one mirror- like facet to another and disperse through the top of the stone, resulting in a display of brilliance and fire.

Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow lose light that spills through the side or bottom. As a result, poorly cut stones will be less brilliant and beautiful and certainly less valuable. A well cut or faceted diamond, regardless of its shape, scintillates with fire and light, offering the greatest brilliance.

Ideal Cut Diamond

Every angle, proportion, and facet in a cut diamond contributes to its light reflection, so variations in any or all of them have a definite effect on the beauty of the diamond. An Ideal Cut round brilliant diamond is one which is cut to an exact mathematical proportions and angles, to create a diamond of irresistible beauty.

Super Ideal Cut Diamond

Masterly craftsmen continuously strive to obtain the most ideal cut to release the maximum brilliance and fire from a diamond. The Super Ideal Cut, with the following three qualities surpasses the Ideal Cut in creating a diamond of unequalled magnificence.

Super Ideal Cut Diamond

Perfect Cut Proportion

Super ideal cut proportion is similar to the ideal cut proportion, except in the extra 1% on the table length and the depth.

Perfect Symmetry

Perfect Symmetry refers to the identical and exact size and angle placement of each facet. Only with this quality, can the diamond release an even radiance. Without perfect symmetry, the facets cannot reflect the same level of brightness, which reduces the diamond’s brilliance.

Perfect Polish

Polish refers to the finishing of a diamond. The surface of a perfectly polished diamond is flat and smooth, allowing light to reflect evenly through every facet.

Super Ideal Cut Diamond

When a diamond meets all of the above three criteria, 8 perfect arrows and 8 perfect hearts can be observed with a special scope. These are significant proofs of a super ideal cut diamond.

Coloured Diamonds Investing.

Deciding on which jewelry is best for you: – The jewelry that you chose to wear is a reflection of your persona and plays an important function in your daily activities. A good piece of jewelry can make you stand out in a crowd, flatter you or help you blend in gracefully. You will thus choose jewelry depending on which purpose you want it to serve.

It is important that you wear the appropriate jewelry for the occasion it is meant for. A large pearl and diamond studded choker might look good on an evening dress whereas, a corporate function might demand that you be more subtle with a small gold earrings and a simple gold chain around the neck.

Choosing jewelry will also depend on how long you intend to keep it, its investment value and how often you plan to wear it. Before buying a piece of jewelry, always try it on and see how good it look son you and whether it suits your style and personality.

Tips on choosing your jewelry: – You may have a favourite designer or a jewelry store, but you need not always buy jewelry from that particular brand. There are many designer pieces in the market, some well known and others unsigned, with designs that will enhance your appeal. Mix and match and give your jewelry a new character. Costume jewelry is affordable and can also be used to complement your style and outfit.

Silver jewelry in your wardrobe is a must. It is affordable and versatile and can used to dress up or down as the occasion demands. It also comes in dainty and delicate pieces to chunky. So use it as per the event and your mood to look graceful and alluring.

Basic gold or gold toned jewelry pieces are also wardrobe essentials. If 10 karats or 14 karats is too expensive go for gold plated jewelry. It is affordable and helps to enhance your appeal. Gold like silver can be dressed to look flashy or subtle.

Rings, necklaces and bracelets – With an abundance of affordable rings in the market set in gold, silver, platinum, diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and so forth, you are truly spoilt for choice. To buy a ring that suits you, first determine the length and size of your hands and fingers. Small and delicate rings look nice on skinny and long fingers while chunky pieces fit well on bigger hands. See what you like and what looks good.

For necklaces, a good fit around the neck is important. The typical neck size is 16″ to 17″. Opera necklaces may be over 30″ and can be worn long, knotted or double wrapped. When choosing coloured necklaces, ensure that you select a color that complements your skin tone and eyes.

The availability of sizes and shapes in bracelets is amazing and vast. So decide first for what occasion you want to wear them. For a slip-on bracelet, make sure that if fits well on your wrist. Too large and it may slip off and too small, it may constrict your wrist movement. We gesticulate with our hands and bracelets worn in one hand symbolize power. A dainty bracelet with a watch always looks feminine and appealing.

Earrings – The shapes and sizes in earrings, from hoops to chandeliers, danglers to studs are endless. The materials range from precious stones to precious metals, wood, plastic and beads. The size of the earring is also important. The larger they are the bigger a statement you wish to make. See what looks and feels best on you. Another thing to remember is that small earrings tend to make you look larger and vice versa.