EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DIAMOND CERTIFICATIONS AND THE 4CS

A guide to buying the right diamond brought to you by Genesis Diamonds:// . .http www genesisdiamonds

net

A Diamond is Forever…Education You Need BEFORE You Buy!

As we all know "diamonds are forever" – was a brilliant marketing slogan used by the DeBeers Company in 1947 to place an added value (both sentimental

and monetary) on their products. What this slogan neglects to mention is that diamonds are also incredibly complicated.

HERE IS A GUIDE TO MAKE IT A BIT EASIER ON YOU…

The 4Cs• CUT :

– The cut of a diamond is one of the most important factors in determining its true beauty – as it is truly what makes each diamond unique

– Cut is the only one of the 4cs in which man is able to perfect on his own and therefore must be done with patience and care – adding an increased value

– The way a diamond is cut influences the remaining 3cs (color, clarity and carat)

– The cut of a diamond refers to its proportions, symmetry and polish – not necessarily its shape

The 4Cs• COLOR :

– When evaluating the color of diamonds, we are often really talking about the lack thereof…colorless diamonds

– Diamond colors are measured on a scale from d (highest) all the way to z (lowest)

– Fancy color diamonds are measured on their own scale based on the actual color they are

– The less color that appears in a diamond, the higher the quality– The more yellow a diamond appears, the lower the quality

• CLARITY:

– Clarity refers to the various internal and external flaws a diamond may have

– Diamond clarity is broken down into different categories/levels (flawless all the way to pique)

– The fewer flaws, the more valuable it will be – (the most valuable = flawless)

– The more inclusions/the flaws, the lower the clarity grade will be

– Clarity is graded under 10x magnification and flaws may not be visible to the naked eye

The 4Cs

The 4Cs• CARAT:

– A diamond’s weight is measured in carats

– The more carats a diamond has; the more valuable it is

– 100 points=1 carats; 30 points=.30 carats; 275 points= 2.75 carats

– The diameter of a diamond is also important when determining the true value of a stone

– Diamonds with external blemishes and flaws can often be fixed with additional polishing from a professional – just take into account that this is likely to affect the weight of the stone

Diamond Certification• One of the most important things to know about diamonds is

that each ring must come with a diamond certificate - certifying its authenticity and quality.

• The global demand for diamond grading has led to the creation of several different laboratories around the world.

• While all of the labs may use the same language; their standards for grading are quite different.

• Regardless of what laboratory is used, understand that diamond grading is subjective to the individual grader and human error

Varieties of Diamond Certifications• Different laboratories around the world may have minor differences in

grading systems. But all of them communicate in the same standard language.

• Different grading laboratories have different grading standards – creating a somewhat difficult market to understand.

• Although this could be intimidating, it is suggested that you get to know your jeweler and get the education you need.

GIA• The grading system recognized across the industry as the

most reputable and having the strictest standards is GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

• A non-for-profit established in 1931, the GIA has made it its mission to protect all gemstone purchases by providing thorough certification guaranteeing the stone’s authenticity

• Due to their thorough and rigorous grading process, diamonds with a GIA certificate are often valued much higher than other systems

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AGS & EGL

• Perhaps the two other most well-known and reputable grading systems are the AGS (American Gemological Society) and the EGL (European Gemological Laboratory) labs.

• Although they are not as strict as the GIA, they are known to have good standards and professional grading systems

• As a consumer, be sure to educate yourself on all of the various laboratories and their differences

Diamond Certificates Recap• Just like diamonds, not all diamond certificates are equal and

therefore be sure to do your research to make sure the diamond ring that you are purchasing is indeed worth what you are paying for it

• To be safe, consider GIA grading certificates as the most accurate – however their diamonds are often more expensive

• Other reputable grading laboratories are AGS, EGL, HRD and IGI

Here To Make You HappyWe take pride in our great selection of quality diamonds and

engagement rings (available online or in 3 locations across the US) and our helpful staff…but our greatest pride is helping couples in love find

the perfect ring for them at a fair price.

Call Us Today at 1-855-664-7464 Or

Visit Us at http://www.genesisdiamonds.net