Diamonds

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Kimberley Process?

  

  The Kimberley Process is an international initiative established to stem the flow of conflict diamonds, which are rough diamonds used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate governments. Implemented in 2003, it requires participating countries to certify that shipments of rough diamonds are conflict-free. The process involves extensive documentation and compliance from diamond-producing countries, diamond industry entities, and civil society organizations, ensuring transparency and accountability in the diamond trade. Its goal is to maintain the integrity of the diamond market and reassure consumers that their diamond purchases do not contribute to violence and human rights abuses.

• What are diamond simulants?

  

  Diamond simulants are materials that resemble diamonds but have different chemical compositions and physical properties. Examples include cubic zirconia (CZ) and synthetic moissanite, which are manufactured to mimic the appearance of diamonds at a fraction of the cost. While they may look similar to the untrained eye, simulants do not possess the same hardness, brilliance, or thermal conductivity as natural diamonds. Jewelers and gemologists can differentiate between diamonds and their simulants using specialized tools and tests, ensuring that consumers are accurately informed about their purchases.

• What is fluorescence in diamonds?

  

  Fluorescence refers to a diamond's ability to emit a soft glow, typically blue, when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. This phenomenon occurs in some diamonds due to the presence of certain elements within their crystal structure, such as boron. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) assesses diamond fluorescence on a scale from None to Very Strong. While fluorescence can sometimes enhance the appearance of diamonds by making them seem whiter under certain lighting conditions, it may also be perceived negatively if it causes the diamond to appear milky or oily under sunlight. The impact of fluorescence on a diamond's value varies depending on its intensity and the individual stone's characteristics.

• What is the difference between old cut and modern cut diamonds?

  

  The distinction between old cut and modern cut diamonds lies in their cutting styles and the technologies used to shape them. Old cuts, such as the Old European Cut and Old Mine Cut, were crafted by hand in times when cutting precision was limited, resulting in fewer facets and a softer, more subtle brilliance. Modern cuts, exemplified by the round brilliant cut, benefit from advanced cutting technology, allowing for more precise facet arrangements that maximize light reflection and refraction. This results in greater brilliance and fire. The choice between old and modern cuts often depends on personal preference and the desired aesthetic, with old cuts offering a vintage charm and modern cuts delivering a more dazzling sparkle.

• Can diamonds be treated or enhanced?

  

  Diamonds can undergo various treatments and enhancements to improve their visual appeal, such as color enhancement through heat treatment, clarity enhancement through laser drilling and fracture filling, and surface treatments to improve luster. These processes aim to increase the marketability of diamonds that might otherwise be less desirable due to their natural characteristics. It is crucial for these treatments to be disclosed to consumers, as they can affect the diamond's value, care requirements, and overall perception. Enhanced diamonds provide an alternative for consumers seeking specific aesthetic qualities at potentially lower price points, but transparency and ethical disclosure practices are essential in these transactions.

• How are diamonds graded?

  

  Diamonds are graded based on the 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and other reputable gemological organizations use precise instruments and expert judgment to evaluate these characteristics. The Cut grade assesses how well a diamond's facets interact with light, Color is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light color), Clarity evaluates the presence of inclusions and blemishes, and Carat Weight measures the diamond's size. This standardized grading system helps ensure consistency and reliability in the diamond market, allowing consumers to compare and select diamonds based on their qualities.

• What is diamond certification?

  

  Diamond certification is a detailed document provided by a reputable gemological laboratory that assesses and describes a diamond's characteristics and qualities based on the 4Cs. The certificate includes information such as the diamond's dimensions, weight, cut grade, color grade, clarity grade, and any additional features like fluorescence. Reputable organizations like the GIA, AGS (American Gem Society), and EGL (European Gemological Laboratory) issue these certificates. A diamond certificate offers consumers confidence in their purchase by providing an unbiased evaluation of the diamond's attributes.

• Are all diamonds conflict-free?

  

  While many diamonds on the market today are conflict-free, thanks to initiatives like the Kimberley Process, not all diamonds can be guaranteed as such. The Kimberley Process significantly reduces the flow of conflict diamonds, but it has limitations and does not cover all aspects of ethical sourcing, such as labor practices and environmental impact. Consumers concerned about ethical issues may opt for diamonds from retailers who provide additional assurances or certifications regarding ethical sourcing, or consider lab-grown diamonds as a conflict-free alternative.

• What is the difference between synthetic and natural diamonds?

  

  Synthetic diamonds, also known as lab-grown or man-made diamonds, are created in a laboratory setting using high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods that mimic the natural diamond formation process. These diamonds have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds mined from the Earth. The primary differences lie in their origin and sometimes in price, with synthetic diamonds often being more affordable. Both types of diamonds are real and can be graded using the same standards; however, their certification will specify their origin.

• Can the color of a diamond be changed?

  

  Yes, the color of a diamond can be altered through various treatment processes. High-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) treatment can improve or change a diamond's color, and irradiation followed by heat treatment can be used to create fancy colored diamonds, such as blue, green, or pink. These treatments are permanent but must be disclosed to the buyer, as they affect the diamond's value and market perception. Additionally, lab-grown diamonds can be created with specific colors, offering more options for consumers seeking colored gemstones.

• What is a diamond's pavilion?

  

  The pavilion is the lower portion of a diamond, extending from the girdle (the widest part of the diamond) down to the culet (the bottom tip). The pavilion's angle and depth are critical for a diamond's light performance. A well-proportioned pavilion allows light entering the diamond to be reflected back through the top of the stone, enhancing its brilliance and fire. If the pavilion is too deep or too shallow, light can leak out of the bottom, diminishing the diamond's sparkle.

• How does carat weight affect a diamond's price?

  

  Carat weight significantly impacts a diamond's price, as larger diamonds are rarer and more desirable. However, price increases are not linear with carat weight; they jump at certain popular weights, such as 0.5, 1, 1.5 carats, etc. Additionally, two diamonds of the same carat weight can have vastly different prices based on their cut, color, and clarity grades. It's essential to consider all 4Cs when evaluating a diamond's value and not just its carat weight.

• What is a diamond's culet?

  

  The culet is the small facet at the bottom of a diamond, where the pavilion facets converge. It can range in size from non-existent (pointed) to large. A small or pointed culet is preferred because it minimizes the appearance of the culet when viewed from the top and maximizes light return. A large culet can be visible through the top of the diamond, potentially detracting from its appearance and brilliance.

• What role does diamond fluorescence play in its overall appearance?

  

  Diamond fluorescence can affect a diamond's appearance in different lighting conditions. In some cases, fluorescence can improve the color appearance of lower-color diamonds (J-M color grades) by making them appear whiter under UV light. However, strong fluorescence can sometimes create a milky or oily look in some diamonds, especially in daylight, which contains UV rays. The effect of fluorescence on a diamond's appearance and value varies, and some buyers may prefer it for its unique effect, while others may avoid it.

• What is a diamond's table?

  

  The table is the flat facet on the top of a diamond and is the largest facet on the stone. It plays a crucial role in a diamond's light performance, allowing light to enter and exit the diamond, contributing to its brilliance. The table size is expressed as a percentage of the diamond's width and, along with the crown, pavilion, and depth, influences the overall cut grade. An optimal table size balances light reflection and refraction to maximize the diamond's sparkle.