5 Tips on What To Look For When Buying Diamonds For Wedding Rings
A wedding, or an engagement in Millbrae, is one of the most important events in every couple’s life. One of the best ways of making the experience memorable is by choosing the right ring to symbolize the love you have for one another. While most couples would like to get the most beautiful ring they can lay their hands on, budgetary restrictions can be a challenge. However, it is possible to find an ideal ring based on your budget.
For anyone looking for precious diamonds for engagement rings and wedding rings in Millbrae, they should consider going about the process carefully. There are various dealers in the market, some of who may sell you fake diamonds. Here are a few useful tips on what to look for when looking for precious diamonds for engagement or wedding rings.
Consider the Diamond Cut
1. Any expert will tell you that the cut is the most important thing to consider when buying diamonds in Millbrae. The main reason behind this is that the cut usually influences the sparkle. A diamond may be clear and feature a high quality color grade, but if the cut is poor, it may still appear dull. The dealer you buy from should be able to cut your diamond in the proper proportions. If your budget can allow it, choose a diamond with the highest cut grade.
Diamond Color
2. Contrary to common belief, lack of color in your diamonds denotes a higher color grade. Some people go for pale yellow diamond, without knowing that it is low quality. To avoid such an experience, ask the diamond dealer to give you grade H or higher. Near colorless diamond ranges from grade G to J, but it may be quite expensive.
Clarity Diamonds can also be chosen based on their clarity levels.
3. This is usually not a very important factor to consider, considering that the precious stones usually come with imperfections, known as inclusions. These tiny imperfections may not be easy to detect, and they may only be seen through a microscope. However, the fewer there are, the higher the clarity grade of your diamonds. If your budget can be stretched further, consider buying grade VS1 grade or higher.
Consider the Diamond’s Carat Weight
4. Unlike common belief, carat does not mean the size of the diamond, but its actual weight. Carat and cut must be considered side by side, because no matter the size of the diamond, a poor cut grade can make your precious stones look smaller. Another important fact to keep in mind is that the more the weight of the diamond, the more you will pay for it. Therefore, you should consider going for a less heavy stone with a high grade cut.
Ask for Proof of Certification
5. There is nothing as unfortunate as buying diamonds for your special event only to realize that they are of poor quality, or that they were stolen. To avoid such an eventuality, always ask the dealer in Millbrae to show you the copy of diamond certification.
With these tips, you should be able to make the right choice when buying precious diamonds in Millbrae for you engagement or wedding.
Millbrae How to Buy a Diamond And The 4 Biggest Mistakes When Buying a Diamond
To start our feature on different sorts of gemstones, we will start with the best and most well recognized gemstone of them all the ruby. The ruby is the supreme gemstone. It has few weak points and also lots of toughness. It shines with its phenomenal value as well as sentimental value. It is utilized in wedding celebration rings to represent unlimited love or used as gifts/jewelry to be offered to loved ones. Yet the ruby is so much greater than its infinite elegance.
The ruby obtains its name from the Greek work adamas suggesting irresistible. In hardness, there is no comparison. The diamond rates in the Mohs scale a 10 which is the hardest material on Earth. Its cutting resistance is 140 times that of the ruby as well as sapphire, the gems(Corundum) that are next in the Mohs range in firmness. The ruby's optical homes such as luster and inflexibility make it distinct and quickly identified from various other replicas. Enjoy!
* History of Diamonds
The very first tape-recorded ruby go back around 800 B.C. in India. Some believe it also went back 6,000 years back. The rubies were utilized as attractive functions as well as as talismans to fend off evil and also provide defense in battle. During the Dark Ages, rubies were also specified to be utilized as a medical aid. Spiritual physicians also informed people that if they hold a diamond in a hand as well as make the sign of the cross would, it would certainly treat and ailment and recover wounds.
Rubies became extra popular throughout the 19th century as a result of exploration of ruby deposits in South Africa. This exploration causes boosted supply, enhanced reducing and also brightening strategies, as well as development in economy. In 1979, geologists discovered the Argyle pipeline in Australia which to this day is the wealthiest diamond deposit in the world. Argyle, ever since, alone is accountable for supplying over one third of the world's rubies annually.
* Diamonds: How are they formed?
Diamonds contains an allotrope of carbons that are developed in high-pressure, high-temperature problems. Rubies are generated 90 miles under the Earth's surface at temperatures of about 2200 levels Fahrenheit. Diamonds are created deep within the earth as well as at some point, over extremely lengthy periods of time, push their means to the planet's surface, normally with volcanic eruptions.
The age of these diamonds from below the surface area of the planet are from 1 to 3.3 billion years old! When diamonds are formed as well as start their ascent to the planet's surface, they experience networks where the lava from the volcano rises to the surface area, choosing up rubies in the process and also ultimately depositing them externally, where they are eventually located and also mined.
* The 4 C's of Diamonds
There are four unique attributes that figure out the worth and also quality of a ruby. These are the shade, cut, clarity and also carat. Or else understood as the 4 C's of a ruby. In the complying with, we will certainly speak concerning these functions in information.
* Shade
In the last newsletter, we touch based on the shade of gemstones as being the most crucial feature because of that color is one of the most obvious attribute. The perfect ruby needs to show up clear as well as colorless but this is not the instance for all rubies. Rubies could can be found in any shade of the rainbow most typical shade is a shade of yellow or brown. The Geological Institute of America(GIA) have created a standard to grade ruby color. This standard is composed of a text system that varies from the alphabet D - Z. Please see listed below:
D E F No Shade G H I J Nearly Anemic K L M Faintly colored, cannot barely be seen as well as usually yellow in shade N O P Q R Gently tinted, usually yellow. Could be seen with the nude eye S T U V W X Y Z Tinted, begins with yellow as well as progresses to brownish
* Clearness
The cut a ruby is identified by the ruby's percentage such as its form, size as well as depth. The cut identifies what is called the ruby's "brilliance". Even if the ruby itself has best shade and quality, with an inadequate cut the ruby will have a plain brilliance. This is due to the fact that the cut figures out just how light travels within the diamond. The Gemological Institute of The U.S.A. has also developed a clearness grading system to rate diamond quality. This grading system consists of Flawless (Fl), Internally Remarkable (IF), Extremely Very Slightly Consisted Of (VV1 or VV2), Really Slightly Consisted Of(VS1 or VS2), A Little Consisted Of(SI1 or SI2), and also Included(I1, I2, and I3). Although this system had been added to the diamond industry, it is not extensively made use of. This is because of that it took a great deal of practice and also training to incorporate it.
* Cut
The cut a diamond is identified by the diamond's percentage such as its shape, width as well as deepness. The cut identifies what is called the ruby's "sparkle". Also if the ruby itself has excellent shade as well as clearness, with a poor cut the ruby will have a boring luster. This is due to the fact that the cut identifies how light trips within the diamond.
There are 3 kinds of cuts that can identify the diamond's radiance. These are a shallow cut, a cut that is unfathomable as well as perfect cut. A superficial cut is a cut of a diamond that is as well low, that light traveling through it is lost on the base of the stone as well as does not come back right into view. This cut makes a diamond show up lifeless and dull. A cut that is unfathomable is a cut that is expensive, that light traveling with it leaves with the sides as well as darkens the stone. An ideal cut is an ideal cut on a ruby that shows light to the top of the stone, giving it best brilliance.
* Carat weight
As mentioned on the last newsletter, a solitary carat(ct) weighs concerning 200 milligrams or.2 grams. For smaller carat rubies that weigh much less compared to a carat, it is expressed as points (pt). Factors are 1/100 of a carat weight. Carat weight of a diamond is essential because of the truth that bigger diamonds are rarer compared to smaller ones, so essentially the bigger the ruby the much more pricey it is. There is no standard grading system or representation that could reveal different carat weight. This is due to the fact that there are many variations of rubies in form and also cut, that makes stones of comparable weight, look various.
* Imitation Diamonds
Considering that rubies are one of the most valuable as well as rarest of all the gems, initiatives have been made to replicate or perhaps enhance diamonds using less pricey choices. A great deal of times, honest mistakes have been made and these choices or other gemstones such as spinel were sometimes puzzled with actual rubies. In some situations, some unethical people attempt to market these choices to misfortunate buyers in order to revenue. Below we will certainly review about these options as well as ways to determine them.
* Artificial Diamonds
Artificial diamonds are rubies that are expanded made in a lab. The first known situations of ruby synthesis were asserted to be recorded in between 1879 - 1928, yet this was never ever confirmed. It wasn't up until the 1940's where research study started in the United States, Sweden, Soviet Union began looking into. Artificial rubies are otherwise called High Stress Heat (HPHT) rubies or Chemical Vapor Deposit (CVD) rubies. The name of both these synthetic rubies acquires from the procedures made use of to produce them. Some of these artificial rubies can either have better, lower or comparable qualities than that of a ruby. As a result, these artificial rubies are utilized for abrasives, cutting as well as polishing tools, and changes in power terminals.
* Simulants
Simulants are non-diamond materials that are made use of to replicate the look or even the shape of a ruby. One of the most standard as well as popular simulant is cubic zirconia (CZ). CZ at ordinary view can shimmer even more compared to a ruby as well as also it is much less thick, indicating that a 1 carat CZ will be a lot larger than a 1 carat weight diamond. Nowadays, a much more prominent simulant is moissanite, which has all the exact same qualities of a diamond. These qualities include firmness (Moissanite-9.25 and also diamond-10 in Mohs range), refractive index(Moissanite -2.65 and also diamond -2.42) and diffusion (Moissanite -.104 and ruby -.044). This makes it hard to separate the 2 at simple view as well as would usually call for testers to discriminate. In the next area we will certainly review ways to determine moissanites as well as various other imitations.
* Actual or Fake?
An old method of determining diamonds is to do a scratch test. This requires scratching a ruby with one more ruby which is destructive as well as is hardly ever used nowadays. The most effective and also most dependable means to check for rubies is to use testers that make use of thermal conductivity. These testers are composed of battery powered thermistors mounted with a retractable copper tip. This tester works by injecting the warm into the tested rock and after that the gadget determines the quantity of warm that it performs. Nevertheless thermal conductivity testers works best to identify diamonds and also its other simulants, it will certainly not aid differentiate lab produced or synthetic stones. To be able to identify these, certain optical strategies are required. Laboratories use strategies such as spectroscopy, microscopy as well as luminescence in order to figure out a certain stones beginning. The typical individual could make use of loupes and also microscopes to identify synthetic stones. All-natural rubies usually have small flaws as well as imperfections such as additions or some kind of international product, which will not be located in synthetics.
Acquiring Diamonds Online - Is This Online Jewelry Expert Right For You?
Millbrae
In an ideal world with unlimited budgets and an infinite supply of diamonds, everyone would have beautifully cut "D Flawless" diamonds. In the real world every diamond is unique. There are plenty of gorgeous diamonds to go around - you just need to know how to find one. Choosing a diamond is about balancing several factors to make the most of your budget. Each factor contributes to the beauty and prestige of your diamond. I will explain these factors so you will be prepared to make an informed decision about your diamond purchase.
FACTOR 1: CARAT WEIGHT
People often use the word Carat when discussing how big a diamond is, however "Carat" actually refers to the weight of a diamond. There is no rule as to what carat weight you should buy, but you'll doubtless have heard that "bigger is better." If you ask me, I think bigger is great but you shouldn't forget about the other aspects of a diamond's quality.
A useful tip: if you're looking at Certified Diamonds, you may find it valuable to compare the diameters of different diamonds. Since every diamond is individually cut, some may appear larger than others of the same weight.
FACTOR 2: SHAPE
Approximately 75% of diamonds sold worldwide are Round Brilliants. Rounds diamonds are the most popular, most brilliant, and most expensive. If you are purchasing a diamond as a surprise, Round Brilliant is generally your safest bet.
There is no real hierarchy of shapes being better or worse - it is truly a matter of personal preference. Princess Cuts are the second most popular, and a classic alternative to round diamonds. Cushion Cuts are trendy and have a beautiful vintage look. If you want something different but not too crazy, try an Oval Cut, Asscher Cut, or Radiant Cut diamond.
While no shape is better, there are some significant differences between shapes. Take for example, the radiant cut vs the emerald cut. Though they are a similar shape, the extra facets of the radiant cut give it additional fire and sparkle. If you prefer the emerald cut's understated elegance, consider that it's easier to spot any imperfections and select a higher clarity grade.
Another tip: Diamonds (even round diamonds) may not be perfectly symmetrical. It's nothing to worry about if your diamond's width does not precisely match its height, but if your diamond is much longer than it is wide it may not be what you're expecting. This is especially the case in shapes like Cushion and Oval, where a more asymmetrical diamond might look "skinny", with much of the fire and brilliance concentrated at the ends.
FACTOR 3: CUT
"Cut" refers to a diamond's finish and proportions, and is critical in determining its beauty. Getting the angles right ensures a beautiful diamond that's full of life. In many cases it can be more difficult to spot flaws in a fiery, brilliant diamond. Cut is generally graded in five categories: Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, and Excellent. Excellent is the highest graded awarded by GIA (whereas other labs may use terms like "ideal" or numbers like "0"). If you want to play safe, stick to "Very Good" and "Excellent" cuts when you choose your diamond.
FACTOR 4: CLARITY
Almost all diamonds have naturally¬ occurring features called "inclusions." Inclusions form as the diamond crystallizes deep underground, and they are unique to each diamond. They take many different forms, and can help you identify a diamond as your own. However, large and prominent inclusions can detract from the beauty of a diamond.
There are many different types of inclusions, and not all are created equal. If your diamond certificate has an "inclusion map," check where the inclusions are. Try to find a diamond with inclusions near the edge where they will be masked by sparkle or hidden by the setting of your diamond. If your budget is limited, I recommend buying "SI" clarity or better. "SI" stands for "Slightly Included." With close inspection you can usually spot the inclusions in an SI¬ graded diamond, but these inclusions will most likely not be visible once your diamond is set in jewellery. If you want to be sure your diamond will look "eye clean", even up close, I recommend selecting a VS2 clarity diamond or better. "VS" stands for "Very Slight Inclusion," and imperfections in VS clarity stones are rarely seen by the naked eye.
FACTOR 5: COLOUR
The term "colour" usually refers to how much warm tint is in a diamond. The scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (very strongly tinted yellow or brown). Pure white diamonds are considered more desirable, and are more expensive. Warmer¬-hued diamonds (such as K, L, and M) are not necessarily less attractive, but they are significantly less valuable.
Conventional wisdom is to select J colour or better. Personally, I love G and H colour diamonds ¬- they hit the "sweet spot" where most people will not notice colour in the diamond unless they're doing a direct comparison. However, an I or J colour diamond that is well cut and has a lot of life can give you a beautiful diamond at a bargain price.
Depending on how they are cut, different diamonds will display colour differently. This is why colour grades are assigned by looking at a diamond upside¬down. Generally, more¬ brilliant diamonds show their colour less than less brilliant diamonds.
FACTOR 6: FLUORESCENCE
Fluorescence has a bad rep, and most of it is unfair. Diamond Fluorescence refers to how a diamond responds when subjected to ultra¬violet light. Fluorescent diamonds can glow any one of several colours, but the most common is blue. In rare cases fluorescence can cause your diamond to have a milky appearance when viewed in direct daylight. This is most often the case with strong or very strong fluorescence and D/E/F colour diamonds.
However, there are many, many more cases where blue fluorescence is a positive thing. Imagine you were shining a blue light on a yellow diamond... the blue tint can make your diamond look whiter. If your diamond falls in the "near colourless," "lightly tinted," or "tinted" range I recommend looking for medium blue or faint blue fluorescence.
Warning: Green, red, and yellow fluorescence are rare, and they will not have the same benefit. If you are interested in a diamond that has strong blue, very strong blue, green, red, or yellow fluorescence, I recommend asking your salesperson to show you your diamond outside in natural daylight. If you're buying online, contact the seller prior to making your purchase so they can examine the diamond first in natural daylight.
FACTOR 7: GRADER
This should always be your first question: Says who? Every diamond grading laboratory has different standards, so comparing diamonds graded by different sources is extremely unreliable. One grader might grade a diamond K SI2, and another might call that same diamond F VS2. I know that sounds crazy, but I see it happen all the time.
The most reputable and consistent grading laboratories are GIA, AGS, IGI, and HRD. GIA is considered the global standard worldwide. AGS is a popular alternative in the U.S.A. while IGI and HRD are more common in Europe.
EGL is tricky because there are EGL labs all over the world, and some of them do a great job while others can be less reliable. We strongly recommend caution when buying an EGL certified diamond unless it's from EGL-¬USA.
Many diamonds are assigned grades by valuation companies and in-¬house graders. If your diamond does not come with a report from a major laboratory, you should always ask where the grader trained. He or she should be certified by a major grading laboratory: GIA, AGS, IGI, or HRD. Be smart and be cautious about reports done by uncertified shop owners, salespeople, or valuation companies.
SELECTING YOUR DIAMOND
You can choose to purchase your diamond online, or from a retail store. If you prefer to purchase your diamond in a retail store, avoid the big chains and shop with smaller independent jewellers. Many independent jewellers are actually significantly less expensive than their large competitors. (You don't have to take my word for it - shop around and you'll quickly learn that this is true). This way you'll buy a better quality diamond and - if you wish - you'll have the opportunity to design your own hand-made engagement ring setting.
If you choose to shop online, I would recommend comparing prices and service across several websites. Be sure that the company ships from your country - otherwise you'll be hit with expensive duty and GST. Always make sure you call or e-mail customer service and have them hand-inspect your diamond before you complete your purchase. Sometimes a diamond may seem like a great deal, but it could have an unfortunate inclusion, asymmetrical cut, or be negatively impacted by fluoresence. And above all, make sure you have an easy and affordable way to return the diamond if it doesn't turn out as you'd hoped. Online shopping is the best way to get a great deal on a diamond for your engagement ring, diamond studs, or pendant - just review this article, be reasonably cautious, and have fun.
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