FAQ.

I get tons of email! Below you can read some of the more common questions I get.

 Q. How are diamonds created in nature?

A. Diamonds are made up of pure carbon atoms that are subjected to high pressures and temperatures over billions of years. They are formed deep below the earth's surface, at depths varying between 150 and 200 km. The high pressure builds up and forces the diamonds toward the surface in a volcanic-like explosion.

Q. What is an Ideal Cut?

A. An idea cut diamond is of perfect proportions. It is a based on a specific set of proportions for a round brilliant diamond proposed by gem cutter Marcel Tolkowsky in 1919.It means all facets of the diamond are cut to exact specifications. This gives the maximum amount of brilliance. An ideal cut is extremely rare.

Q. Why is the round brilliant cut most popular?

A. It reflects more light through the top. A lot of people think that this dazzling effect makes the ring more attractive. A round cut has more facets and therefore, inclusions are difficult to see.

Q. What is clarity enhancement?

A. It is a technique used to hide inclusions. A laser is used to drill small holes from a facet to an inclusion. Then chemicals are added to bleach out the inclusion.

Q. What is fluorescence?

A. Fluorescence is a glow, usually of a bluish color, which radiates from certain diamonds when they are exposed to ultraviolet light. Strong fluorescence is avoided but faint or moderate fluorescence does not affect the appearance of a diamond.

Q. What is a Loupe?

A. A loupe is the principal tool for inspecting diamonds. It is basically a magnifying glass. A 10x loupe has three lenses in it. To properly use a loupe, hold it about 1" in front of your eye with the diamond on the other side. To focus on various depths within the stone, move the stone, not the loupe.

Q. Is there any difference between GIA and AGS certificates? 

A. The certificates issued by these two are not similar. There is a very important dissimilarity. The GIA does not issue a specific cut grade while the AGS does. The AGS lab has been created specifically to address the issue of state-of-the-art cutting.

Q. Is there any difference between the various gemological labs?

A. Majority of small labs are attached to local jewelry stores. They are created for enhancing the image of the store. Such labs are biased and the certificates are not accurate. Avoid any lab that is not one of those listed below:

       Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

       American Gemological Society (AGS)

       European Gemological Laboratories (EGL)

       American Gemological Laboratory (AGL)

       International Gemological Institute (IGI)

Q. Does the polish get dull over time? 

A. Diamond is the hardest substance known and therefore, has the highest possible degree of polish. Only a diamond can abrade another diamond. So, unless you rub your diamond against other diamonds, the polish will remain unaffected over time.

Q. How does a flaw look like?

A: Flaws are of all shapes, sizes and colors. They can be black, white, blue or orange. Common flaws look like a curl, or curved line and are usually white.

Q. Buy a loose stone or buy the whole ring. Which is the better deal?

A. This is a lot dependent on the reputation and reliability of the store. Some jewelers hide the defects under the prongs. The problem with buying the whole ring is that the stone cannot be examined out of the setting. Buy the stone loose if you can.