Thinking About Buying A Diamond?
Diamond Jewelry is very special and can last a lifetime if taken care of. It can be an emotional and sentimental experience that evokes wonderful memories such as engagements, weddings, and happy moments, while still giving pleasure for years ahead. When buying a diamond for yourself or others, it helps to have an understanding of the qualities and characteristics of diamond jewelry.

Why a Diamond?
Diamonds are eternal: Formed millions of years ago, they have stood the test of time with fire and brilliance that is unquenchable. A diamond is the hardest and most durable substance known on this planet. They resist deterioration and you can be confident that the diamond you buy today will shine as brilliantly forever.

Choosing a Diamond
Two diamonds may at first glance look alike, but the truth is that they are very different. Although they may be of equal size, they may have very unequal values. There are 4 Characteristics that will help you when buying a diamond. They are known as the “4C’s” – Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight. It is the combination of these four factors that determines the value of a Diamond.

Cut
The quality of the cut determines diamond brilliance. Most diamonds are cut with full 58 facets and only a well cut diamond will really sparkle.

Color
Most Gem Diamonds seen alone appear white, but most have a hint of color, mainly yellow. Diamonds with no trace of color at all are extremely rare and become very expensive. The color scale range varies from D (colorless) to Z (yellow tinge). Also rare are the diamonds with a strong pure color that are called “fancies” and which are very valuable.

Clarity
Diamonds were formed millions of years ago, deep in the earth’s crust under enormous heat and pressure. Consequently, most diamonds contain tiny marks, known as “inclusions”, which make each stone unique. The inclusions do not interfere with the passage of light and affect its beauty. The clarity scale range varies from LC (loupe clean) to I3 (Inclusion 3).

Carat Weight
A diamond’s weight is the simplest of its characteristics to measure and from the earliest times was used to calculate its value. Diamond weight is measured in carats, and each carat is divided into 100 points. A carat is equal to 1/5th of a gram.

Cleaning your diamonds
As your valuable jewelry is a symbol of eternity, you should treat every piece with special care. Brush your precious stones gently with a toothbrush in a bowl of warm and liquid detergent suds. Then put it in a wire strainer and rinse under a warm tap, before patting it dry with a soft and lint-free cloth.

From lazurde