![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4E_K7yNZBFf0VtblecydA_Apn0I1VVsFNVIoSpoG9fKfakW_XcQqsgalVp3EnywmjJWjFa4TwehHtsNfFGJhU7hxTykepCaqGoLJU9FBzOl4dy48Bo8a2YIsHH3aTw0M4-Cmmr4Q0QK1l/s320/SparklingDiamond.gif)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IzkW2RsLiPiI3u55G-9IyeY_kr_0UJQss0HyqW8fr5uvxThZZcnnSpxBlZ28_WHtpA2x68OqhQJbu97wweFlZ1vXQSWmIFZRGY701o3Oid7u7rUvmieWwcdGpkPmQPwERM56WLqZlzRt/s320/dia_edu_anatomy.gif)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmpVvXj012wgkNbdhryfZS0lB0jJCw36vU6IlFKjqcCsS3bH6e4NOJ3aSWKc_Rdq2gFSZO0-mZt_c8pWcxxJ2R1-I_JozTwLuE4OsFhU6-9DysVikpj1iDiD67ZxKwm67_cjzRSNcBO5b/s320/dia_edu_cut.gif)
Learn About Diamonds
Buying a diamond usually marks a truly special occasion. However, the process of buying a diamond can also create feelings of confusion and anxiety due to the amount of money and research required. When buying a diamond, consumer education is vital to understanding your upcoming diamond purchase. Our diamond education page has been designed to give you a basic understanding of diamonds, and the characteristics that affect their beauty and value. Boston Private Jewelers recommends that you consider the following 3 basic concepts when you begin searching for your perfect Diamond(s).
-
Determine your budget. You should know approximately how much you would like to spend and what the “absolute maximum” amount of money you can afford before you begin your diamond search.
-
Look for the best quality diamond(s) for your money: Since most of us don’t have unlimited funds to purchase a diamond, we have to make the best of what we can afford. Achieving a good balance between the four C’s (color, cut, clarity and carat weight) can be difficult, however it is essential to the diamond buying process. Ask questions about the characteristics of your potential diamond purchase and try to find a diamond that is of good quality and a carat weight that will make you and your loved one happy.
-
One of the most important steps in choosing a diamond is to complete a thorough review of the diamond’s certificate or grading report. This document will explain the characteristics of a particular diamond, like carat weight, cut, clarity and color (the four C’s). There are several organizations that evaluate the quality of diamonds; however, the most widely utilized and respected is the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Boston Private Jewelers provides a GIA diamond certificate with all on-line diamond purchases and offers laser inscription services to guarantee the quality and integrity of all diamond purchases. Please feel free contact us if you have any additional questions.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdPb8rYmIw4ilf3vvboaCodRMAAhMVDrglN7CwrB-TWTMO_lKHygeWJM2KyUKjWYo7_iPJEovu356QCC71Dtqu-5GEQhScgsObVCAV19b4EKmPxrm_JdDVtETpF7rusNZg2I964e3ja1Y/s320/item_diamedu_hero_164x133.jpg)
For many people, a diamond is the largest purchase of their life. With that consideration, Blue Nile recognizes the importance of understanding exactly what you are buying. This guide simplifies the four Cs — cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, as well as diamond shapes and certifications. After reading this guide, you will be better prepared to choose the diamond that is right for you.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BttFTuYVIGZEmCu4U4nJ4Z0lTzn1X11zUVwOHpXgEkQNY56O4dlw2rN9K4QyoQIkq6Id7YccL9Pkjn-rBmCZ2pd0bNxJF63L9VKIIo63YzCYSpHEn6dWnNStgXf6au1gt1DwlhNZpAhv/s320/diamodn+cluster.jpg)
How do I choose a diamond?
How to buy the best diamond at the best price: A step-by-step guide to learning about diamonds and becoming an educated diamond consumer.
There's a lot more to buying a diamond than being in love. It's a big investment and an important decision! Before you make it, you should do the research just as you would before buying stock, or real estate, or an automobile for that matterWednesday, October 29, 2008
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9zxx90oRecrxPHzRfmga4eM4lWBE_-4VO2_MqR5oB0RHc5eJfgYUGosRd-a3rZpITswGQHF1qFEtG9W9UllKHXAiiaW4hcVAlSzvUvXMBrooycZhxNBIq1Wwf_chcoOAQaP-XtwpXj28/s320/Gold.jpg)
Gold hits new record price
The price of gold hit a new all-time record overnight owing to rebounding oil prices, a weak dollar and geopolitical tensions, traders said.This morning spot gold was trading at $US878.40 an ounce and had passed the $US900 mark in long-term futures contracts in New York.
Gold is seen as a defence against inflation, which in many countries is driven by runaway crude prices.
The precious metal is also seen as a safe haven amid global unrest, which on Tuesday was being fuelled by tensions between Iran and the United States.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMjUl-730YjhsQ4_g44f340XRj8IehZNWVSqFhLw82MJQcsqZjhj0T_B98sLUN_7-QWzkB7x70FCmspRFQyknAdrr9MWMT46hsl9zgx5WPc_u6SsAT7yclfH1Ym2lM4vu8HlbntxodfK7/s320/3-monthgold.jpg)
Time To Buy More Gold
I keep seeing headlines such as this one: IMF Chief Warns Dollar May Suffer “Abrupt Fall” telling us all that, “The dollar may still have further to fall, and the effects would not be good for the global economy”.
Then there is the daily list of stories in my newsreader from precious metal gurus like James Turk of GoldMoney.com, forecasting that, “…we can expect US$800 gold by the end of the year, and a four-digit number next year.” What does it all mean?
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-X0ekjh5LLXdNMrfFB8PxHpPG3S5Bt8xFefYJv2SV5BI1_mRQBsx152rYTi5tbvA_O-N-qHzNaCRsZttxNPQEzyLTOWutNfSk_8xVOmYccrcZ8c9sDb8UYWgvagvypW9l9RZFAbUXlFBO/s320/goldcache3.jpg)
Equities falling, gold rises to $950, silver past $18
You would think equity investors might be getting the message now with most global stock markets entering bear territory. At the same time gold has broken out again and is heading up. Gold touched $950 an ounce last week and silver ran past $18.![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptf1NgNO8SYQXN3b0qNQsFL6AVZf4l7GlnvVi5oEeofr07qamwNutjEp8vUJdqV8ljn8kLyQuCiECFPoIHfaiDNIsiyOOd-nLL96mQSZCDA0hG8g6GWPbbu-PwjMaRZzJfRtzYiMmFORv/s320/Table2OfficialGoldReservesinTonnesComparedwithGoldETFHoldings_01.jpg)
Gold Bullion Securities [GOLD] was the pioneer and began trading in Australia in March 2003. By the time LyxOR Gold Bullion Securities [GBS] listed in London during March 2004, it held only a few hundred thousand ounces in trust on behalf of investors. When StreetTRACKS GoldShares (GLD) was ready for launch mid December 2004, the amount of GBS gold holdings had risen to almost 2 million ounces worth around $900 million.
These securities offer investors a new, innovative, relatively cost efficient and secure way to access the gold market. All of the securities are backed by allocated gold held in a vault on behalf of investors. They are intended to offer investors a means of participating in the gold bullion market without the necessity of taking physical delivery of gold, and to buy and sell that interest through the trading of a security on a regulated stock exchange. The introduction of exchange-traded gold securities is intended to lower many of the barriers such as access, custody, and transaction costs, which have prevented some investors from investing in gold.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMZyaXBHTGj34CcrcUqkqkn6b_tHcNkhCoynvuGRsX057HsaeSnNXOM2zKQ-3HUWwOgh4tfHCKSrMvUCVMpjhyYWpSag8rhZhrZobOGWG49WEqpYbBdPD0pUlhrQ___g5kzk8ZEMxhyVS/s320/SeidenGangNecklace.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKfLgAX0ocu0Uf0hQBZQI2nDMSrmO1xO8f8Q1a90hs6B21eRmbhrZNF1b8Ya6mbPzlgSogwOwdnvNgKjuikOTlwiJjsP_dyeAH-s8HShyphenhyphenwD-_sEcneQYMh1Pi9-JXL9zlyLPaJDwOmbk3/s320/gems.jpg)
Gents Wedding Bands in 14 Karat Yellow and White Gold, platinum available
Ladies engagement and wedding rings.
Anniversary Rings and three stone anniversary rings.
Diamond and colored stone rings, pendants and earrings.
Diamond stud earrings from .10ct.TW to 1.0ct.TW. (larger sizes available)
Charms in 14K, Sterling and Gold Filled.
Religious Medals and crosses
Mother and Child Jewelry
Limited selection of Men's accessories
Very nice selection of American and Italian made chains
Hot Diamonds Brand, sterling and diamond jewelry.
Complimentary gift wrapping
Monday, October 27, 2008
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpvHy5viwazLo8s0zRBwhyphenhyphen_aoTCbZhYLSxvTQshSs8tQScvUpg87I7oG4hnjKOvOZqtWDQltLxLO0ZBEXk81uuXlsyYrNvAMbsQJatyXlPzlVpMvXolgt3zeZV6L_UYoe4P_3B75tPk9oo/s320/jewellery_01.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfa0YI2xY0jmq6bLQTmr8pcUwLsL5eRc7rD8xVJaKozPoVTb4fFZsQS9OVWSP1ij1SY5AaEYOVpbavgNnOBP_-ylN_Uf5tFRG1hGSPJ8XGZJrP_IMkjBGXuEayG5IMQBfpxa08DlsstGF/s320/diamond-ring-ring.jpg)
Goldsmith Co.
Jewelry store in Brookline - We pride ourselves on our extensive collection of jewelry and diamonds. We carry only quality merchandise, we are proud of our custom jewelry design,repair and customer service and hope you will enjoy our selection of diamond necklaces, diamond earrings, diamond pendants, and diamond rings.We also repair and restore watches and jewelry items.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9g-TEQCmYXwmYDcVk8cyo7Awd9sjZ8uyZAARSvhVmooSrQegDLEzUVtZ9BfdTQ3iZ5ZyDjkjDR6y7IN6qAnbtBRk8EsvWLUgXX900b8jpCG02ZA4U6ccjkwwTnhHYLoiwlyf11XCeB7b0/s320/Pink+Diamond+Ring+28.jpg)
Some more: square pink diamond, princess cut, princess cut diamond, carrot dimond, pink diamond, pink diamond band, pink diamond engagement ring, pink diamond engagement rings, pink diamond jewelry, pink diamond ring, pink diamond rings.
Princess cut diamond earrings are presently the most popular diamond earrings. The choice is princess cut diamond earrings with a colored diamond or a pure white diamond. Some smaller diamonds could be set around the center diamond. It also could be mixed with some emeralds, looks real great.
Naturally the larger the diamonds the more expensive the princess cut diamond earrings are. That means make sure there is enough cash on your account, its getting expensive, trust me.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGa85ML6yr7W8OdpcNtGo8-Sxyys_e7OhWuu5Agn1XyKyCBmqH9RlwgO1of3imFgT7G8299_P4yhrSGhNjhtVcoO8NVG9KI4XnR1OgrxaPcklARptLHiC12QnYSJCFErRiPSEGIeFw44kH/s320/l-1.jpg)
India - A Strategic Target
Enlarge | ||
Diamond Necklace by Trapz | ||
The Indian economy, particularly the diamond and jewelry industries, have recently been facing various difficulties, including the appreciation of the rupee, the soaring gold prices, and the lack of sufficient incentives for the local diamond manufacturer or jeweler.
How can Israeli diamantaires and jewelers gain access to the Indian market? What are the best areas for cooperation? What kind of merchandise is best suited to the Indian market?
We met with two Israeli diamond companies that are active in
SWA Trading is an Israeli diamond company owned by Abe Hazan and Danny Wilheim who in 2006 formed a three way partnership with Shrenuj and Co. Ltd., an Indian manufacturer and exporter of diamonds and jewelry. Shrenuj, a
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpOC6rl3EjD7g7SsfxipGRbRhZnV3M9lUC42P2W12Lpbux21avdVl4kQbI7O1GYHVSOf42tH3XXWOkLShY291NmPU7PBQIQRRSUDTDw2Mz0CbR2xCDcFw_Np3DqhwCNPNAJ1jcKGY0jwo/s320/homepic02.jpg)
Welcome to Diamond Jewelry & Loan! We offer beautiful wedding bands, engagement rings, watches, loose diamonds and colored gemstones and other high-end jewelry. We also purchase diamonds and other jewelry and watches.
Diamond Jewelry & Loan pays the highest prices for gold, platinum, diamonds and gemstones. We also offer appraisals and GIA certifications. Come visit us today for beautiful jewelry that will dazzle you for a lifetime.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYKGp9hY9YwCWoT6zdA70PNCDPInO-O_tTchsiraCT9QA_Vg3yqwyc89j30pD41bYdQRl-Ichm48jcM0jsHhKCvHDX9Pew5Z-gNKNjB7U-7rMSpjg4ueihpOARD_N5A8QlhR8YxNXEczH/s320/Diamond_facets.jpg)
FL, IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, ???, I1, I2, I3
So what is the SI3?
The SI3 was born out of the desire of the Diamond Industry to incorporate an extra grade to identify Diamonds in the lower range of the clarity scale. Many complained that there is too wide a gap between the SI2 and the I1 grade. Why not offer an SI3 grade to bridge the gap?
After EGL - Los Angeles (European Gemological Laboratory) started to issue the SI3 grade, even the Rapaport Diamond Report, or the Rap Sheet as it's known in the trade, added SI3 to its price list. For those who are unfamiliar with the Rap sheet, it is the definitive (but no longer only) price guide for Diamonds. It is used widely by the wholesale as well as retail industry.
Some say the SI3 is a good idea, others say it is a bad idea. We feel that it can be a good idea if implemented properly.
The problem with the SI3 today is that GIA, the largest and most widely accepted Gem Laboratory in the world, does not recognize SI3 grades. Bill Boyajian, President of GIA, wrote the following letter to Jewelers’ Circular Keystone JCK Magazine in May 2002:
“We have studied the SI3 suggestion at various times over the years, and yet again recently when proposed and adopted in principle by the World Federation of Diamond Bourses. However, GIA still concludes there is no reason to change our long-standing and universally accepted diamond grading system.”![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kJWOKrG36kLPE09yFmEGXZqJSocOX6cQ15VAV9d59T7eNwxC_87y1fNUzobv-wijHqiunDJgAmOMdzMSCNh9hVSXiWoPn53-0kpVedOg7vkegPl87Nd6BLagVbBJJWeCtjYqGUxzyhwm/s320/diamond_necklace.jpg)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8s9ASgkb34ciRiThznqM4rmpfJj9Tb7BalMwnrUhgVzs-ZFsv1kkW9PvqoozGMz088QdhxdSP6u_rfGxr5lTdUUg2eZtBtWiFUau-rpdCseuO7u8uup-0cyUym7fEUlkrHSonqVXaR40f/s320/Gold-Diamond-Pendant.jpg)
- Diamond Studded Gold
- Platinum
- Palladium
- Stainless Steel
- Titanium
- Silver Jewellery
- Loose Diamonds / Solitaires
- Precious & Semi Precious Stones
- Lifestyle Accessories.
Eurostar Team
Eurostar Exim Pvt. Ltd. is backed by a team of experienced and dedicated professionals who are committed to achieving the company's objectives. The team includes an internationally qualified gemologist, product development specialists, and foreign trade management experts, designers, craftsmen amongst others.
Quality
Quality has been the hallmark of our organization since our inception. We leave no stone unturned to ascertain that the jewelry we design is flawless in every aspect of quality. Due attention is paid while moulding, engraving, etching, finishing and polishing of the jewelry. We understand the intricacy of design and hence, come up with a collection that is an epitome of grace, finesse and quality.
Infrastructure
We use high quality packaging materials to ensure that the packaging remains tamper proof and defect free, even after being transported across geographical boundaries.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-c__wIX9A5CkutTKtX9wTQGFWpivH89EgUPPtKicL_oho89ULUGQ2hVORmhOkzSPyCybARpMPJnWGWPuvBprMJ66Ife32iTtJ0U84mWzlVB7ASp1ZM8hfIuVeOticylA2V6bhDQKv8Zdp/s320/Diamond-Rings.jpg)
- Our loose diamond collection is our pride. All our diamonds are hand picked
by our GIA certified gemologists to represent the best value in each category - We carry GIA and EGL certified diamonds, clarity enhanced as well as non-certified
diamonds with price ranges to fit anyone's budget. All certified diamonds are
accompanied with certification papers viewable online! - We have hundreds of ring designs for all occasions, be it an engagement,
anniversary or a birthday gift. Images of the most popular are available on this site.
All of our rings are individually handcrafted using diamonds and precious metals to
satisfy each customer's unique desires. All sizes are available in 14k/18k
yellow/white gold or platinum - We offer free 14k gold settings with a purchase of any diamond of your choice.
Combined with our 14 day money back guarantee and low prices our deals are
hard to beat! For more details please refer to our Terms & Conditions page
Saturday, October 18, 2008
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTePYGGbmI62WMEl1yk0Nhyphenhyphenez2pW8XZNm8Z2q56X8wMqetxL5JkH7tCKT1utRuo1G6c9bueG1RVHmiTe_VfJmxH6J7SG9ThwjhVBzRM0b_vgCSEq6hjKnfQggUsAqUff_AAdWb78ngDNQ1/s320/engagement-ring.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHR4o3EfNmqQJxnXggL-lksR6-CgjVwbJxby_03KKwrx6DxntT-9mVQk0xnbVco95juqbwwX9RIvcdjxdjWEjZhWAaS6wqY2Uwz8X33R2FqZgqkx_FVDEXlp4t3_v0p97OTkY9qTBHP9G/s320/diamond_jewelry-1.jpg)
Diamond Jewelry - Girls and Women's Best Friend
Diamond jewelry is just the best, as well as the most costly type of jewelry. Diamond jewelry is a way of saying 'you are definitely worth it'. Other stones are wonderful, but diamonds are girls and women best friend! However, having made the decision to buy some diamond jewelry you will need to know what to look for and how to find it.
Firstly get to know the four 'C' s. 'Clarity' , 'Cut', Color; and 'Carat' (carat weight). Clarity is the extent to which a stone has any imperfections. Diamond jewelry without imperfections is more valuable than diamond jewelry with flaws. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is America's professional organisation dealing with diamond jewelry assessment and standard.
Value of diamond jewelry is also determined by a diamond's cut. Diamonds can be Prince Cut, Round Cut, Emerald Cut, Radiant Cut, Cushion Cut, Oval, Heart, Pear - to name a few! But we all know the familiar round cut solitaire engagement ring!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpHzlRFUF9pHAVuHV_kvboEZ1GrKOP-x-lAZJ-ry-8rsnZcx-yaRcCas_R0nJRQJY8MNPcM0gXfC4F4wES0M5g0CYyDeWY5vhmifA5QnOfcx7mOxZaoSKKlGNEkxT356k5sYVqeUWl9Tq/s320/top1.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUd2cfLK8yVZhoqKuUMlexZkh_X18cVDXwEVj04suWOWG6v_czXucXhiSZ3Kz5kVNJ-TMyoutj6ZzF0a2F8mHyHqVW1D5T4r1EdQ37DTNpnWr6PYEsuJumUBKr01RnUZ5qrxV2_zPUeZCe/s320/expensive-sapphire-jewelry.jpg)
Expensive jewelry can be easy to buy if you know what you are looking for and you know what you want. Some people buy expensive jewelry on the run as they are passing the jewelry store, and some fabulous bauble catches their eye. These are the people that can wind up spending a lot more than they had planned to spend. Some research and time spent looking up different pieces that may interest you may save you time and money when you go to a jewelry store. You will want to know what pieces you want to buy and how much they usually run.
Expensive jewelry today is very versatile. It can be bought to wear on the fingers, toes, wrist, in the ears, in the hair, in the nose, on the eyebrow, or around the ankle. However, expensive jewelry is just that – expensive. The price range may be right in your ballpark and way out of your league. A good way to prepare yourself before shopping is by doing your homework and finding out exactly what you want and where you can get it for the lowest price if possible.
Expensive jewelry can be made of gold, white gold, silver, or platinum. These pieces of expensive jewelry usually always come with semi-precious stones such as emeralds, rubies, amythests, pearls, and diamonds. There are several pieces that may interest you or your loved one. These include necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets and anklets. The more ornate the piece of expensive jewelry is, the more it will cost. Some of the ornate pieces also have a fine detail that you will not find anywhere else.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrmpxLtVApwPDWtlt4B3bJimhLfPPb3t6GKoCQxmPrntpsrhlAizefP145TAeveyCu9-K3iQWi8Qqk8o3rxWzow-ZrRik3FaiP5lTwTluQIoi_IqaGaQ-kkTusICp1aYvYEYM5CMTpuBI/s320/p-1.jpg)
Yellow diamond rings are esteemed gemstones for their exotic appearance, shape, and for their gorgeous, stunning color, combined with some mystic energy. Choosing the best diamond yellow diamond rings is a must do for one or couple who seek for a perfect jewelry. The yellow diamond rings are alluring, attractive, and fashionable. It is perfect to build a mystic and excellent beauty for those who wear them.
Friday, October 17, 2008
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6yxcOaUENoV7Fgg-odxHbnJuq_E-URToQuwMjD8Xe_CQDsDOCax9mWle1fviGbzKlEFOpmHymAS0G_HepengeY2lShrgZ76PwWqbrFI12n1FCbcxN8HhRjQsIIK_Y4MpOHg_pOG3NfbC/s320/101608_LesothoTN.jpg)
October 16, 2008 - Diamonds
New York—The Ponahalo Diamonds, the two stones cut from a 316.15-carat piece of rough mined in South Africa, sold for more than $6 million at a Christie's auction held on Wednesday in New York City.
Eleven jewelry crime suspects nabbed
October 16, 2008 - Independent Retailers
Los Angeles—The FBI/Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Joint Interstate Theft Task Force recently arrested 11 Colombians who were allegedly targeting two traveling jewelry salespeople in Los Angeles, the LAPD reports.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtA-kH8XpVjahis1KsqJG5zsmsvEh3fGo4Yv3hrSxaV7hRxCQ2ogRatkgXoMmmCFJDkZCvpQ6mQC_Zvg6_Ywy0RuxO5Na85SJ_yPNnDITe8x4B6KAOiKfmG1tbJD_6Zv95fQhL-dL-O6i/s320/diamond-facets.gif)
The Four Cs
Diamonds are judged on several factors that determine their beauty. Most diamonds never reach the consumer market because they are too flawed. Often, these diamonds are used for industrial purposes -- as an abrasive, for drill bits or for cutting diamonds and other gems. If you've ever purchased a diamond, you've heard of the "4 Cs:"
- Cut - This refers to a diamond's geometric proportions and how it has been cut. When a diamond is cut, facets are created and the diamond's finished shape is determined.
- Clarity - This is the measurement of a diamond's flaws, or inclusions that are seen in the diamond. Clarity levels begin with Flawless and move down to Very Very Slight (VVS), Very Slight (VS) and Slightly Included (SI).
- Carat - This is the weight of a diamond. One carat is equal to about 200 milligrams.
- Color - In referring to transparent diamonds, the color scale runs from D to Z, beginning with Icy White -- the color of the most expensive transparent diamonds -- and ending with a light yellow.