A Lesson In Diamonds

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend. I find that statement to be a bit narrow minded. My best friends also include rubies, sapphires and emeralds. And opals. So I took a trip down to Barsky diamonds to these gems that I hadn’t seen in a while.

While I was there I saw some amazing pieces that were original designs. And by “saw” I mean tried everything on. I love these vintage looking pieces. Especially this watermelon tourmaline, diamond and pearl choker.

And then the real fun began. I got a little lesson in diamonds. I learned all about the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) standards- used by jewelers to evaluate gemstone quality. So, here’s what you need to know. And what your boyfriend needs to know.

– The 4C’s

• Color- this is actually based on a lack of color. This ranges from colorless to light. The grading is from D-Z. A perfect diamond is colorless (D).
• Cut- This refers to the shape. You have:
  • Radiant 
  • Princess
  • Oval
  • Emerald 
  • Cushion
  • Heart
  • Asscher
  • Marquis 
  • Round 
    
  • Pear 
• Clarity- When you see a jeweler using a loupe (the small magnifying  glass that looks sort of like a monocle)  they are looking at the clarity of a stone. You can think of this as a measure of how perfect the diamond is based on inclusions (internal characteristics) and blemishes (external characteristics). Clarity grading ranges from I3 to Flawless.
• Carat-  This refers to the weight. A carat is equivalent to 100 miligrams.

Like most things in fashion, diamond cuts go in and out of style. The original engagement ring consisted of three stones, which is now being marketed once again but with another name- the “Past, Preset and Future Ring.” And though the pear and marquis became less popular in the 90’s as people began buying princess cuts, they are now making a come back.

Another interesting fact? The radiant cut was initially a patented cut. It has the top half of an emerald cut and the math of a round one on the back. And the princess cut was originally a knock off of the radiant cut.

I hope you enjoyed this little lesson. I know I did! And if you’re in Philly, be sure to check out Barsky Diamonds. They’ll take good care of you.

xx

A