How to Grade a Diamond

Los Angeles Jewelry:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 4 Cs of Diamond Grading: Carat Weight, Colour, Clairity, and Cut

Carat Weight

Diamonds are weighed using the metric carat system

• 1 metric carat = 0.2 grams
• ½ ct. = 50 points = .50 ct.
• ¼ ct. = 25 points = .25 ct.

Please not that carat refers to the weight of the stone, while karat is used to measure the fineness of gold.

Colour

The Gemological Institute of America, or GIA, gives us the colour grading scale for Diamonds.

They Are:

1.)    Colorless

2.)    Near Colorless

3.)    Light Yellow, Grey or Brown

4.)    Fancy Colors

Diamonds with less color are cheaper because of their rarity. However, there are colored diamonds that are more valuable because they are rare. These are called “Fancy Colors”.

The GIA scale for grading color goes from D-Z:

-          D E F = Colorless

-          G H I = Near Colorless

-          J K L = Off White

-          M N O = Tinted

-          P through Z = Light Yellow

-          Fancy Colors

Clarity

The GIA also provides us with the scale for clarity.

F = Flawless

IF = Internally Flawless

VVS₁ VVS₂ = Very, Very Slight Inclusions

VS₁ VS₂ = Very Slight Inclusions

SI₁ SI₂ = Slight Inclusions

I₁ I₂ I₃ = Imperfect

Clarity is a huge factor in the price of the diamond, but it is also important to note that a lower quality diamond will be more prone to wear and tear and, with a higher number of inclusions, breaking.

Cut

The shape of a diamond and make (proportion and finish) are the cut of a diamond. The better the cut, the better the diamond will look. A good cut will have very good angles, good facets and a nice finish.  Also, the cut affects the polish, thickness and texture, culet, and symmetry of the facets. Inferior cuts will cause diamonds to lose some of their sparkle.

Los Angeles Jewelry reminds you to consider everything above. With the information at hand, you can decide easier from multiple choices. For instance, at a Los Angeles jewelry store, you know that a “G” color is slightly lower than an “F” color. However, since it is only a small drop off, you can choose a lesser color with a higher clarity or carat.

Thank you for visiting Los Angeles Jewelry. If there is anything you would like us to write about, please send us a message or comment. Please stay tuned for the next  helpful article at www.losangeles-jewelry.com

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Choosing the Best Jeweler in Los Angeles

The most important aspect in finding the perfect piece of jewelry or engagement ring in Los Angeles is finding the right jeweler. Here are a couple of simple, but essential, tips you need to consider to find the right one for you.

Finding the Right Jeweler in Los Angeles Tip #1

• Before researching jewelers, you must first decide what kind of ring or piece of jewelry you need. For instance, most jewelery stores in Los Angeles carry traditional, classic and simple engagement rings, but if you want a more exotic choice such as an Asscher cut, you would need to find a more specialized jeweler.

Finding the Right Jeweler In Los Angeles Tip #2

• There are two different types of stores to consider; one is the independently owned store while the other is the larger “mall store” or store owned by a corporation. There are benefits to both. Independent stores are more likely to contain exotic collections and are usually more knowledgeable about the products. Mall stores, on the other hand, will probably have a wider selection and good bargains as well as being faster and more efficient with their services. Decide which jewelry store is right for you.

Finding the Right Jeweler in Los Angeles Tip #3

• What kind of services do you require? Do you want routine maintenance, repairs or a warranty? Is resetting your diamond important to you? It is important to note that some jewelers are merely salesman while others have the skills to set the stones themselves. Make sure you know what services you need and confirm the jeweler has the services you require.

Finding the Right Jeweler in Los Angeles Tip #4

• Make sure to look at different options! Do not fall in love with the first store you go to. Even if the first jewelery has everything you require, perhaps a different one has what you want at a cheaper price or a more flexible paying option. Having more information from multiple stores will also help you in negotiating a better price on the piece of jewelery you desire.

With all of the above in mind, you now have the information needed to choose the best jeweler in Los Angeles. I would suggest checking out the Jewelery District in Los Angeles as it is the largest jewelry district in the United States comprising over 5,000 businesses.

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