
DIAMONDS
The 4Cs
Cut
Most agree that cut is the most important of the 4Cs, as it is the factor that determines a diamond’s sparkle, and has the biggest impact on a diamond’s appearance. There are three components to the cut of a diamond: brilliance (light reflected from a diamond), fire (dispersion of light), and scintillation (the sparkle when a diamond is moved). Diamonds are graded on GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) Cut Scale from excellent to poor.
Color
Each diamond is graded on GIA’s Color Scale of D (colorless) to Z (light yellow/brown), according to how noticeable its color is. Between D-F and G-J the color differences are most subtle and difficult for the untrained eye to differentiate. It is only through comparing diamonds in controlled lighting by a professional that the differences become evident. Even the slightest difference of color changes the value of a diamond.
Clarity
Diamond clarity refers to the lack of natural blemishes and inclusions within a diamond. No diamond is completely perfect, though some come close to Flawless. Diamonds are graded on GIA’s Clarity Scale which ranges from Flawless to Included. A diamond’s clarity is the least visible of the 4Cs to the human eye, and does not visibly change a diamond’s beauty.
Carat
Carat refers to the weight of a diamond, but does not necessarily determine its size or quality. It is the combination of color, cut, clarity and carat that establishes a diamond’s value. The weight of the diamond is measured to the hundred thousandth of a carat, and is expressed in decimals, because even the slightest difference in weight will change the value of the diamond.
For more information on diamonds, please visit http://www.gia.edu/
GEMSTONES
The value of gemstones is measured by its tone (depth of color), hue (purity of color), saturation (color’s intensity) and clarity (inclusions in the stone). Color is one of the most important factors with gemstones, and while inclusions on diamonds are undesired, inclusions on gemstones are to be expected, and sometimes even raise the stone’s value.METAL: GOLD AND PLATINUM
Gold is measured in karats (k), which describes how pure the gold is. 18k gold is 75% gold, 14k gold is 58.3% gold, both of which are ideal for fine jewelry. About 50% of mined gold is used in jewelry, but gold is also used in electronics and medicine!For more information on gold, please visit www.gold.org
Emerald

White Gold

Ruby

Yellow Gold

Sapphire

For more information on gemstones, please visit http://www.agta.org/
Platinum
