Thursday, October 15, 2009

Loose Diamonds, Ideal Cut Diamonds, Hearts and Arrows Diamonds

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If you are shopping for loose diamonds, be prepared to spend some time researching the subject. There are many variables that determine quality, value and prices of loose diamonds. Some you can control, others are based solely on market conditions and supply and demand.

GIA & AGS Certified Loose Diamonds, Matching Diamonds, Conflict Free Diamonds, Hearts and Arrows Diamonds, Diamond Education & Real Diamond Pictures.
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Thursday, October 8, 2009

Loose Diamond Appraisal

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Generally used for insurance purposes, Loose Diamond appraisals are incredibly useful in estimating the value of a particular stone, whether loose, mounted or used in jewelry. While the value of a Loose Diamond can change considerably over time, the estimate is used as a general guideline to determine the replacement value if it were to be stolen.

When purchasing a diamond appraisal, it’s important to avoid in-house appraisals because the value is often overestimated, making the estimate essentially worthless in determining the replacement value of your stone. When choosing a Loose Diamond appraiser it’s important that the company be legitimate, unbiased and independent from any jewelry store or wholesaler. For potential Loose Diamond buyers who would like to insure their Loose Diamond, a Loose Diamond appraisal certificate is absolutely essential.
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Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Loose Diamond Grading Part 3

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In the diamond business, bigger does not always mean better when it comes to Carats.

The weight of the Loose Diamond is measured in carats, and one carat is divided into 100 points. Furthermore, one carat is also equal to 1/5 of a gram. For example, a diamond with 75 points would weigh .75 carats. For diamond graders, determining carat weight is the easiest of the 4 C’s to figure out; however, if two Loose Diamonds had equal carat weight, that doesn’t mean their values are the same. Carat weight may be important to those who appreciate a larger Loose Diamond, but as far as the quality of the gemstone, carat weight doesn’t have anything to do with that.

As a matter of fact, quality Loose Diamonds can be found in all shapes and sizes regardless of the assigned carat weight. Skilled Loose Diamond graders usually assign Loose Diamond carat weights ranging from .3 carats all the way up to 8 carats and possibly beyond. When choosing a Loose Diamond, it’s important to note how the entire gemstone looks as far as color, clarity and cut and finally carat weight.
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Sunday, October 4, 2009

Loose Diamond Grading Part 2

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To find a diamond without any flaws heightens the value of the stone. To determine the clarity of a stone, skilled Loose diamond graders view the Loose Diamond under 10-power magnification to view the gem up close and personal and make note of any surface flaws they find. The goal when purchasing a Loose diamond is to look for the highest clarity possible, because the fewer blemishes there are the more brilliant the Loose Diamond will be. A lot of inclusions will interfere with light passing through the diamond, thereby dulling its brilliance.

When grading for clarity, Loose Diamonds are rated from “completely flawless” to “noticeably imperfect.” A diamond that’s completely flawless is a rarity and significantly increases the value of the gem. When looking for a Loose Diamonds to purchase, keep in mind that the clarity will affect the radiance and sparkle of the stone. Lower clarities means a duller stone, while a higher clarity means the stone reflects light very well, thus enhancing the overall sparkle and brilliance of the diamond.
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Saturday, October 3, 2009

Loose Diamond Grading

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Before a diamond can be deemed suitable for purchasing, the Loose Diamonds are put through extensive tests to determine that it’s authentic prior to receiving a grading certificate. There are several things a Loose Diamond will be graded on, including cut, clarity, color and carat weight. The following guide aims to explain what each of these mean as well as the importance behind Loose Diamond grading.

A well cut Loose Diamond determines how the naked eye views the brilliance of the stone and enables the diamond to reflect light much better than a poorly cut Loose Diamond could. It’s important when choosing a diamond that you never underestimate the importance of the cut. A skilled Loose Diamond cutter can create a work of art with each stone, and regardless of the shape of the diamond a poorly cut stone will leave the diamond dull and lifeless.

With Loose Diamond grading, each stone gets a cut rating ranging from excellent to poor. The height versus depth ratio (referred to as depth percentage) as well as the top of the stone versus the width (the table percentage) are all proportioned by the cut of the diamond. Essentially, the cut is what makes the stone. Proportion, angle and reflection are all important aspects when considering the cut of a Loose Diamond. While each facet of the cut are far above what we can see with our naked eyes, a well-cut stone reflects the utmost in quality and value for the buyer.
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Thursday, October 1, 2009

Loose Diamond History

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Revered as the ultimate symbol of love and wealth, Loose Diamonds have had an incredibly unique history from the first discovery until today. While nobody truly knows who were the first to discover Loose Diamonds, they were said to first appear about 3,000 years ago in India where Loose Diamonds were first mined. Several Sanskrit texts have validated this theory, where the diamond was referred to as “vajra” or thunderbolt. The name makes sense, because not only were diamonds used for decorative purposes but also as a protective talisman to ward off evil. These descriptions of the precious gem appear to date back to about the 4th century BCE.

Interestingly enough, the word Loose Diamonds was closely linked to the term “adamas” throughout the Mediterranean; however, it’s difficult to establish the time period this name association took place. Consequently, during the 13th century the Loose Diamond began to take on regal tones, appearing in jewelry and decorative items throughout Europe. Around this time, Louis IX of France (1214-1270) decreed that diamonds were reserved only for the king, which described their rarity and wealth status then. Eventually, the Loose Diamond appeared in royalty for both men and women and by the 17th century, wealthy merchant classmen were appearing with Loose Diamonds here and there.
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