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The ONLY diamond grading certificates that I recommended
and TRUST are the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
and the American Gem Society (AGS).
Get this right or you may end up
with a diamond that doesn't sparkle
It happens all the time.
I meet wonderful people who are intent on buying a diamond that is fiery and brilliant.
They have viewed many diamonds and talked with a number of salespeople.
I think that's great, but by the time they get to me, they are confused.
It's not their fault.
Some of the diamonds they looked at were real sparklers and some were dull and lifeless.
They wondered why there was such a difference and asked themselves - "How can I be sure my diamond will sparkle once I leave the fancy lighting in the store?"
It's a perfectly good question.
I can give you an answer.
I'll also give you some pointers that will help separate the sparklers from the duds.
But first there is something you should know.
Many of the salespeople that will show you diamonds don't understand why one diamond sparkles and another doesn't . Yes, I know that is hard to believe, but it is definitely true.
It takes years of study and viewing diamonds to understand the many variables that influence how a diamond refracts light.
It's not something that you can understand fully in a few minutes.
So don't feel bad about feeling confused.
It's understandable.
I sincerely care about you.
I want to help you find the diamond of your dreams (without breaking the bank, of course).
Let me share with you some valuable information about how diamonds are cut.
Give me a few minutes. I'm sure I can make things much clearer for you.
Do you have a question for me?
Buying a diamond can be complicated. You're going to have questions.
Remember, I answer all your questions for FREE. That's right. Just ask!
Most prospective buyers tend to think that a diamond's "shape" and "cut" are the same. However, diamond professionals view the two terms quite differently. A diamond's "shape" refers to its outline (which can be round, oval, princess, etc.). A diamond's "cut" refers to the diamonds facets and how they reflect light.
This diagram will show you why its so important that your diamond be well-cut and proportioned.
If a diamond is cut too shallow, much of the light leaks out the bottom of the diamond. It may appear to look larger (a 1.00ct will look like a 1.10 ct). You may think this is great, but much of the light will leak out the bottom instead of being reflected back to you. A diamond that is cut shallow sometimes may appear glassy like a "fish eye" (that's actually a jeweler term).
If a diamond is cut too deep, much of the light escapes out the sides of a diamond. It may appear to look smaller than it actually is (a 1.00ct will look like a .90ct). A diamond that is cut deep will appear darker than it should. Sometimes it may be called a "nail head" (another fancy jeweler term!).
A diamond that is cut Ideal is spectacular. The light enters the top of the diamond and is reflected right back for you to admire. Your goal is always to get as much light as possible reflected back at you. There are many variables that influence how a diamond is cut. Feel free to ask me any questions you may have. I am always happy to help.
A well-cut diamond can easily cost 40 to 50 percent more
than one that is poorly cut.
If a diamond is poorly proportioned, only a small amount (30-40%) of light will be reflected out through the top of the diamond. A diamond that is well proportioned will reflect almost 90% of light. This explains why there is a large difference in price between a well-cut diamond and one that is poorly proportioned.
A well-cut diamond warrants a premium and will be priced higher than a diamond that is cut poorly. This is because fine cutting requires years of skill and experience and takes more time to cut. It also results in greater loss of the ‘rough’ from which the diamond is being cut. (It takes a three carat diamond ‘rough’ to produce a well proportioned one-carat vs. a two carat ‘rough’ to produce a poorly proportioned one-carat diamond).
The Author
Hello. My name is Joel DePeri. I have been a Certified Diamond Coach for more than 30 years. I have helped over 8000 couples choose a diamond engagement ring that is accurately graded and well priced. I would very much like to help you choose yours. I am happy to answer any diamond questions you have for FREE. Yes, that's right. I'm proud to say that this is probably the best value on the internet. Buying an engagement ring doesn't have to be so complicated. Let me help make this enjoyable for you.