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Shape
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Most consumers are easily confused between the shape and the cut of the diamond,
which are two very distinct and different qualities of the stone. The shape of the
diamond characterizes only the geometric outline of the diamond when it is viewed
from the top. It does not refer to the finish or the dimensions of facets.
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the 4C’s
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Ever since the GIA established the international standards for diamond grading,
the 4 C’s have become the most recognized benchmark for the consumer to readily
distinguish the qualities between different diamonds. With the knowledge of these
four standards, you can easily pick the diamond that is right for you.
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COLOR
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Under normal lighting conditions, a diamond acts as a prism with the ability
to split light into its many components, which results in the many flashes of colors
commonly referred to as fire. And like any transparent object through which light
passes, the production of fire is the best when nothing hinders its transmission
inside the diamond. Slight amount of coloring in the diamond (mostly caused by impurities)
can act as filters that reduce the amount of colorful flashes and therefore resulting
in a less brilliant fire. Diamonds with very little or no coloring are more highly
valued than those with moderate coloring.
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D E F
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G H I J
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K L M N O P Q R
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S T U V W X Y Z
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Colorless
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Near Colorless
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Faint Yellow
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Very Light Yellow
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Fancy Yellow
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cut
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The cut of a diamond is the measure of how the diamond is geometrically shaped
and faceted from its rough. Because the ratios, proportions, angles, and placement
of the facets all influence the amount of light dispersion and/or transmission within
the diamond, the cut is perhaps the most significant factor in determining the sparkle
and brilliance of a diamond. Even a perfectly colorless and clear diamond will still
look dull if it is poorly cut. At INTA Gems & Diamonds, we carry only the finest
cut-grade diamonds available anywhere.
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Diameter:
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The width of the diamond as measured by its girdle.
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Table:
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The largest facet of a gemstone, found at the very top.
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Crown:
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The top section of a diamond, reaching from the girdle to the table.
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Girdle:
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The meeting point of the crown and pavilion that defines the perimeter of the diamond.
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Pavilion:
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The bottom section of a diamond, reaching from the girdle to the culet.
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Culet:
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The facet at the bottom tip of a gemstone. The preferred culet is not visible with
the naked eye (it is graded "none" or "small").
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Depth:
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The total height of a gemstone measured from the culet to the table.
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Too Shallow:
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Light is lost through the bottom, causing the diamond to lose brightness.
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Too Deep:
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Light escapes out the sides, causing the diamond to appear drab and dark.
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CLARITY
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Because diamonds are formed in the interiors of the earth over millions of years,
it is common for them to have internal inclusions of other compounds and earthly
minerals. Diamonds with no inclusions (and therefore considered flawless) are very
rare and highly prized. Diamond clarity is an assessment of the size, quantity,
location, and specific types of inclusions inside a diamond.
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CARAT
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The carat is the unit of measurement for the size and weight of a diamond. Since
the rarity of a diamond increases substantially with increasing carat weight, the
value and therefore price of the diamond also tend to increase exponentially with
increasing weight. You can find diamonds from a wide range of carat weights at INTA
Gems & Diamonds. No diamond is too small or too big for us!
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Diamond Certification
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The purchase of a diamond is probably one of the big decisions in your life
and we want you to be absolutely certain that you are getting exactly what you are
paying for. A certificate is essentially a grading report from an independent gemological
laboratory (such as the Gemological Institute of America, GIA) that states the various
qualities of the diamond (carat weight, color, clarity, cut, physical measurements,
etc). You can rest assured that every single diamond that we carry at INTA Gems
& Diamonds has been thoroughly examined and graded by the most reputable independent
laboratories in the world.
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Diamond Care
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Just as you would for any other high-valued investments, your diamond should
be given the proper attention and care. Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring
material known to men and is extremely resistant to surface damages. INTA Gems &
Diamonds recommend that you remove your jewelry before showers and baths and all
household chores in order to minimize surface buildup. However, daily exposure to
perspiration, hair care products, household cleaning agents and such will create
surface buildup that dulls your diamond. We also recommend that you clean your diamond
jewelry periodically to maintain the best brilliance and fire. The best option is
to bring your jewelry in for us to have it professionally cleaned and polished,
along with an inspection of the prongs and the security of its setting. Cleaning
is also possible at home with a do-it-yourself dipping mixture of 1 part ammonia
and 6 parts water.
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