Diamonds

CLARITY
In reference to diamonds, the word clarity refers to how free a diamond is from nature birthmarks.  In other words, the tiny and usually microscopic imperfections that make each diamond unique. Clarity grades are assigned to a diamond based on the marks that can be viewed under 10X magnification. Interestingly, diamonds with relatively few clarity characteristics are very rare, which is why diamonds with a higher clarity increase in value. The good news is that diamonds can look stunning despite their clarity grading depending on how well they are cut, among other parameters. GGS highly recommends that you look at a range of diamonds with varying clarity grades to determine what you personally like best. Always keep in mind that gemological professionals view clarity defining marks under a ten-power microscope, and these characteristics are more often than not difficult to notice with the naked eye.

COLOR
GGS feels that when it comes to choosing a diamond, color preference is a very personal decision. Many prospective diamond buyers enjoy a colorless or near colorless look (whiteness in the stone) whereas others may find themselves drawn towards a warmer depth (a glow that appears gold from within). Colorless diamonds (D,E,F) are the most rare, and are thus more costly than their near colorless counterparts (G,H,I,J). Diamonds containing that faint glow from within tend to have a warmer tone (K.L.M.N.O); these diamonds are more common, and are consequently more affordable.

However, it is a little known fact that diamonds are actually available in every color of the rainbow. For white diamonds, less color is typically preferred, but a colored or fancy diamond is quite rare. Fancy diamonds come in an array of colors including blue, pink, yellow, orange or black, and are the most expensive stones available. Whether or not the color occurred naturally or due to treatment will also affect the price of a fancy diamond. GGS has appraised thousands of these very rare fancy diamonds, and offers unmatched expertise in evaluating the karat for karat value.

CUT
The cut of a diamond, which includes its roundness, width, depth, and uniformity, determines the diamonds ability to exhibit brilliance. A diamonds cut quality is often considered among gemologists to be the most important characteristic when determining its overall value. Even if a diamond boasts impeccable clarity and color, the brilliance will be greatly reduced if the cut has been poorly executed. Do not confuse cut with shape (pear, round, oval). Cut actually refers to the quality and execution of the polish, symmetry, and proportioning of a diamond. While there is no universal standard as to what absolutely defines a perfectly cut stone, there is certainly some growing agreement on how to cut a diamond in order to optimize its brilliance and dispersion.


SHAPE
Many first time shoppers are surprised to learn that diamonds are available in a variety of shapes. Some of these less common shapes include marquise, pear, oval, heart, emerald, princess, radiant, and more. Known as fancy cut diamonds, it can be difficult to know if a fancy diamond has been cut well. The symmetry exhibited by round cut diamonds lends itself to easier evaluation when it comes to the perfect balance between brilliance and dispersion. While there is currently no industry-wide accepted standard that defines the ideal proportions for these varying shapes, GGS adheres to strict guidelines widely accepted and documented by master gemologists in order to ensure you receive proper information regarding your stone in your certification report. Here are some of the guidelines to which GGS will refer when certifying your stone:

  • The degree of brilliance exuded by the diamond. By measuring just how much light shines forth from your diamond, GGS may determine whether the cut is within acceptable proportions or not.
  • A rare and odd characteristic termed the bowtie effect. The bowtie effect refers to an area of obvious diminishment in brilliance often occurring in the shape of a bowtie when proportions are off. This phenomenon occurs in certain fancy-shape diamonds when the proportions are off.
  • Fancy cut diamonds should be close to appearing perfectly symmetrical. When viewing a fancy cut diamond from above, the two sides would ideally mirror each other completely.
  • Thought diamonds are known for their durability, shapes that come to a point at their end such as marquises, pears, and hearts, should be thick enough at these points to absorb everyday wear and tear. If diamonds of these shapes are cut too shallow, their points can become vulnerable to chipping.


CERTIFICATION
While GSS strives to provide detailed information to equip consumers with the facts that will enable them to make informed decisions when diamond shopping, the truth is that only highly skilled and professionally trained experts in gemology can truly evaluate a diamond down to the most detailed characteristic. When grading a diamond, gemologists use highly advanced spectrometers, as well as multiple types of sophisticated equipment. Your diamonds certification will contain the defining characteristics and grading of your stones clarity, cut, karat weight, and color. This certificate does not establish the monetary value of your diamond, but rather offers a straightforward evaluation of the critical factors about the stone that do effect the value, quality, and appearance. A certificate is also necessary to use for identification purposes should your diamond become lost or stolen; having a professional certificate in place will greatly facilitate replacing the diamond with another of equal value.  Your professional certificate should always include the following:

  • Date of issue of the report
  • A unique ID number for file lookup and tracking
  • Name of the company and gemologist issuing the report
  • Origin of the diamond, whether treated or naturally occurring
  • Exact measurement of karat weight
  • Detailed description of shape and cut
  • Precise measurements and proportions
  • Clarity and color grades
  • Fluorescence