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To Treat or Not to Treat: That is the question!
8:35 PM PST, 5/17/2007
1 G-J White SI-I 3mm Dutch Loose Round Diamond 10 point
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- $36.89
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- 6:58 PM PST, 4/8/2010
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To Treat or Not to Treat: That is the question!
Here at J.L.Layton Jewelry, we are constantly amazed at the beautiful diamonds we receive everyday!
We recently received a parcel of "diamonds." The issue wasn't whether the stones were genuine diamonds or not - they tested positive as diamonds with our Presidum Gem Tester. We were imagining the lot to contain only round cut diamonds. We were unexpectedly surprised to find a canary yellow marquise cut diamond and a pair of pink diamonds!
We were uncertain if the diamonds were treated to attain their color or if they were naturally colored.
Diamonds can undergo different treatments to either alter the appearance of the clarity of the diamond (i.e. to make it appear more clear) or alter the color the diamond (blue, yellow, champagne, to name a few).
What difference does it make whether a diamond has been treated or not?
We've asked several jewelers their opinion on the subject. Some are staunch "no-treated diamonds in my store, no way!" Some primarily carry natural diamonds and occasionally carry treated diamonds. Some make their living transforming "ugly" diamonds into prettier diamonds - kind of like plastic surgeons!
Those that are anti-treatment call the treatment "a temporary solution for a permanent problem." [Sorry, we can't remember who coined this - let us know who you are!]
A diamond that is treated must be handled differently because a jeweler's torch will reverse the treatment. The diamond must be removed from a setting prior to metal working.
Some assert that the diamond loses some of it's original hardness when fracture filled. Thus, the diamond becomes more brittle and more susceptible to breakage. To what extent varies.
Another thing to consider when buying a treated diamond is that diamonds may crack easier when treated. Cracks are not considered in clarity grading. Cracks are a separate issue.
Overall, it's a matter of personal opinion. People enjoy diamonds in jewelry because of the way they look - sparkly and eye-catching. If someone chooses to give the diamond a more asthetic look, why not?
J.L.Layton Jewelry -
Diamond Information
12:22 AM PST, 5/15/2007
1 G-J White SI-I 3mm Dutch Loose Round Diamond 10 point
- Buy Now!
- $36.89
- Ends:
- 6:58 PM PST, 4/8/2010
- Time Left:
* Diamond Information *
by: J.L.Layton Jewelry
Wanting to buy fine jewelry for a reasonable price? Unsure what to buy for your special sweetheart (or even for yourself?) Feel at a disadvantage when you see or hear that foreign language - diamondese?
"Ooh, this is a GORGEOUS diamond - it's an F color SI1 clarity 1 carat Cushion Cut! Tee hee hee hee!" What did she just say?!
We compiled this Diamond Information Guide to help you make an informed decision when making your purchases.
* * * * *
Diamonds are "graded" (just like a report card in school) and assessed value on "the 4 C's":
- Carat
- Cut
- Clarity, and
- Color
As no two diamonds are the same, each diamond has differing value.
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Carat
A diamond's weight (size) is indicated by how many Carats or points it has. There are 100 points in a carat. The more carats a diamond weighs, generally speaking, the higher its value. However, the cut, clarity, and color ultimately affect the value of the diamond as well.
Cut
The Cut gives a diamond its final aesthetic shape. The most common diamond cut is "round." Other cuts include marquise (see above), princess, emerald, heart, oval, pear, baguette, radiant, cushion, and more!
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Clarity
Whether a diamond has natural "inclusions" (or blemishes) - and to what extent - is represented in a diamonds "Clarity." Carbon spots and crystalline cloudiness (either or both of which are seen in virtually every diamond) are considered natural characteristics of the diamond, or inclusions.
"Clarity Enhanced" diamonds are injected with a material that disguises a diamond's natural imperfections. Clarity enhanced diamonds are genuine diamonds that cost 20-30% less on average. This enables many more people to afford a bigger and better-looking diamond for a lesser cost.
At a 30% difference, the same-looking diamond will cost $2000 without the enhancement and $1400 with the enhancement.
Many jewelers advise against buying clarity-enhanced diamonds. Their opinion may be that they are not a good investment. Jewelers may lead you to believe that the enhancement process reverses over time. However, consider this:
"The Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.), after extensive research, has determined that normal wear and tear cannot harm the enhancement."
The choice is up to you.
[We want to clarify that we generally sell only natural diamonds that have not been clarity enhanced. However, we will always disclose in our listings if a diamond we offer to you has been enhanced.]
Clarity Scale
IF - Internally flawless (rare and more expensive, less than 0.001% of all available diamonds in the world!)
VVS1-VVS2 - Very, very slightly included (inclusions very difficult to see under 10 times magnification)
VS1-VS2 - Very slightly included (inclusions difficult to see under 10 times magnification)
SI1/SI2/SI3 - Slightly included (inclusions easy to see under 10 times magnification yet unable/very difficult to see with the unaided/untrained eye)
I1/I2/I3 - Included/imperfect (can be seen without magnification)
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Color
A diamond can come in a variety of different Colors. Fancy colored diamonds can be natural or heated/treated. Colorless diamonds are D, E, and F. Near colorless diamonds are G, H, I, and J and get more yellow/color. Fancy diamonds can be naturally blue, canary yellow, champagne, or even black!
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Conclusion
To conclude, "the 4 C's" make up the grading of each individual diamond. The grading for each category (cut, carat, clarity, and color) determines the diamond's value.
It would help you to know what you want before you buy so that you will be happy with what you get (and not get into something out of your price range!) You know the old saying, "don't shop on an empty stomach."
Hopefully this diamond tuturial has helped.
Pictures and text owned by J.L.Layton Jewelry, please do not reproduce without explicit approval. Thank you!
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* Quality jewelry at a reasonable price *
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