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Articles with Diamonds tag | Whiteflash.com

Diamond Clarity     Nearly every diamond contains some external blemishes or internal inclusions that can be detected with magnification. To the extent that diamonds are free of these characteristics they are more rare and valuable. Diamonds with higher clarity or "purity" are more expensive than diamonds with lower clarity and more imperfections. In addition to being rarer, stones with higher clarity are capable of reflecting and refracting light better.     Diamonds are... more
16 Nov 2006 12:00
Diamonds: How Do They Form? Diamond Rough If you look at the chemistry of diamond, it is pure carbon. The different arrangement of the carbon atoms makes it a unique gem. Diamonds have been considered precious since ancient times and is popular for their strength, hardness and purity.  But only in the hands of a master diamond cutter does a diamond's sheer beauty become apparent.... more
06 Aug 2007 12:00
Diamonds: How to tell CZ from Diamond Diamond stimulants like CZ may be suitable for costume jewelry, and the average person in casual circumstances may not know the difference between a CZ and a natural diamond.  However, no professional will be fooled and laymen who would like to know the difference between diamond and CZ can try these fun and easy tests.   The Huff Test Hold the stone in question next to a diamond and "huff" on them with your hot breath. Both stones will fog up. The diamo... more
How Hearts & Arrows Diamonds are formed Hearts & Arrows Formation and Grading  In April 2004 Whiteflash.com presented his grading system for Hearts & Arrows optical symmetry at the First International Diamond Cut Conference in Moscow, Russia. It was hoped that laboratories and peers would unite to maintain higher standards for manufacture of diamond sold as "Hearts & Arrows." Though laboratories do not offer a grade for Hearts & Arrows, Whiteflash does, and safeguards buyers of... more
23 Aug 2006 12:00
What is carat? You have probably heard of the “Cs” used to describe diamond quality.  Carat Weight, Color and Clarity have been used on paper since the 1930s to judge diamonds.  In this tutorial we will present important information about the traditional 3 Cs, and critical information on CUT, the 4th C, that may change the way you look at diamonds. Carat Weight The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats.  This term comes from ancient times when gems were weighed against the... more
23 Aug 2006 12:00
Diamond color Even though they are transparent, most diamonds contain some hint of color.  This is caused by the presence of nitrogen in the earth where they formed.   Diamond color grading is done on a scale of D to Z.   D is ‘icy-white.’ These diamond are the most colorless and most rare, so they are considered most valuable.  There are... more
Diamond Cut- The Most Important of the 4 C's   There are two approaches used to analyze diamond cut quality. Proportion assessment utilizes a 2 dimensional approach that takes the outer measurements of a diamond and predicts how it will handle light. Performance assessment measures the actual light output of the diamond and compares it to established standards.     The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades the cut of round diamonds only. The GIA system consists of 5 grade... more
23 Aug 2006 12:00
Cut is the most important aspect of diamond beauty.  It is the only factor controlled by man, but for many years it has been the least discussed.  Here you will learn what details have the most impact on a diamond’s beauty and more importantly, how to FIND this information.                   The Importance of Cut Grading   Cut refers to more than just a diamond’s shape.  It refers to more than depth, table, polish and ... more
06 Aug 2006 12:00
The Radiant Cut Diamond      Applications   The Radiant diamond was introduced in 1977.  It was designed to have the best qualities of both round brilliant and emerald cut diamonds.  The diamond's shape has the outer lines and cut corners of the emerald's crown while enjoying triangular faceting like the round on the pavilion.  This causes it to be an emerald shape with more pin flash sparkle than the traditional step-cut emerald.  It is identifie... more
Visible Perfection - Hearts & Arrows Diamonds Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® Hearts & Arrows diamonds are cut so precisely that their facet reflections overlap at a microscopic level, creating a kaleidoscopic pattern of hearts seen in the pavilion and arrows seen in the crown of the diamond.  A reflective viewer provides concrete evidence of total optical symmetry, and superb cut. The pictures below display the actual representation of the top and bottom view of an Wh... more
AGS 0, AGS 000 and AGS Triple Zero - Ideal Cut Diamonds   The American Gem Society Laboratory (AGSL) uses a 0-10 grading scale with 0 being the best (ideal). This scale applies to color and clarity grades as well as cutting factors.   Traditionally AGS Triple Zero diamonds were diamonds receiving grades of zero in cut, zero in color, and zero in clarity on a Diamond Quality Document.   - Cut Grade: AGS 0 (Ideal) - Color Grade: AGS 0 (D) - Clarity Grade: AGS 0 (IF or Flawless)   Thu... more
A CUT ABOVE®  : About Hearts & Arrows   A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal In the 1980s Japanese cutters were the first to produce diamonds cut so exactly that facet reflections overlapped, creating kaleidoscopic patterns when seen through reflecting viewers. The techniques spread to other cutting houses and evolved. Hearts & Arrows (H&A) diamo... more
17 Sep 2006 12:00
A CUT ABOVE® Princess Super Ideal Diamond     Joining the extraordinary A CUT ABOVE® Round Hearts and Arrows in the Whiteflash “Royal Family” is the A CUT ABOVE® Princess. It is the absolute “Best of the Best” in terms of cut quality and light performance, delivering unparalleled fire, brilliance and scintillation in a princess cut diamond.   To achieve the distinction of A CUT ABOVE® Princess, a diamond must first be certified by the American Ge... more
A CUT ABOVE® Super Ideal Diamonds       “Welcome to the World of Extraordinary”  Let there be light….   In the beginning there were diamonds- they formed 100 million years ago at tremendous depth and pressure and were brought to the surface of the earth by extremely isolated volcanic events. Phenomenally rare and precious, diamonds are also the hardest of all known substances. But it is their capacity for incredible beauty that makes the... more
A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Diamond Melee  A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Diamond Melee are fully faceted small round diamonds of superb quality, graded in a similar fashion to our A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideals.  They are meticulously cut and polished, and selected by Whiteflash for use in our finest jewelry pieces.  In addition to being ideally cut with hearts and arrows patterning, A CUT ABOVE® Melee are clean and white (F-G color, VS clarity), and non-fluorescent.... more
Sweet Caroline: All About the Caroline by Vatche Engagement ring design is a balance between dazzle and simplicity, jaw-dropping brilliance and everyday wearability. The perfect engagement ring setting design is both eye-catching and brilliantly beautiful at first impression, as well as comfortable and wearable enough for everyday use.   That’s why in-the-know shoppers turn to Vatche diamond engagement rings, award-winning designs that are stunning not for their ostentatious embellishment, but for the... more
A Taste of Royalty: The Royal Crown by Vatche When commoner Kate Middleton married Prince William of England on April 29, 2011, nearly 200 million people around the world tuned in or got online to watch the big moment. Why? None of these people knew Kate, and few had even ever seen Prince William or his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. So what got all these people from California to New Zealand to make the effort to watch the royal wedding, despite the difference in time zone?   There’s just something... more
As Graceful as a Swan: The Swan 3 Stone Engagement Ring We all know the story of the ugly duckling that grew up to become a beautiful swan. With their s-shaped curved necks and snowy white feathers, the swan has long been the symbol of grace and gentle beauty. Watching one glide across a crystal-clear lake, it’s easy to understand why.   That’s why when renowned jewelry designer Vatche of Designs by Vatche turned to nature to find inspiration for his next ring design, his discerning eye lighted... more
Dreams of Africa  Marilyn Monroe proclaimed to the world that “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend”, but in countries such as Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote d’Ivoire & Sierra Leone, they are oftentimes a small child’s worst enemy. Known as conflict or blood diamonds, these precious jewels have been the source of funding for civil wars in Africa, which has lead to violence and death throughout the entire continent. A devastating 3.7 million lives have been lost d... more
23 Aug 2011 09:25
April Birthstone: Diamond. October Birthstone Color is Clear White Q: What is the April birthstone? For any fine jewelry lover, April is the best month in the year. Not only does the weather turn warm and flowers bloom, but April’s birthstone is the diamond—the king of the gemstones. In fact, for a month often filled with color in the form of flowers, plants and birds, the birthstone for April can seem like a surprising choice. With its clarity, hardness, and otherworldly sparkle, diamonds are often c... more
19 Sep 2011 03:11
Ice, Ice Baby Ever wonder why some people refer to diamonds as “ice”? Or why in some circles, diamond engagement rings are known as “bling” and in others, diamonds are said to be a girl’s best friend? Where did these terms come from?     Diamonds have always had a mythical element to them. Almost every ancient culture that had access to diamonds had elaborate legends explaining how they came to be. To ancient Hindus, diamonds were the weapons of a god. To Buddhists, the... more
19 Sep 2011 03:19
Dogs Love Diamonds Too   When someone called a dog “man’s best friend,” they were probably talking about the bond that man and dog can share when hunting or herding sheep together. They were probably not referring to the fact that humans seem to love dressing their dogs as miniature versions of themselves, complete with socks, hats and adorable knitted sweaters. But the age of canine fashion is upon us, like it or not. You can now purchase almost any kind of clothing for your dog, from a... more
19 Sep 2011 03:32
Diamonds and Candy—What’s Not to Love? If there is one thing girls love more than candy, it’s diamonds. And what could be better than the two joined together in a sparkle-fest of sweet celebration? This past March, Sugar Factory celebrated the opening of their glamorous new Las Vegas store by revealing their most indulgent item ever—the diamond-studded lollipop. Kim Kardashian helped the high-fashion candy store unveil the deluxe pop by posing on the red carpet and calling the diamo... more
19 Sep 2011 08:17
Planning A Perfect Wedding - Wedding Planning Tips 1) Having one, organized, central location for all your wedding planning materials is invaluable. These days, that kind of organization is easy, with the free wedding websites available from sites like Weddingchannel.com and TheKnot.com. You get a customized domain name, your choice of graphics style, and a personalized menu of wedding planning features. Track your guest list and RSVP’s, offer directions, hotel information, and other guest FAQ’s, and ... more
19 Sep 2011 08:35
The Highest Performer of Diamonds—A CUT ABOVE ® If you are choosing a diamond for an engagement ring, wedding band, earrings or necklace, you want more than just high carat weight or price tag to brag to your friends about. You want your diamond to sparkle in the sun, glow in candlelight, and attract every eye in the room. You want the brilliant dazzle of your diamond engagement ring to make everyone stop and stare as you casually wave your hand around. You want performance.   Light performanc... more
21 Sep 2011 08:24
Top 10 Jewelry Looks at the Emmys The Emmy’s are a magical night. For one night of the year, the lawyers, doctors, government employees, paper salesmen, high school glee clubbers, and suburban moms that we know and love from TV transform before our eyes into their glamorous Hollywood alter egos. It’s the one night that we can imagine ourselves posing on the red carpet, hoodie sweatshirt and jeans miraculously transformed into hearts and arrows diamond jewelry and floor-sweeping couture gowns. This year... more
22 Sep 2011 06:10
5 Steps to a Perfect Proposal Take a look at this picture. Now back at me. Now back at the photo. No, this is not an Old Spice commercial, but if you want to plan a proposal that is so perfect, so romantic, and so in tune with what a girl really wants that she might think you got a little help from the Old Spice guy, take some time to study this photo. Believe it or not, this simple photo contains within it all five of the essential secrets to the perfect proposal. From time to place to perfect diamond engagement... more
23 Sep 2011 03:54
What You Need to Know About Loose Diamonds Whether you are buying your first diamond or your fifth, whether you are planning to treasure the stone in its loose form or have it set into custom jewelry, and whether you are buying for yourself or as a gift, you can always learn more about loose diamonds. For such small pieces of rock, diamonds seem to generate endless discussion and analysis. Just visiting a diamond talk forum can show you enough to make your head spin. Luckily, you can buy a fabulous loose diamo... more
11 Nov 2011 04:25
Whiteflash – Among best diamond brands and retailers For the past 12 years, Houston-based jeweler Whiteflash has been carving out a unique niche for itself as one of the best Internet diamond jewelry retailers. Specializing in engagement rings, wedding bands, and custom fine jewelry work of all kinds, Whiteflash has gained a global reputation for unparalleled quality and exceptional customer service. More recently, Whiteflash was listed alongside Tiffany & Co., Blue Nile and other top diamond brands i... more
14 Dec 2011 04:53
Diamond reviews: Are they worth trust? Clicks or bricks? That is the question diamond buyers have started asking themselves. For many years, despite the success of internet retail in general, customers were wary of buying diamonds online without seeing and touching them first. But more recently, savvy diamond shoppers have realized that online retailers can often offer better deals and a wider selection than comparable bricks-and-mortars shops. Because Internet-based sellers do not have the costs of operating a ... more
AGS 0, AGS 000 and AGS Triple Zero - Ideal Cut Diamonds The American Gem Society Laboratory (AGSL) uses a 0-10 grading scale with 0 being the best (ideal). This scale applies to color and clarity grades as well as cutting factors.   Traditionally AGS Triple Zero diamonds were diamonds receiving grades of zero in cut, zero in color, and zero in clarity on a Diamond Quality Document.   Cut Grade: AGS 0 (Ideal) Color Grade: AGS 0 (D) Clarity Grade: AGS 0 (IF or Flawless)   Thu... more
10 Jan 2012 03:29
Hearts and Arrows – Fire Up Your Diamond Passion! Sweet hearts and Cupid’s arrows have more than a symbolic and mythical connection to relationships and to diamond engagement rings. Hearts and arrows diamonds represent the pinnacle of cut quality and light performance. If love is in your heart, then fire should be on your mind!   Heart Diamonds For the ultimate symbolism in a diamond engagement ring, one can purchase a heart diamond; that is, a diamond cut and polished in the shape of a heart.... more
12 Jan 2012 06:34
Top 5 Famous Jewelers and Jewelry Stores in the World For most of us, buying an engagement ring is going to be a carefully considered purchase that we will make only after creating a budget, researching price comparisons, and probably saving up for some time. But imagine for a moment that money was no object, that you could buy the best engagement ring from the most famous jewelers in the world. Where would you go? Would you choose the over-the-top glamour of Bulgari or the refined traditionalism of Tiffany and Co... more
20 Jan 2012 07:30
World’s Most Expensive Diamonds   R&B superstar Beyonce Knowles may have the biggest and most expensive diamond engagement ring in the world, but that doesn’t mean she owns the world’s most expensive diamond. The most expensive diamonds in the world are decades or centuries old—many have been passed from estate to estate, from museum to museum for generations of diamond lovers to gawk at. Blue, pink and other fancy colored diamonds are among the rarest diamonds, and so it is not ... more
25 Jan 2012 03:00
Most Common Questions when it comes to Jewelry Shopping   When buying jewelry, like other major purchases, it is a good idea to acquaint yourself with the industry and key terms before handing over your credit card to make the purchase. Just like you wouldn’t buy a car without reading up on various makes and models, and learning about key concepts like fuel efficiency and horsepower, you shouldn’t buy fine diamond jewelry without understanding essential terms like the four C’s, karat leve... more
13 Feb 2012 02:26
How to Sell a Diamond      Whiteflash is quite well known for our lifetime trade-up benefit and buyback guarantees. We buy back the diamonds we have sold under those benefit policies on a regular basis. But we do not buy diamonds or jewelry from the public at large.     So the question is, where to sell jewelry that you did not buy from us, or is not covered under one of our benefits?    There are a number of avenues available for individuals selling gold, di... more
14 Feb 2012 04:17
Diamond Loose or Mounted – Pros and Cons - What’s better Q: I am getting ready to propose to my longtime girlfriend. I really want to be able to pop the question the traditional way—with a ring in a box—but I know she would really want to be able to choose her own ring; she has very unique taste. On the other hand, I know how much she loves the traditional surprise proposal. What can I do to give her that traditional romantic proposal—champagne, getting down on one knee, all that&mda... more
14 Feb 2012 07:29
ASET – The Diamond Evaluation Tool – Simple and Powerful     Of all the diamond instruments and analytical devices on the market today possibly the most valuable is the ASET (Angular Spectrum Evaluation Tool). It is simple in concept, easy to use and to understand, and forms the graphical portion of the sophisticated light performance grading system used by the American Gem Society and its Laboratory. The cut quality analysis performed by the AGSL is widely considered to be the most compreh... more
Whiteflash Recommended Jewelry Appraisers      As a service to our customers we have prepared this page as a reference to help locate qualified diamond appraisers and jewelry professionals throughout the United States. The individuals and businesses appearing on the list below are recommended based upon industry credentials and a reputation for high quality customer service.   Where noted, the company or individual has been pre-approved to receive diamonds and jewelry for the purpose of ena... more
21 Feb 2012 02:04
Fire Up Your Hearts: A CUT ABOVE® Diamonds on the Scene   By all accounts Hearts on Fire* brand diamonds are beautiful. They are ideal cut for excellent light performance. As the market has become more educated about the importance of diamond cut quality there is much more demand for ideal cut diamonds. There are tons of diamonds in the market that have the potential for outstanding brilliance, fire and sparkle, but they are simply not cut as well as they could be. The reason- it costs more to cut ideal... more
How to Tell the Difference: Real Diamonds or Fake Diamonds   Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but just like best friends in real life, it’s important to know when they are fake. Just like you would want to know if your real-life BFF was talking about you behind your back, you definitely want to know if that stunning diamond necklace you are coveting is really just a glass imposter. So how do you tell real diamonds from simulated diamonds? Before you whip out that credit card to purchase yoursel... more
12 Mar 2012 04:08
Main Diamond Certification Institutions   The art of purchasing diamonds has changed dramatically over the past few decades. One thing just about all potential customers now know is the importance of buying a diamond that has been “certified”. Prior to 1953, diamonds were graded by the buyers and sellers, without a strict set of standards by which to compare them. One can only imagine the haggling and wrangling that must have accompanied most sales! These days there are many professional diamond... more
12 Mar 2012 04:26
Visual Diamond Brightness: What diamonds looks brighter?   There are several unique qualities that make diamond the King of Gems. Diamonds are rare and they are the extremely hard and durable. But it is their potential for extraordinary light performance that makes them so beautiful and desirable.   Cut quality and craftsmanship are the biggest factors in determining the light handling capabilities of diamonds in the middle to upper range of the color and clarity scales. Exceptionally well-cut diamond... more
Real Diamonds: How to check if a diamond is real?   A real diamond is rare and valuable. It is typically white and sparkly. Because people love them and pay big money to own them, there has been a major effort through the years to develop affordable diamond imitations. Some of the newer ones are so convincing that many frauds have been perpetrated with them. So how do you tell real diamonds from the imposters?   The first thing to understand is that before you spend good money for a “diamond&rdq... more
15 Mar 2012 03:11
Is it possible to save money on diamonds? These days, it seems like no one buys anything for full price anymore. Between flash sales on sites like Gilt, and group discounts through clubs like Groupon and LivingSocial, you can get everything from a day at the spa to a gourmet dinner to a pair of designer boots at a dramatic discount. So if you are in the process of buying a diamond, you may be wondering if it is possible to get a steep discount on a diamond too.     The short answer is yes, but not ... more
16 Mar 2012 03:59
The Rough Diamonds The thought of diamonds usually evokes ideas of necklaces, earrings, rings and other brilliant jewelry glittering and scintillating to the eye. However, it takes a very long time to get diamonds ready to be set in such exquisite designs. The building block to all of this is a rough diamond – and rough diamonds take an amazing journey to end up around someone’s neck, wrist or finger.   A rough diamond is one that is uncut and unpolished. Uncut rough diamonds are sourced from th... more
26 Mar 2012 02:06
Diamond Light Return - Is maximization really the answer? It may be bit counterintuitive but the answer is “not really”! On the one hand it seems obvious that the more light returning to the eye, the more eye-catching and impressive a diamond would be. But gem diamonds are complicated little wonders, and what makes them truly dazzling is a combination of performance traits. Total light return is one factor and is the engine of diamond performance. A diamond must have sufficient brightness to drive the... more
27 Mar 2012 04:16
Clarity Enhanced Diamonds – Does it Decrease Brilliance? Glamour round diamond photo When shopping for a diamond, different characteristics are important to different people. Most tend to focus on the “4 C’s”; cut, carat, color and clarity. Of these aspects, color and clarity are the most difficult to grade, which is why in 1953 the Gemological Institute of America developed a grading system for color... more
27 Mar 2012 04:40
Is Diamond the Hardest Substance in the World? Diamond in blue light Indeed, diamond is the hardest material in the world. Material hardness is a property determined by scratch resistance. A substance can only be scratched by something of equal or greater hardness. Therefore, only a diamond can scratch another diamond. Diamond sits at the top of the Mohs scale of hardness at number 10 as the hardest material. The Mohs scale rate... more
30 Mar 2012 03:31
150-Carat All-Diamond Ring Breaks Records Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend! Shawish Jewelers of Switzerland has just unveiled the world’s first diamond ring. For anyone who thinks that can’t possibly be true, that diamond rings have surely been around for centuries and practically every woman will own one at some point in her life, consider this: every other so-called “diamond ring” in the world is made of... more
09 Apr 2012 02:36
List of 15 most expensive items. Part 1   Diamond beauty Have you ever wondered what the most expensive items in the world might be? If you had all the money in the world, how could you spend thousands or even millions of dollars in a single purchase? We scoured the Guiness Book of World Records and the web for the 15 most expensive items of all time—with one rule. These items had to be simple, everyday objects that had been taken to a ridiculous, diamond-encrusted extreme. We’re not... more
09 Apr 2012 02:50
List of 15 most expensive items. Part 2   Diamond flower In the last installment of The World’s Most Expensive Everyday Objects, we talked about wedding dresses worth $12 million, Beyonce’s Cartier diamond pacifier baby gift, and a plate of sushi that comes with a side order of diamonds. Today, we are going to take a look at the only model car worth double what a real version of the same luxury car would cost, an iPhone only Steve Jobs could afford, and a Christmas tree that needs no gifts u... more
24 Apr 2012 02:29
Laboratory Graded Diamonds – What are the benefits for the consumer? *The following article is part of a series written in collaboration with the American Gem Society Laboratories. Special thanks to Alethea Inns, C.G., Director of Diamond Grading at AGSL for her technical contributions.   In the internet age consumers expect to know the details of their purchases more intimately- especially the significant ones. In-depth and comprehensive information is more accessible to the consumer today than ever... more
02 May 2012 02:20
Where Are The Main Diamond Sources? While locating and purchasing a diamond today is as easy as opening a webpage and clicking a button – the location of where the diamond came from is not usually considered. While we are all lucky to reap the benefits of diamond mining, sorting, grading, and international distribution – just where do they all come from? There are two primary diamond sources: the earth, which produces naturally formed diamonds, and laboratories which provide synthetic diamonds. ... more
02 May 2012 03:20
How Are Diamonds Transformed from Rough to Polished? There was a time when cutting rough diamonds was a rudimentary and very slow process of polishing a few strategic facets just to give the diamond a little flash and capture a little fire. Even the earliest cut and polished diamonds were pretty.   Rough Diamond Being Polished On Wheel But today, modern technology has give us tools to do amazing things in transforming rough d... more
02 May 2012 03:34
Why is Craftsmanship in Diamond Processing So Important? Rough diamond crystals are remarkably unremarkable. In their uncut state they possess no brilliance, no fire and are anything but scintillating! Without the craftsmanship of man, diamonds look no different than a piece of common quartz or a shard of broken glass.   But even the earliest diamond cutters, who were able to put just a few rudimentary facets on a diamond crystal, were able to begin to unlock the extraordinary beauty of the gem of gems. ... more
02 May 2012 04:41
What is a Diamond? Carbon Periodic Table Block The word diamond is derived from the Greek word adamas, meaning “unbreakable” or “indestructible”. The definition of diamond is “a pure or nearly pure, extremely hard form of carbon, naturally crystallized in the isometric system”. These carbon formations are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle, at the site of a meteorite strike, or in space... more
02 May 2012 04:56
How Are Diamonds Mined? Finding a diamond this day and age is easy: go online, head to the mall – and in some cases you can even find diamonds at the store you buy your groceries! But in this age of instant gratification we should take a moment and ask, “Just how did these diamonds end up in front of me?” The short answer is that they are created by time and pressure – and if they are naturally formed diamonds- they are mined. Diamond mining is a combination of art, science, engineering, a... more
03 May 2012 02:37
What is a Carat? If you are shopping for a diamond or diamond jewelry, most likely you have heard the word carat or karat thrown around quite a bit. The former refers to weight and the latter to purity. Each of these terms has its own distinct definition, although they are both derived from the same word. And both are very different from the common vegetable, the carrot, and the ^ symbol used in editing , the caret.   Carob  and Diamond o... more
03 May 2012 03:07
Local Jeweler or Online Jeweler? With the explosive growth of e-commerce in the last 10 years, there is not much that you can’t buy online today. But certain products seem to lend themselves to purchasing online, while others are more debatable. Diamonds and jewelry are items that most people would be naturally hesitant to purchase online, but a deeper look reveals a different picture. The local jeweler is being challenged like never before by online merchants. ... more
25 May 2012 05:02
Visual Proportion Analyzer – Free Software for Diamond Evaluation The following article was produced in collaboration with the AGSL.  Special thanks to Alethea Inns, Director of Diamond Grading, for her invaluable help.   In keeping with their mission of consumer protection and education the American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL) has just released a software program for evaluating cutting precision of the standard round brilliant diamond. And they have made this Visual Proportion Analyzer (VPA)... more
31 May 2012 04:47
How to Buy a Diamond on a Budget? Diamond. Budget. The two words don’t even seem to fit together—the most extravagant object on Earth, the symbol of opulence and luxury, together with an attempt to limit spending. But if you are trying to get engaged without blowing through your life savings and racking up credit card debt, you may find yourself in the seemingly impossible position of trying to buy a diamond on a budget. With a little information and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can buy a diamond o... more
25 Jun 2012 02:21
Diamond Laboratory Process - Basic Functions and Procedures Diamond Grading - The AGSL Way (part two) (The following article was written in collaboration with the American Gem Society Laboratories. Special thanks to Dennis Mette, Operations Director of AGSL, for his invaluable cooperation)   Many consumers are curious about the journey that a diamond takes in acquiring laboratory certification. We place great value on the report that specifies the diamond’s identity and grading of the 4cs, but we se... more
12 Jul 2012 04:12
Diamond Prices: Comparison, Statistics, Education Diamond prices are determined largely by supply and demand with some interesting additional forces at play. Diamonds are a global commodity with commercially viable mining sources ranging from South America to Africa and from Siberia to Canada. Australia is now a major producer as well. Gem diamonds are in demand in developed countries worldwide. Until fairly recently the supply of diamonds to the market was primarily under control of one company, DeBeers. The same... more
10 Aug 2012 04:29
AGS Laboratories - Color Grading of Diamonds Diamond Grading - The AGSL Way (part three) *The following article is part of a series written in collaboration with the American Gem Society Laboratories. Special thanks to Alethea Inns, C.G., Director of Diamond Grading at AGSL for her technical contributions.   A diamond’s color (or lack thereof) is a critical aspect in determining its market value. Grading the color is therefore a crucial part of the laboratory certification process. The followi... more
10 Aug 2012 07:21
Certified Diamonds vs Non-Certified Diamonds Certified Diamond - Asscher Cut The term “certified diamonds” refers to polished diamonds that have undergone quality analysis by a trusted gemological laboratory such as the AGSL (American Gem Society Laboratories) or GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and have been issued a lab report, commonly referred to as a “certificate”. The m... more
13 Aug 2012 02:54
Diamond with e-report: Is it worth buying? The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) earlier this year began offering a new, all digital diamond grading report known as the e-report. It features the same grading of the 4c’s done on a full report with the exception of a stone plot of the clarity characteristics. One of the highlights of this new diamond report is the inclusion of an actual photo of the diamond in face up view. It is also environmentally friendly as it involves no printed document or mailing... more
21 Aug 2012 08:33
Heart Diamonds Heart Shape Diamond The term “heart diamonds” can sometimes mean different things. It often refers to the shape of a polished diamond – the heart shape diamond.   But someone using the term heart diamonds may actually be referring to a certain aspect of round diamonds cut to a very high degree of optical symmetry. Hearts and arrows diamonds are round brilliant sh... more
21 Aug 2012 08:57
Most Famous Books about Diamonds Confucius said “you cannot open a book without learning something”. There are books in every language about virtually every possible topic you can think of, including diamonds. Although it’s hard to capture the beauty of a diamond in mere words, countless efforts have been made. There are books about diamonds in almost every language and they cover all aspects of these amazing gemstones, which hold a fascination the world over. There is a certain mystique about th... more
07 Sep 2012 07:04
Why are there so few Ideal Cut Princess Diamonds on the market? The short answer is because GIA has elected not to put an overall cut grade on princess cut diamonds, as they do for rounds. While GIA reports on princess cuts (modified square brilliant) do contain aspects of cutting- polish and symmetry- this does not begin to tell the story of light performance. In terms of fire, brilliance and sparkle, there is a huge difference between mediocre princess cuts and ideal cut princess diamonds.   The resu... more
07 Sep 2012 08:33
AGS vs GIA Arguably the two most important gem labs in the world are the GIA (Gemological Institute of America - Gem Trade Laboratory) and the AGSL (American Gem Society Laboratories). GIA is by far the best known lab in the world with facilities in most of the major trading centers in the world. AGS is small by comparison but extremely important, having made a name for itself as a pioneer in the critical area of diamond cut quality analysis. The discussion of AGS vs GIA reveals more similarities than difference... more
12 Sep 2012 02:14
How should I clean my diamonds? Remember the amazing sparkle and glow of your beautiful diamond jewelry the day you first received it? Hand lotions, cleaning products and every day wear can cause layers of grime to accumulate on diamonds and make them appear dull and lifeless. Although they are one of the hardest minerals on earth, diamonds are also magnets for dirt and grease. So if diamonds are your best friends, then treat them accordingly. It’s a good idea to clean a diamond on a regular basis so that ma... more
24 Sep 2012 07:04
Loose Diamonds on eBay. Buying diamonds on eBay – pros and cons When thinking about a purchase as significant as a diamond, most people would not consider eBay a safe choice. Of course caution is advised, but it is surprising how many consumers are buying jewelry, gemstones and even loose diamonds on eBay today. Whether fixed price listings or loose diamonds on auction, if you are considering buying diamonds on eBay there are a few things to keep in mind.   Find Your Diamond There are many reputable... more
04 Oct 2012 03:59
Diamonds Online - Foolish or Brilliant? Buying Diamonds Online Most “normal” people will tell you they would never consider buying a diamond engagement ring online. Yet some of them may be folks that eventually do just that! They will say that they would have to see, touch and feel it before ever committing to something as expensive and symbolically important as a diamond wedding ring. But i... more
09 Oct 2012 01:58
Best Place to Buy Certified Diamonds Online Can you buy loose diamonds online? In an era when you can seemingly buy anything from a car to a new wardrobe to a week’s worth of groceries over the Internet without stepping foot in a store, it is surprising that so many people are still skeptical about purchasing diamonds online.   True, the real sparkle of an ideal cut diamond can only be appreciated in person, and even the most dazzling diamond photography is never going to fully convey the brilliance o... more
09 Oct 2012 03:49
Top 10 Diamond Ring Websites   While some people are still hesitant to buy diamonds online, the quality and variety available on the top diamond websites is starting to rival and even overtake traditional in-store merchandise. Today, the top 10 diamond websites are a combination of online complements to traditional diamond jewelry designers along with some e-commerce specific companies. Some of the best diamond jewelry websites have even recently opened bricks and mortar showrooms to provide local customer... more
09 Oct 2012 06:16
Online or In-Store? Where to Buy Your Diamond Engagement Ring Is purchasing diamonds online safe? Can you get ripped off when buying engagement rings in a crowded, brightly-lit store? Is it better to give yourself a diamond education and make the choice yourself or to trust an experienced salesperson when buying engagement rings? Should you take engagement ring advice from friends and family or trust only a professional engagement ring buying guide?   Choose diamonds  Should you shop for a certified d... more
09 Oct 2012 06:51
Synthetic Diamonds - Are man made diamonds a concern for the market? Synthetic Diamonds In a word “yes”, but with some important qualifiers.   To begin, it is necessary to understand some basic terminology in order to avoid confusion. There have been imitation or simulated diamonds in the market as long as there have been cut and polished natural diamonds. The simulants include an expa... more
11 Oct 2012 04:15
What are diamonds made of?   Bright, brilliant, sparkling diamonds are considered by many to be the most beautiful natural creations on Earth. Many are priceless precious possessions that have brought immense joy to people for countless years. Ever wonder what exactly they are made of? Take a look at that gorgeous rock on your finger and then look at the lead tip at the end of a pencil. Believe it or not they are both formed from the same basic element, carbon. The difference (other than the obvious) is that... more
25 Oct 2012 06:44
What are Chocolate Diamonds?   Chocolate Diamonds Yummy, delicious chocolate - it’s hard for most of us to resist! Sparkling, brilliant diamonds – most of us want them because they are so beautiful and rare. Now pair the two together and you have the chocolate diamond! Many people are under the impression that these are new and possibly man-made pseudo-diamonds. Not so! Actually brown or chocolate diamonds have bee... more
29 Oct 2012 02:32
Diamond Buying Guide: How to Buy a 1 carat diamond Every diamond is unique, and every person who sets out to buy a diamond or diamond engagement ring is unique as well. Some diamond buyers have their hearts set on genuine hearts and arrows diamonds (ideal cut diamonds with a hearts and arrows pattern visible when viewed through a special viewer). Others are looking for a matching pair of ideal round cut diamonds for a pair of custom earrings. Some are looking for round shape diamonds, others for loose diamonds i... more
06 Nov 2012 01:51
Most Popular Diamond Jewelry in Houston      Whether you are looking for a funky pair of earrings to wear on vacation, a glamorous diamond bracelet for a black-tie affair, or simple stud earrings for everyday errands, you would be surprised to find out how easy it is to find jewelry and even engagement rings in Houston. Select Your Diamond  While Houston may not have an international reputation for fine jewelry shopping the way Los Angeles, New York, Paris and London do, it is still far... more
06 Nov 2012 03:16
Decided to buy diamond and setting separately? Pros and Cons There are many aspects to consider when shopping for an engagement ring. One of those is the decision of whether or not to buy your diamond and setting separately. What are the advantages of buying the diamond separate from the setting? What are the disadvantages? What will be the deciding factor for you? After all, this is going to be both an important and sentimental purchase that deserves serious consideration. And your intended will appreciate the th... more
06 Nov 2012 03:58
10 Diamond District Shopping DOs and DON’Ts Anyone who has every tried to shop for loose diamonds or an engagement ring in New York’s famed Diamond District knows that it can be overwhelming, frustrating and intimidating, as well as an amazing place to shop and browse in the most highly concentrated district of diamonds and diamond jewelry in the world. The Diamond District, occupying hardly more than one square block of space on 47th and 48th street in Manhattan, is home to a whopping 2,600 diamond a... more
29 Nov 2012 01:33
Diamond Fluorescence - Good or Bad? Diamond Fluorescence The answer is both… or neither. What is fluorescence in a diamond? When exposed to invisible ultraviolet (UV) light, many diamonds temporarily     luminesce, emitting visible light of different colors and different strengths. Sunlight and  indoor fluorescent lights  contain varying amounts of UV radiation. A significant percentage of... more
04 Dec 2012 04:03
Diamond Clarity Grading - The AGSL Way *The following article is part of a series written in collaboration with the American Gem Society Laboratories. Special thanks to Alethea Inns, C.G., Director of Diamond Grading at AGSL for her technical contributions.   Diamond clarity grading involves assessing how readily visible the inclusions are in a diamond and accounting for an extensive list of potential variables including the size, number, type, location and relief of its inclusions. At the America... more
14 Dec 2012 01:59
GIA Ex vs AGS Ideal Of the diamond “4 C’s”, diamond cut quality is considered by experts to be the most important. Defects in cut quality will result in diminished light performance. And after all, it is brilliance, fire and scintillation that make diamonds beautiful. Thus the debate between GIA Ex and AGS Ideal is one worth exploring. Select Your Diamond  GIA  and AGSL are the two most important gemological laboratories and both do cut quality analysis on diamonds. The American Gem S... more
18 Dec 2012 01:22
Is EGL certification as good as AGS or GIA? From a standpoint of accuracy and consistency, the consensus of the experts is that EGL certification is not as reliable as diamond certification done by AGS or GIA. As a result, diamonds marketed with EGL reports are significantly discounted relative to diamonds with reports from AGS Laboratories (AGSL) and GIA.   Diamond certification is part science and part practiced skill, but it is also a business. There appears to be a fundamental business reason that EGL r... more
03 Jan 2013 02:28
Diamond Buying Guide Diamond Buying Guide   Diamond Search – Tips and Advice If you are shopping for a diamond, (as you most likely are since you are reading this page!) here is some practical guidance that will help you in your quest. The first piece of advice that should appear on any good diamond buying guide is to decide on a budget. If you stay within your means it will help you to focus, and it will remove a lot o... more
18 Jan 2013 03:01
Round Brilliant or Princess - Selecting a Diamond Style   When it comes to diamond shapes, the two that stand out above the rest are the round brilliant cut and the square princess cut. Both are known for their eye catching sparkle and brilliance. The right one for you depends largely on personal taste and the different qualities of each that you find especially important.    Round or round brilliant cut diamonds are the most traditional cuts and continue to be the most prevalent in today&r... more
28 Jan 2013 02:27
Diamond Quality vs Quantity - Why the Bigger Diamond is Not Always Better   Buying a diamond for an engagement ring will probably be one of the most important purchases you ever make. Deciding if you want “bang for the buck” or higher diamond quality and less diamond carat weight depends largely on what matters most to the person who will be wearing the diamond. The majority of people try to find a “happy medium” between diamond quality and diamond carat size.   ... more
05 Feb 2013 04:06
Diamond Color Education - Diamond Color Guide   When gemologists and industry experts refer to diamond color in the normal range (D-Z), the rule of thumb is “less is more”. A diamond’s lack of color contributes to its rarity and value. That is why a certified diamond that is white or “colorless” will receive a better diamond color grade than one that has visible color. As you learn about diamond color, you will find that color in a loose diamond usually manifests itsel... more
07 Feb 2013 01:53
Most Popular Fancy Diamond Shapes Top Diamond Cuts   When selecting a diamond, the shape of the diamond itself is one of the most important considerations.   Each of the various diamond shapes and cuts have their own unique characteristics.  Like all jewelry and fashion items, the most popular diamond shapes can depend on current trends and fads.  Below I will describe the different diamond shapes you are most likely to encounter. But first a word about the shape that is identified m... more
27 Feb 2013 02:34
Princess Diamond – What to look for in a Princess Cut Diamond    “Once upon a time there lived a princess… “   Unlike the fairy tale princess, this one was born in the skilled hands of a diamond cutter sometime in the 1960’s. Since then, the princess diamond has gained royal status and is now second only to the round brilliant in popularity.  The Princess cut diamond  has a brilliant style facet arrangement on the pavilion, much like a round diam... more
04 Mar 2013 02:50
Houston Diamond Shoppers - Learn the best kept secret in town!   You won’t see giant billboards along the highway, nor are you likely to have your TV enjoyment interrupted by a distracting ad. But if you are in the market for a certified diamond or diamond engagement ring, you will want to know more about Whiteflash! You very well may end up joining a growing number of Houston diamond shoppers that have discovered this gem of a company. With a lovely new boutique style showroom in the... more
04 Mar 2013 03:14
How to Buy a Diamond - A Practical Diamond Guide The tiny but mighty diamond, and all that it represents, is amazing to behold. There is so much emotion associated with buying a diamond. What better way to say “I will love you forever”? What better way to wish a happy birthday, happy graduation, happy anniversary?   The joy in giving the gift of a diamond is only outweighed by the expression on your loved ones face when receiving it. But along with this joy, there may be a... more
06 Mar 2013 07:58
Online Diamond Shopping - Diamond Guide for the Internet Age   The thought of buying something as expensive as a diamond online is a scary proposition for most people. But for those who can get past that first impulse and explore the idea a little deeper, a brilliant new world begins to open up. And that new understanding can be very rewarding indeed! Online diamond buyers often get more beautiful and valuable diamonds for much less money than traditional shoppers. And, if done right, buying diamonds o... more
11 Mar 2013 04:00
Houston Diamond Retailers - Where to find the best price on certified diamonds in Houston   Houston, Texas is the largest city in the state of Texas and the fourth largest city in the entire United States.   And in Houston diamonds are where it’s at! Whether you are a native born Texan or just “got here as quick as you could”, it’s a pretty safe bet that there is a major shopping area somewhere very near you. And where there is shopping, there is usually jewelry.... more
12 Mar 2013 03:34
Diamond as an Investment - Is it a good idea?   Besides being an investment in the future happiness of a newly engaged bride or groom to be, questions are frequently asked about diamond as an investment. Are diamonds a good investment financially? There is not a clear cut answer to this question, but it is an intriguing one!  Like all investments, the results can be unpredictable. However, despite the volatile and erratic global market, the demand for diamonds remains strong throughout the wor... more
15 Mar 2013 03:45
Diamond Jewelry -  Houston Style!   Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States, and every possible commodity you would ever wish to purchase is available, including diamond jewelry. No matter what your taste and budget, there is likely a source very near you to meet your requirements. With such an abundance of commercial quality diamond jewelry, most Houston jewelry shoppers have no difficulty finding something pretty. But every now and then, we are blessed with a special occasio... more
18 Mar 2013 03:03
Diamond Sparkle - The Secrets of Scintillation   As soon as the first rudimentary facets were put on a diamond crystal, mankind became aware of the primary attribute that makes diamonds beautiful. They sparkle! And it can be an absolutely mesmerizing effect. But it was not until relatively recently that we have begun to understand what actually makes a diamond sparkle. And we have the AGS (American Gem Society) Laboratories to thank for it. Their advanced research has greatly &ldquo... more
01 Apr 2013 01:54
Diamond Cloud Inclusions - Impact on Diamond Sparkle   Diamond Sparkle The most spectacular diamonds are brilliant, fiery and dynamic. It is this great light performance that makes diamonds so beautiful and mesmerizing. The best diamonds almost seem to be alive, with personalities that change in response to each new lighting environment. On the other hand, nobody aspires to own a clou... more
01 Apr 2013 02:07
4 Carat Diamond   4 Carat Diamond Considering that the average diamond sold in an engagement ring nationally is a quarter of a carat (0.25 carat), a four carat diamond (4.00 carat) is obviously a very, very large diamond. Gem diamonds of this size are very rare, representing an almost incomprehensibly small percentage of all diamonds mined. It is estimated that only about 1 in a million ma... more
05 Apr 2013 04:53
Large Diamond - Important Diamond Listings   The market is full of diamonds. There are hundreds of sellers and hundreds of thousands of options for a buyer looking for a certified diamond. But the list of really special diamonds is relatively short. Diamonds combining very high color and clarity with ideal cut craftsmanship will always be in very limited supply and very high demand.  And a large diamond with these characteristics is that much more exclusive.   Here you will find... more
05 Apr 2013 05:14
The Super Ideal Diamond    Diamond CUT quality, the most important of the 4 C’s, has the greatest impact on diamond beauty. So it may be surprising that of all the diamonds in the market only a small percentage are cut particularly well!  And only a small percentage of those are cut to ideal standards. True “super ideal diamonds” are exceedingly rare. So, what distinguishes a super ideal from an ideal diamond and why does it matter?   This graphic represents a rou... more
25 Apr 2013 02:37
Whiteflash Ring and Jewelry Boxes “Good things come in small packages”. This is especially true when the package contains an exquisite diamond engagement ring, diamond pendant, earrings or any fabulous piece of diamond jewelry from Whiteflash. The ring and jewelry box is the first impression made, even before the treasure inside is unveiled. At Whiteflash, we understand the importance of the proper presentation. Our tasteful and elegant packaging sets the stage for the excitement of... more
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