The 4 C's
of Diamonds
you should know
One of the most sought-after materials on earth is also the hardest naturally occurring substance on earth.
And you can own it!
Carat
Diamonds are weighed in carats, each the equivalent of 200mg. A 1 carat round diamond has a diameter of approx. 6.5mm, depending upon cut. A 2 carat round diamond's diameter is approx. 8mm, depending upon cut.
Clarity
Diamonds with less internal markings (inclusions) boast a higher clarity than stones which inclusions are visible to the naked eye. Grades are: Flawless & Internally Flawless (FL-IF); Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1-VVS2); Very Slightly Included (VS1-VS2), Slightly Included (SI1-SI2); Included (I1-I2-I3)
Color
Grade D, the top color grade, is considered colorless, as are E & F. Colors ranging from G - J are graded as Near Colorless. K through M are Faint Yellow. N - R are Very Light Yellow, and S - Z are Light Yellow.
Cut
Cut is the alignment of facets and angles, which affects how a stone will disperse & refract light. A well cut diamond presents an amazing sparkle! Therefore, cut is a critical element, since stones with an inferior cut can appear dull and unlively. A GIA certification will precisely identify a stone's cut specifications.
—almost indistinguishable
Lab-grown
Diamonds
Research the many reasons you might consider,
and be more content with, lab grown diamonds.
Could you tell the difference?
At Rainier Designs, our enthusiastic support of lab grown is based upon experience!
Our Director owned the first retail store in the world to sell lab grown diamonds. The stone's brand, then called, Moissanite, rapidly gained world wide attention from notable industry magazines and public media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, which provided a feature article. To test the stone's validity, our team acquired appraisals from top jeweler's and numerous pawn shops, and since Moissanite tested positive as diamond on all diamond testing equipment, the stone was never appraised as anything other than its more expensive, almost undetectable likeness!
Our recommendations for considering lab grown as a diamond alternative are many:
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You likely can't tell the difference, so neither can your friends
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Considerably less expensive
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Often comes with a warranty
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Less worrisome if lost
Lab created
colored gemstones
Gemstones can be grown in a lab using the same elements earth uses to produce natural stones. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) states that lab grown gemstones, "share virtually all chemical, optical, and physical characteristics of its natural mineral counterpart." Chatham claims that, "unless you’re a certified gemologist with a powerful microscope, you won’t be able to tell the difference between Chatham-created and mined gemstones." Lab grown, therefore, is an outstanding source for being able to enjoy the beauty and luxury of natural stones, without the higher price.
Metal Options
Yellow Gold is a blend of pure gold mixed and other metals. Varying proportions of pure gold and metals are what constitutes the final products karat. For example, 18k gold is 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. More pure gold content will provide a softer metal.
White Gold has a composition of 75% pure gold and 25% zinc and nickel. Most new whilte gold jewelry is plated in rhodium, which substance soon wears off, leaving a somewhat worn finish.
Rose Gold derives from combining pure gold with copper and silver. It wears well due to the durability factor of copper.
Platinum is a silvery looking precious metal which when used in jewelry, is known for its purity and durability. It has gained popularity in spite of a higher price tag. Once the new jewelry initial sheen has become worn, platinum will appear and dull. Resizing of platinum rings is considerably more expensive as well.
Choice of metal in jewelry is a personal choice based upon aesthetic appeal and wisdom. For example, while a higher karat gold may appear more beautiful to some, its softness might limit its consideration as an everyday ring.
