- The History of Diamonds
- How Diamonds are formed
- Diamond facts
- How to buy a diamond – 4C’s
- What makes a diamond special?
- Diamond certificates
- How to price a diamond
- Diamond shapes
- Diamond cuts
- Caring for your diamond
- Choosing an engagement ring setting
The History of Diamonds
It should come as no surprise that Des Moines was not the first culture to be lured by the hypnotic spell the diamond casts. Consider the ancient Greeks and Romans who believed diamonds were tears of the Gods and splinters from falling stars. Then, there were the Hindus, who attributed so much power to these precious stones they went so far as to place diamonds in the eyes of some of their statues.
The Power of Diamonds
Not only was it believed that diamonds could bring luck and success, but also that they could counter the effects of astrological events. There were many that wore diamonds as charms believing in their ability to heighten sexual prowess and attract others. Plato even wrote about diamonds as living beings, embodying celestial spirits.
Through the centuries, rings have perpetuated the talismanic role of the diamond. In the Middle Ages and Renaissance period, every ring that was set with a precious stone was considered not so much a piece of jewelry than an amulet that conveyed magical powers like fearlessness and invincibility upon the wearer. This myth laid the groundwork for monarchs to begin wearing diamonds as symbols of power.
Today, diamonds continue to hold a deep fascination as the world’s ultimate symbol of love. The diamond’s rarity and natural beauty have contributed to making it such an extraordinary and magical gift. Furthermore, the timeless history of each diamond makes it the most meaningful and powerful way to symbolize eternal love.
How Diamonds are formed
Billions of years in the making
What many people don’t know about diamonds is that they were formed under immense heat and pressure hundreds of miles below sea level when diamond-bearing ore was brought to the surface through volcanic eruption. After the magma cooled, it solidified into blue ground, or kimberlite, where precious rough diamonds are still found today. Rated 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, diamonds are the hardest substances on earth, but their appeal goes far beyond durability.
Adding to the mystery and aura of what make diamonds so sought-after, approximately 250 tons of ore must be mined and processed in order to produce a single, one-carat, polished, gem-quality diamond.
Mining and cutting
It was over 4,000 years ago that the first diamonds were mined in India. Modern mining, as we know it today, began in South Africa in the late 19th century. Today, the top seven diamond-producing countries, accounting for 80 percent of the world’s rough diamond supply, are Botswana, Russia, South Africa, Angola, Namibia, Australia and Zaire.
Diamond facts
- Every diamond is immensely old, formed long before dinosaurs roamed the earth. The youngest diamond is 900 million years old, and the oldest is 3.2 billion years old.
- Every diamond is unique; no two are alike.
- The very word 'diamond' comes from the Greek term adamas meaning unconquerable.
- Diamonds exist in many colors, the rarest of all being red.
- Each stone loses, on average, more than half its original weight during cutting and polishing.
- The word 'carat' comes from the carob tree whose seed was used as the standard of weighing precious stones.
- Less than 5% of all the diamonds made into jewelry are larger than one carat.
How to buy a diamond – 4C’s
There are four factors that determine the value of a diamond, collectively known as the four C’s. The combination of the four C’s determines each diamond’s value. Master these important facts, and you’ll be prepared to make your purchase.
Carat
This word for the measurement of a diamond’s weight is derived from the carob seeds that were used to balance scales in ancient times. A carat is equal to 200 milligrams, and there are 142 carats to an ounce. Carats are further divided into points. There are 100 points in a carat. A half-carat diamond may be referred to as a 50-point stone (about 100 milligrams). Because large diamonds are rare, they generally have a greater value per carat.
Color
Diamonds come in every color of the spectrum, but the most popular gems are colorless. Truly colorless, icy-white diamonds are extremely rare and, therefore, most costly. Stones are graded by color and given designations dependent on how far they deviate from the purist white. Colorless stones are graded D. Color grading continues down through the alphabet, with each letter designating a more yellow tint. The best way to see the true color of a diamond is by looking at it against a white surface. Although the majority of diamonds come in shades of white, the gems also come in a spectrum of majestic colors, from red and canary yellow to blue, green and brown. These colorful diamonds, known as fancies, are valued for their depth of color, just as white diamonds are valued for their lack of color.
Clarity
A diamond’s clarity is affected by any external irregularities and internal imperfections created by nature, also referred to as 'birthmarks', when the diamond was formed. Imperfections such as spots, bubbles or lines are called inclusions. Inclusions can interfere with the passage of light through the stone, diminishing the sparkle and value of the diamond. According to the quality analysis system of the Gemological Institute of America, clarity is graded on a scale ranging from flawless (FL or IF) to imperfect (I). To be graded flawless, a diamond must have no inclusions visible to a trained eye under a 10x magnification in good light.
Cut
Each diamond is cut according to an exact mathematical formula. The most common cut, the round brilliant, has 58 facets, or small, flat, polished planes designed to yield the maximum amount of light to be reflected back to the viewer. This reflection, known as brilliance, is an extremely important factor in evaluating the quality of a diamond. A poorly cut diamond will actually lose light and appear dull. The widest circumference of a diamond is known as the girdle. Above the girdle of a brilliant cut diamond are 32 facets plus the table, the largest and top most facet. Below the girdle are 24 facets plus the cutlet, or point. Cut is also used to describe the shape of a diamond. In addition to the round brilliant, other popular cuts include emerald, marquis, pear, oval and square (princess).
DIAMOND CUT GRADES |
||
| PGS GRADES | SPECIFICATIONS | GIA EQUIVALENT GRADES |
| TOP IDEAL CUT | Table % = 53-57% Crown Height % = 14-16.5% Crown Angle = 33.5 – 35.5 Pavilion Depth % = 42.5 – 44% Pavilion Angle = 40.5 – 41 Girdle Thickness = Thin to slightly tick Symmetry = At the least, very good to excellent |
EXCELLENT |
| IDEAL CUT | Table %= 53-57% Crown Height % = 14-16.5% Crown Angle = 33.5 – 35.5 Pavilion Depth % = 42.5 – 44% Pavilion Angle = 40.5 – 41 Girdle Thickness = Very thin to slightly thick Symmetry = At the least, good to very good |
EXCELLENT |
| PREMIUM CUT | Table %= 52-61% Crown Height % = 13-17.5% Crown Angle = 32.5 – 36.5 Pavilion Depth % = 42– 44.5% Pavilion Angle = 40-41.5 Girdle Thickness = Very thin to thick Symmetry = At the least, good to very good |
VERY GOOD |
| VERY GOOD CUT | VERY GOOD | |
| GOOD CUT | GOOD | |
| FAIR CUT | FAIR | |
| POOR CUT | POOR |
Cost
The 5th 'C' is cost. Why pay more and get less? No matter what shape or quality of diamond you choose, you should always get the best value possible. Our 'Exclusive' value guarantee coupled with our outstanding service & selection assures that you will always get your best deal at Chirstopher's Fine Jewelry.
What makes a diamond special?
Beauty – The colorless beauty and inner fire of the diamond has made this precious gem prized for centuries. Each stone’s complex characteristics cannot be duplicated, and no two diamonds can ever be the same. Each stone, like its owner, is endowed with a personality and character uniquely its own.
Durability – A diamond is the hardest substance known to man, making it resistant to deterioration. When cared for properly, diamond jewelry can be worn every day and passed on as an heirloom to the next generation.
Purity – Although new resources for diamonds are being explored and discovered, the supply of these gems remains limited. This is understandable once you learn that more than 250 tons of ore need to be blasted, crushed and processed to yield just one carat of polished, gem-quality diamond. Further, only 20 percent of all rough diamonds are suitable for gem cutting.
Diamond certificates
Diamond certificates, more accurately known as diamond grading reports, are commonly provided with the purchase of a significant piece of diamond jewelry such as a diamond Engagement Ring or a diamond Three Stone Ring. These reports are prepared by independent, certified gemologists from laboratories around the world and can help calculate the specific characteristics of your diamond (color, cut, clarity and carat weight, for example). There are several companies that grade diamonds such as PGS, GIA, EGL, & IGI
What's Included in a Diamond Grading Report?
A diamond grading report will commonly include a plotted diagram of your diamond and significant characteristics, including the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity and carat weight). The report will also describe the diamond’s shape, exact measurements, proportions and depth percentages as well as grade the polish and symmetry. It should also comment on the characteristics like fluorescence, raining, and any imperfections in the diamond. Please note: a grading report does not include an appraisal or any kind of statement of monetary worth of the diamond. Grading reports simply state the scientific facts of your diamond that can be evaluated by highly standardized criteria.
The best way to understand your diamond grading report is to schedule an appointment with Christopher’s Fine Jewelry. This way, they can explain to you each portion of the certificate while visually examining your diamond with you.
Benefits to Getting a Diamond Grading Report
Diamond grading reports assure you of the authenticity and quality of your diamond. As most consumers are not diamond experts, a certificate is an objective comparison. In addition, some insurance companies may require a grading report if you are planning to insure the diamond.
Does a Diamond Grading Report Increase the Value of My Diamond?
Certification of a diamond does not increase the value of your diamond. Certification is only a safeguard for the consumer as it is affirmation of your diamond’s authenticity and specific characteristics. Since each diamond is unique, a certificate will help you identify the special characteristics of your diamond.
How to price a diamond
Many people are confused as to how the 4Cs affect the price of diamonds. The best explanation is that asking for the price of a diamond is like asking for the price of a house. A real estate agent can’t quote you a price for a house without knowing its size, condition, location, etc. This is true for a diamond as well. Specific preferences in cut, clarity, carat and color will affect a diamond’s price.
When you begin searching for a diamond, it is helpful if you have an idea of those characteristics that are most important to you. If you were buying a house you might specify to your realtor that you want a 3-bedroom house with 1 ½ baths. Or you may opt for a house with a large living room and a 2-car garage. The cost of the two houses may be equal but the parameters vary.
The process is the same one used when buying a diamond. A diamond’s beauty, rarity, and price depend on the interplay of all the 4Cs – cut, clarity, carat and color. The more rare the diamond’s characteristics the higher the price it demands.
No one C is more important that another in terms of beauty and it is important to note that each of the 4Cs will not diminish in value over time unless damaged by an accident.
Once you have established those 4C characteristics that are most important to you, Christopher’s can then begin to show you various Des Moines diamonds options with quoted prices.
Diamond shapes
There is nothing a woman will wear that is closer to her heart than her diamond engagement ring, the sign of eternal love. It becomes a part of her from the moment she slips it on, so time and thought should go into choosing each element of it.
The diamond’s lasting history symbolizes the couple’s unending love; the shape of the stone should symbolize other aspects of your relationship and style. Unless there is a specific setting that you’ve fallen in love with, it is probably best to start narrowing down your choices by thinking about the shape of the diamond you prefer.
Generally speaking there are eight principal diamond shapes: Round, Marquise, Emerald, Princess, Pear, Oval, Heart, and Radiant.
Most Common Diamond Shapes
Diamond cuts
Cut and cutting style work in harmony to create a diamond's brilliance. Cutting style is categorized into three basic types: step-cut, brilliant-cut and mixed-cut.
The difference between these three types is the number of facets in each cut. A facet is an edge that is cut into a diamond. A 58-faceted diamond will have 58 edges or planes cut and polished into it.
The Step-Cut has rows of facets that resemble the steps of a staircase and are usually four-sided and elongated. The Emerald and Baguette cuts are examples of the step cut. The Baguette is a rectangular-shaped diamond with rows of step-like facets. If the baguette’s two long sides taper inward, it is called a Tapered baguette.
The most common Brilliant-Cut is round, but it can also be heart, oval, marquise, and pear. All Brilliants have 58 facets and are admired for their fire and sparkle.
The Mixed-Cut has both Step and Brilliant cut facets. In the last 20 years, Mixed-cuts featuring Step-cutting on the crown and Brilliant-cutting on the pavilion have become quite popular. Mixed cuts combine the beauty of the Emerald-cut with the sparkle of the Brilliant-cut.
Here are some common names for Mixed-cuts:
Radiant: A rectangular or square shaped diamond with Step and Scissor-cut on the crown and a Brilliant-cut on the pavilion
Barion: This was the first Brilliant square cut introduced on the market. It has a traditional Step-cut crown and a modified Brilliant-cut pavilion. It has 62 facets
Princess: A square or sometimes rectangular-shaped diamond with 49-50 facets. Princess-cuts are sometimes channel set, creating a solid line of brilliance along a mounting.
Caring for your diamond
Diamonds may be the hardest substance known to man, but they can still be damaged or dulled. Your Des Moines diamond jewelry will benefit from the following tips:
- Don’t jumble your jewelry around together or with other pieces, because diamonds can scratch other jewelry and each other.
- Keep your diamond jewelry in a fabric-lined jewelry case or in a box with compartments or dividers.
- Don’t wear your diamonds when doing rough work. Even though a diamond is durable, it can be chipped by a hard blow.
- Clean your diamonds regularly using either commercial jewelry cleaner, a mix or ammonia and water, or mild detergent. Dip the jewelry into the solution, and use a soft brush to dislodge dust or dirt from under the setting.
- Don’t let your diamond come into contact with chlorine bleach or other chemicals, because they can pit or discolor the mounting.
Christopher’s offers free prong and stone inspection and free ultra-sonic cleaning on all Des Moines diamond purchases.
Choosing an engagement ring setting
After you have chosen a diamond it’s time to choose and engagement ring setting. Choosing an engagement ring is one of the most exciting and special times of your life. Christopher’s understands this and takes special care with each customer to help them select the perfect setting that enhances the beauty of their Des Moines diamond and also reflects their unique personality and taste. Here is some information that will assist you in choosing a setting that’s right for you.
10k Gold
10k gold is 41.7% pure gold.
14k Gold
14k gold is 58.5% pure gold and settings are normally yellow or white. Occasionally 14k jewelry is alloyed to give it a pink or green color. Since gold is naturally deep yellow in color, white gold jewelry has alloys added, such as nickel, to give it the white color which will usually develop a yellow cast after it is worn awhile. White gold settings are usually rhodium plated at the factory to prolong their bright white look. If a setting does develop a yellow cast, it can easily be rhodium plated again at any time at a minimal cost.
18k Gold
18k gold is 75% pure gold and settings are normally yellow or white. Like 14k white gold, 18k white gold is prone to developing a yellow cast after some wear but can also be rhodium plated at any time. 18k yellow gold has a richer color than 14k because of its higher gold content. One thing to consider when buying an 18k setting is that it is a softer metal than 14k and may wear a little faster over the years.
Platinum
There is no other metal in the world like platinum. It is 35 times more rare than gold even though platinum bullion trades at roughly only twice the price of gold. Because it is a very difficult metal to fabricate, platinum jewelry costs considerably more than gold.
One of the unique qualities of platinum is that it is a very dense metal and almost never looses its volume from wear and scratching. When a piece of jewelry is subjected to wear, the metal is displaced on the piece but not lost. The disadvantage of this is that platinum does not maintain a polish very well and often has a dull appearance. However, platinum can be polished to a bright shine when desired at a minimal cost.
Palladium
Discovered in 1803 by William Hyde Wollaston, Palladium is named after the Greek Goddess Pallas. She is the Goddess of Wisdom, the Arts and the embodiment of Purity and Strength.
Palladium is:
- Pure
- Rare
- Precious
- Lasting
Palladium is a noble metal from which fine jewelry is fashioned using a 950 alloy.
Palladium 950 is equivalent to the purity of Platinum 950. Both alloys are 95% pure metal – far purer than 18k gold with a 75% purity, or 14k gold with a 58.5% purity.
More precious than gold and just as scarce as platinum, Palladium's rarity creates an aura of luxury and purity.
Palladium and platinum are found together in nature in very limited regions in the world. A truly precious metal, Palladium exemplifies everything you would expect of life of love.
Palladium has a natural white luster that creates the perfect setting to enhance the beauty of diamonds and gemstones set within.
NATURALLY WHITE
Palladium is easy to maintain and it naturally retains its white brilliance, never yellowing, tarnishing or becoming dull. Palladium is strong and durable making it ideal to hold the most precious gemstones, and withstand the test of time.
NATURALLY HYPOALLERGENIC
Palladium is naturally hypoallergenic and Palladium 950 does not contain skin irritants, nickel and cobalt.Invisible Set Mountings
Invisible set mountings consist of precision cut princess diamonds tightly assembled over an intricate undercarriage of gold or platinum. This type of mounting exhibits exceptional beauty because the brilliance of the diamond is not impaired by prongs. When looking at invisible set mountings, it is very important to buy one that has a warranty against stone loss. Every invisible set mounting that Christopher’s sells comes with a lifetime warranty!
Other Types Of Mountings
Christopher's carries a vast inventory of Des Moines diamond engagement rings of all different types. All our mountings are top quality and come with a lifetime warranty against any manufacturing defects. If we don’t have the mounting you are looking for, we have hundreds of styles to choose from in catalogs from various reputable manufacturers. There is no additional cost to the customer when ordering from the catalogs unless there is a rush on the order. Standard delivery time, in most cases, is usually within a week or two. We can also custom design a setting that fits your unique style and personality.
Ladies Wedding Bands
If you are looking for a wedding band to go with your engagement ring, Christopher's has a great selection of wedding bands including plain and fancy bands and diamond bands of all types. We can also custom make any design of wedding band that you wish.
Gents Wedding Bands
When you’re looking for a gent’s ring, Christopher’s carries an excellent selection of gold, platinum, Tungsten Carbide, and titanium wedding bands. You can choose from comfort bands to designer two-tone bands and fancy bands with round or princess cut diamonds. Again, if Christopher’s does not have in stock what you’re looking for, you can choose one from hundreds of styles in catalogs or have one custom made just for you. Here are some basic types of bands.
Comfort Fit Bands
A comfort band is a heavy gold band that is rounded on the inside as well as the outside. Besides everlasting durability, the comfort fit band is very comfortable to wear as it provides little friction on the finger. All are available in 14k, 18k, and platinum and in many millimeter widths.
Platinum Bands
One of the unique qualities of platinum is that it is a very dense metal and almost never looses its volume from wear and scratching. When a piece of jewelry is subjected to wear, the metal is displaced on the piece but not lost. The disadvantage of this is that platinum does not maintain a polish very well and often has a dull appearance. However, platinum can be polished to a bright shine when desired at a minimal cost.
Christopher's sells ladies and gents comfort fit platinum wedding bands in all widths and finger sizes.
Palladium
Discovered in 1803 by William Hyde Wollaston, Palladium is named after the Greek Goddess Pallas. She is the Goddess of Wisdom, the Arts and the embodiment of Purity and Strength.
Palladium is:
- Pure
- Rare
- Precious
- Lasting
Palladium is a noble metal from which fine jewelry is fashioned using a 950 alloy.
Palladium 950 is equivalent to the purity of Platinum 950. Both alloys are 95% pure metal – far purer than 18k gold with a 75% purity, or 14k gold with a 58.5% purity.
More precious than gold and just as scarce as platinum, Palladium's rarity creates an aura of luxury and purity.
Palladium and platinum are found together in nature in very limited regions in the world. A truly precious metal, Palladium exemplifies everything you would expect of life of love.
Palladium has a natural white luster that creates the perfect setting to enhance the beauty of diamonds and gemstones set within.
NATURALLY WHITE
Palladium is easy to maintain and it naturally retains its white brilliance, never yellowing, tarnishing or becoming dull. Palladium is strong and durable making it ideal to hold the most precious gemstones, and withstand the test of time.
NATURALLY HYPOALLERGENIC
Palladium is naturally hypoallergenic and Palladium 950 does not contain skin irritants, nickel and cobalt.
Tungsten Carbide Rings
What Makes Tungsten Carbide Special?
- It is the most wear resistant ring available.
- It is indestructible and scratch proof, which results in a permanent polish (maintains its finish).
- It is a ceramic metal.
- It is an 8-9 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it 4x harder than titanium.
- In the event of an emergency, a Tungsten Carbide ring can be removed by a medical professional.
- Rings with gold, silver, platinum or mokume gane inlays are available. (Mokume gane is the result of heating layers of gold or silver with other metals and then manipulating them to make unique patterns).
What are the Differences between Tungsten and Tungsten Carbide Rings?
Although many rings claim to be Tungsten Carbide, they do not contain carbide in them. Tungsten alone is basically steel, which is very hard, but not scratch proof. Tungsten Carbide rings, however, are scratch proof. The only element that can scratch these rings is corundum.
Why is a Cobalt Free Ring Advantageous?
Cobalt is easily accessible and is common in rings. Cobalt reacts to skin by creating oxidation spots that cannot be removed from the ring. A cobalt free ring will eliminate this problem.
Life-Time Warranty policy from the Manufacturer that we use:
- If a Tungsten Carbide ring should ever fail structurally, it will be replaced at no cost. (Shipping and handling not included)
- They will replace any ring removed in a medical emergency.
- Lifetime finger sizing policy-if a customer happens to lose or gain weight, we cannot re-size the ring, but the manufacturer we use will replace the ring with the new size. Costs cover a new inlay in a different finger size, along with all refurbishing and finishing work provided. Call for costs.
- Warranty Voids occur when these take place: ultrasonic cleaning, steaming, engraving, and any signs of abuse. (See Care and Cleaning Section for more details).
Care and Cleaning
- To clean, simply wipe away oil and dirt with a soft cloth.
- DO NOT:
- Place in an ultra-sonic cleaner
- Steam
- Engrave
- Solder
- Size
- Polish
- Doing any of the above will void the warranty.
Titanium Wedding Bands
Titanium wedding bands come in a large variety of styles, widths and finger sizes. Titanium has advantages over gold such as everlasting durability is fairly inexpensive and is hypoallergenic. One important factor to consider when buying titanium is if you were ever in an accident and your ring finger began to swell, the band may be difficult remove in time to avert permanent damage to your finger or amputation.
Designer Bands
Christopher's carries and has available the best selections anywhere of designer bands. These high quality bands come is styles with two-tone woven looks, intricate diamond cutting and a vast array of other designs all available in 14k, 18k and platinum.
Links
Insurance Appraisals
Christopher’s offers a free appraisal with any piece of Des Moines diamond jewelry purchased over $500 at Christopher’s Fine Jewelry. The appraisal contains all pertinent technical information and a photograph.
Insure Your Diamond Jewelry
Ever lost a piece of diamond jewelry or had a piece of diamond jewelry stolen? For added protection, you may want to consider insuring your diamond jewelry, especially pieces like your Diamond Engagement Ring or Three Stone Ring, which have high emotional and financial value.
To understand how to insure your diamond, talk to your insurance agent to discuss your options for adding diamonds to your existing homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Many insurance companies allow you to itemize your jewelry within your policy. Be sure to read the fine print, as some policies limit the value for jewelry line items.
Christopher’s Value Guarantee
Christopher’s is known for its competitive prices and quality products. Nearly every jewelry store states that they have the best values but only at Christopher’s Fine Jewelry will you find it in writing with our exclusive Value Guarantee!
Christopher’s Value Guarantee states that any in-stock jewelry item sold will appraise for at least 50% more than it’s original selling price. For example: If you purchase an item for $500, Christopher’s guarantees that a retail appraisal from any retail jeweler will be at least $750 or your money back within 10 days of purchase. Item must be in new-original condition and be accompanied by sales receipt and appraisal.