April 23, 2010
Bad Stuff!
There’s some really bad stuff on the Internet. Today, I read a blog about a diamond, found in Arkansas in 1999, which received the first “PERFECT” grade from the American Gem Society. Ughhhh! In the American Gem Society Diamond Grading Standards, it is unethical to use the word “Perfect” to describe a diamond. Ummmmmmm
Another blog mentioned the writer having a Certified Gemologist title – when in fact, he or she had only achieved a Graduate Gemologist Diploma from the GIA. Only a member of the American Gem Society can earn and advertise the title of Certified Gemologist. And, in order to be an individual member, you must be employed by a member firm. And, you must successfully complete an annual recertification exam.
This isn’t a social club – the American Gem Society has been around since 1934. A jeweler doesn’t join; they must earn membership and be elected. That’s GOOD STUFF! …Dii
December 9, 2009
Those Baby Blues
Courtesy of AGTA
All three December birthstones are shades of blue – interesting. Let’s begin with tanzanite. This variety of the mineral, zoisite, is a velvety bluish violet; sometimes it’s more blue than violet. Which color is more valuable? Some say the blue; some say the bluish violet. I say, buy what you like – and don’t let anyone tell you to pay more because it’s one or the other!
The color – whether more blue or violet – is very important. The lighter tones are less costly because there are more light tanzanites than dark ones! But, when the gemstone is too dark, you can lose the velvety look and rich appeal of the color.
Keep in mind too, if purchasing a loose gemstone for mounting in a custom piece; the tanzanite will appear darker after setting it. Look at the gemstone on the back of your hand, rested between your fingers. This may give you a better idea of its color after mounting it. Oh baby! …Dii
June 19, 2009
Seeing Is Believing
Diamond characteristics shouldn’t be thought of as flaws. When a diamond is cut to retain weight with no regard to beauty, I call that a flaw – a cutter’s flaw – or poor workmanship. Nature’s marks are documentation of the diamond’s history – and that history goes back thousands of years and miles below the earth’s surface. I call that fascinating.
Previously, I mentioned the girdle of the diamond could be laser inscribed to help identify it. Without a laser inscription, the girdle is still a good place to look for one of nature’s marks – called a natural. This is part of the original surface of the diamond rough, left on the diamond by the cutter. As long as it doesn’t distort the outline of the diamond, it’s really a mark of the cutter’s expertise. And, it’s a mark that you can see with a microscope and your jeweler can document for you on a report. In fact, some jewelers have the ability to take a picture of it for you! How neat is that!?
Another common characteristic is a crystal – another mineral that is trapped inside the diamond during its formation. Geologists have identified garnet, peridot, and ruby inside of diamond! (Other minerals too) What you won’t find is the notorious “carbon spot”. Although diamond is carbon, and a crystal might be black, it won’t be carbon. (FYI) You can locate and identify a single crystal or several. They will be unique to your diamond.
One other common characteristic is a feather – a break in the diamond. This sounds both ominous and humorous. It’s sounds better than fracture (which it could be) or calling it a cleavage (which could be confusing), and may not always be accurate. So, years ago, the term feather was introduced. (FYI – some diamond graders use the term, gletz).
Some feathers actually can take on the likeness of a dancer – or a star – or other imaginary figures. Whatever they may look like to you, they are unique to your diamond. And, usually only found with the aid of a microscope. (Unless you have a lower clarity diamond).
The inside world of diamonds – fascinating, useful, and unique. Let’s go shopping!!
Next week, just what is a sale price? …Dii
June 17, 2009
Beam Me Up Scotty!
Laser technology began in the 70’s with barcodes and scanners to read them. We now have compact discs (CDs), laser pointers, laser printers, laser surgery, and laser light shows. For diamonds, we use laser technology to inscribe numbers, letters, or logos on the girdle. The girdle is the setting edge of a diamond – which can be bruted, polished, or faceted.
The girdle is a thin edge – if it’s too thick, it’s difficult to set the diamond and other problems can develop (but that’s another post). I mention the size only to amaze you that man can print a message on it. If you are purchasing an engagement diamond, you can have the date of your wedding and “I LOVE YOU” or some such message.
Some diamonds, that have been graded by a professional grading laboratory, have a number inscribed on the girdle. This number corresponds to the number on the grading report. This can be helpful for identifying your diamond – in case of a loss – or that it matches the report – or that your diamond is delivered to you after a cleaning or repair.
It takes magnification to see it – and it doesn’t affect the clarity of the diamond – so your jeweler can show it to you with their microscope. They don’t have a microscope? You can struggle with an eye loupe, or find a jeweler with a microscope. This number can put your mind at ease.
Can it be polished off? Yes, but not with the type of polishing equipment in a repair shop. Those polishing machines are for metal – it takes a diamond to polish a diamond, along with a skilled cutter who knows what he’s doing. They aren’t easily found in every town! Then, it would take a special laser machine to put a number back on the girdle. I think you can feel confident it’s your diamond!
Your diamond doesn’t have a laser inscription? There are other ways to know your diamond. Tomorrow – the inside story. …Dii
