Ready for a stunning surprise? Put a gemstone under a high-powered microscope, and you’ll see a world of breathtaking beauty.

GIA researchers explore this hidden universe by photographing gemstones at magnifications up to 1,000 times larger than what the unaided eye can see. Called photomicrography, this technique is used to capture the internal gemological characteristics that are revealed under the microscope. These characteristics can help gemologists determine if a gemstone is natural, synthetic, or treated.

The night sky lit up by shooting stars?

Photomicrography has another benefit. Gemstones are geologic time capsules, and by documenting their inclusions (microscopic characteristics enclosed within a gem), researchers can study the environment in which it grew. Sometimes scientists can use this information to help them provide an opinion  from where a gem originated. That’s important information because in some cases the same species of gemstone can sell for dramatically different prices depending on the country from which it was mined.

GIA researchers continue to use photomicrography to advance the science of gemology. The images in this blog are just a sampling of some of the stunning beauty that is revealed…modern art or microscopic science?

Trigons on Diamond. Magnification 200x

On this rough diamond from Wyoming, trigons, which are triangular indented growth marks on the surface, appear as colliding tectonic plates pushing pyramidal shapes into the sky – or so it seems to the imagination.

Apatite with Hematite Discs. Magnification 200x

Life begins as a cell divides is our imaginative interpretation of hematite discs in apatite from Mexico

Negative Crystal in Quartz. Magnification 50x.

A blue crystal that appears to be floating.  This is the illusion made by this petroleum-filled negative crystal in quartz from Pakistan. A negative crystal is an angular void within a gem that is sometimes filled with a liquid, solid, gas or combination of these three phases.

Fire agate. Magnification 25x

Imagine the canyons of New Mexico at sunset, but instead of being painted in desert hues it shimmers in a rainbow of colors. This fire agate seems well suited for our fanciful scene.

The post Beauty Revealed – Gemstones under the Microscope appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.

Once destined for industrial use, low-quality rough diamonds were thought to have too many impurities or inclusions to be used in high-end rings, bracelets, and necklaces.  But today, these diamonds are making their way into luxury jewelry. So why the sudden interest?

Rough diamonds are fashionable in part because they are natural and unaltered. An additional factor in the rising popularity of rough diamonds is that they are generally less expensive than polished diamonds. In many cases, jewelry featuring colored rough diamonds provides a more affordable alternative to colored polished diamonds, which while very popular, are also very expensive.

Uncut diamonds are readily available in a rainbow of colors, as seen in these chandelier earrings from the “Astra” collection by Diamonds in the Rough. These stunning earrings feature 45.95 carats of rough diamonds ranging in color from dark brown to light yellow, accented with 1.97 carats of polished diamonds.

Jewelry with rough diamonds also has an artisanal look. Jewelry connoisseurs prize one-of-a-kind, handmade jewelry, and rough diamonds fit the part.

Designers are showcasing the natural beauty of the stones as they emerged from the earth, generally  untouched by human hand. Todd Reed, a designer who pioneered the style, made this provocative statement about diamonds: “the most perfect cut is still an uncut.”

This 20.25 carat diamond bracelet by Todd Reed looks edgy and ancient. The design is raw contemporary, yet the piece resembles a cobblestone road or a Roman fort.

Rough diamonds have become so popular that they’re showing up as center stones in engagement rings – traditionally the domain of polished, faceted beauties.

These modern engagement rings by Diamonds in the Rough have a contemporary design, yet the rough diamonds give them an ancient look. For the bride wanting a truly unique, one-of-a-kind ring, a rough diamond might be just the thing.

Diamond slices – thinly sliced sections of large, highly included rough diamonds – have also been making their way into jewelry. The idea, say designers who create these pieces, is to cut the rough to show interesting patterns while keeping the stone’s original outline. In the same way that the rarity of a diamond is a contributing factor to its cost, the more interesting the inclusions and their patterns are in a diamond slice, the higher the price.

A diamond slice hangs from an 18ct blackened white gold chain. Designer Susan Foster calls this slate-grey diamond slice design an “opulent finishing touch” for evening wear.

What seems to be sudden interest in rough diamonds is actually not new. Indian jewelers have long recognized the beauty of uncut gemstones. The tradition of using them is centuries old, and it still continues in modern design houses

So are rough diamonds a fashion fixture or a flash on the scene?

The green movement is growing. One-of-a-kind jewelry is in demand. Rough diamonds are affordable. Put these trends together, and the future for jewelry with rough diamonds is bright.

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Composed of a single element—carbon –and formed under extreme temperature and pressure, diamond’ remains one of the world’s most coveted gems – and the birthstone for those lucky enough to be born in April.

GIA’s Diamond Buying Guide provides you with the insights you need to buy wisely. Use the guide to learn about the GIA 4Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, get caring and cleaning tips, and even watch a video on how to choose a diamond. We hope you like it!

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Russia hosted the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, but did you know that it’s the country that wins the gold medal for diamond production?”

Alrosa mined 34.4 million carats of diamonds last year, well ahead of De Beers’ total of 27.9 million, which most people equate the world’s leader in diamond production. In fact, Alrosa has relegated De Beers to “silver medal” status for the past three years.

There is an asterisk next to Alrosa’s King of Diamonds status, however. The majority of diamonds mined in Russia are relatively small compared to the stones found in Botswana and South Africa, where De Beers does most of its mining. Which means that for now, De Beers remains the leader in diamond sales, taking in about $6 billion last year, compared to Alrosa’s $4.8 billion.

Eight Russian diamond crystals, 1.05 ct total weight, Yakutia. Courtesy of Thomas Hunn Co.

If Alrosa is not a household name like De Beers, it’s because from 1960 to 1992 the first diamonds were mined in Mirnyi, a remote area in Siberia.

Diamond mining in Mirnyi is not for the faint of heart. The town is located in eastern Siberia. Winter days get six or less hours of sunlight. Temperatures are typically well below zero (-35°C is not unusual). Jet engines and explosives are used to melt the permafrost.

Until the 1990s, Russia had regarded its diamond operations as a top state secret. The country, then known as the Soviet Union, sold most of its diamonds through De Beers. After the Soviet Union broke up, the government in Moscow, in cooperation with the province of Yakutia where Mirnyi is located, created Alrosa to mine and market its trove. And, about seven years ago, Alrosa began selling Russia’s diamonds on its own, without De Beers’ help.

View of diamond mining operations in the Siberian craton of the Republic of Sakha (formerly Yakutia). This view is looking down into the open pit.

Alrosa says it will be mining diamonds for a very long time, claiming reserves of 970 million carats. To put it into perspective, that’s five times the yearly production of the entire world. Alrosa is aiming to keep its gold metal status by ramping up production in 2014. But don’t count out DeBeers, as it still remains the source for large diamonds.

To keep the Winter Olympics conversation going, you now have some interesting bit of trivia you can share: the diamond industry is not dominated by De Beers. And the gold medal for diamond production goes to Alrosa.

But here’s the real point: Every diamond is unique. A dazzling flawless stone and a cloudy included one can come from the same mine. So can a brilliantly colorless one and another whose color is “light.” There will be super stones that will fetch millions at auction, and tiny dark ones that are destined for industrial use.

A GIA grading report will let you know the characteristics of the diamond that’s caught your eye. And that lets you buy with confidence and peace of mind.

The post Ice on Ice – White-Hot Diamonds from a Frozen Place appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.

As a diamond consumer, you’ve probably heard the term “diamond treatment” or “treated diamond,” or perhaps “enhanced diamond” and wondered what that meant. A relatively small percentage of gem-quality diamonds are treated and they are treated for two reasons: to improve clarity or to alter color.

Scientists began tinkering with one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful creations at the turn of the 20th century, and in earnest after World War Two. Over the years, advances in technology have resulted in more sophisticated diamond clarity and color treatments. Some modern treatments, though, have a significant drawback: they can improve a diamond’s appearance, but may not be permanent.

The bottom line for you: while wholesalers and retailers are obliged to disclose presence of treatments, when shopping for a diamond it’s still wise to ask for a diamond that has been graded by GIA or another lab with the equipment to detect sophisticated treatments. Here’s a quick overview of some of the more common treatments.

Treatments for enhancing clarity

Laser drilling:
Diamond manufacturers can employ lasers to remove or lighten a dark-appearing inclusion by drilling a tiny hole to the site of the inclusion. The laser may cause the inclusion to vaporize or the treater may apply bleach or acid to lighten the inclusion further. Laser drilling can make included diamonds more marketable, but the laser drill hole is considered a clarity characteristic. The drill-hole can fill with foreign material and become more visible. Laser drilling is considered a permanent treatment as the drill hole cannot be removed. Sometimes after drilling, the diamond may be fracture filled.

In this close-up of a laser-drilled diamond, you can clearly see the drill hole between the surface and the inclusion, which was bleached to be less visible.

Fracture filling:
Infusing molten leaded glass-like substance into a diamond’s fractures – is the most common diamond treatment used to enhance clarity. Fracture filling of surface reaching breaks can effectively disguise these features. It might also benefit a customer who accidentally cracks a diamond. The treatment can last for years with proper care, but the filling can be damaged during common jewelry repairs, or if subjected to repeated cleanings with steam, acid or ultrasonics. If the filler melts and leaks out, there is a possibility that it can be retreated. If the filler turns dark, it cannot be made colorless again. Fracture filling can make a diamond look more attractive, but also slightly lower its color.

The many white fractures in this 1.39 ct Fancy Intense pink emerald-cut diamond detract from the color. After this diamond was subjected to several episodes of fracture filling, most of the fractures appeared to be transparent and the stone revealed a highly saturated pink color in the face-up color-grading position.

Treatments for enhancing color

Irradiation:
Irradiation can produce green, blue, brown, yellow, black and other colors. Sometimes this process will be followed by annealing. Irradiated diamonds are sensitive to heat and jewelry repair procedures, recutting, and repolishing can change their colors.

Annealing:
This is a controlled heating and cooling process which is often used after irradiation to change a diamond’s color to brown, orange, or yellow. It has been reported to produce pink, red, and purple colors as well. When annealing is used by itself, it can change the color in a series – generally blue to green to brown to yellow. The treatment is stopped when the desired color is reached. If heat is later applied to an annealed diamond during routine jewelry repairs, it can drastically alter its color.

This 0.55-ct brownish orangey-red round brilliant cut synthetic diamond was treated by irradiation and annealing to produce its red color.

High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT):
HPHT treatment uses machines that are essentially the same as those used to grow synthetic diamonds. The HPHT process can turn some brownish diamonds colorless or transform these brownish stones into other colors like yellow, greenish yellow or green. This process is also associated with pink, blue, and orange-yellow diamonds. HPHT is considered a permanent process. Sometimes it is followed with annealing and irradiation which can yield pink-to-red to purple colors.

These images show examples of diamonds before and after HPHT processing.

Coatings:
Silica coatings can be applied to polished colorless or near-colorless diamonds to produce a variety of natural-looking fancy colors, including pinks, oranges, yellows, blues, and purples. The coating is fairly durable but not permanent. Coated diamonds can be damaged by heat and chemicals during jewelry repairs and polishing. They can also be scratched.

A variety of colors can be produced on polished diamonds by a new coating technique from Serenity Technologies, Inc.

The use of advanced technologies to treat diamonds makes detection more difficult, and requires the use of sophisticated instruments found only in the most well-equipped research and grading laboratories – like GIA.

All diamond treatments should be disclosed before you make a purchase. A GIA grading report is your best bet that the diamond you’re purchasing has been thoroughly tested and examined for any detectable diamond treatments.

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Going once. Going twice. Going three times. Sold for $83.2 million.

That was the winning bid for the 59.6 carat Fancy Vivid Pink Dream in November 2013 – the most ever paid for a diamond. The amount was comparable to prices paid for paintings by some of the masters.

The Pink Star, a GIA-graded 59.60 carat Fancy Vivid pink diamond, sold for $83.2 million at a Sotheby’s auction Nov. 12, 2013 in Geneva. Photo courtesy of Sotheby’s.

GIA has graded many of the world’s most significant colored diamonds: the Hope, the Heart of Eternity, the Pink Dream, and many others. As some of the hottest items in the jewelry display case, colored diamonds are fetching millions of dollars at auction. Which makes it all the more essential that a proven, trusted way to evaluate them exists

The expanded GIA Colored Diamond Grading System, now celebrating its 20th anniversary, is the universal standard for grading these rare colored marvels. Let’s take a closer look at how it came to be.

The origin of the GIA Colored Diamond Grading System

GIA first developed the grading system in the 1950s to evaluate yellow diamonds falling outside the normal colorless to light yellow (D-to-Z) color range. Over time, the Institute expanded and enhanced the system, publishing its results in Gems & Gemology  in 1994, effectively debuting the Colored Diamond Grading System we know today.  These enhancements included refining the colored grading system and adding the new color descriptions of Fancy Deep and Fancy Vivid.

What defines a colored diamond?

Diamonds whose colors fall outside the GIA D-to-Z color range are described as “Fancy Colors” or “Fancies.” In evaluating their color, GIA takes into consideration three attributes:

1. Hue – the attribute we generally think of as color, for example, red, yellow, green, blue, or anything in between.
2. Tone – the color’s relative lightness or darkness
3. Saturation – the color’s depth and strength

GIA recognizes 27 different hues or “colors” for fancy colored diamonds, and describes tone and saturation with terms like Fancy Light, Fancy Vivid, Fancy Deep.

Fancy color diamond ranges.

In general, the more color a diamond has, the better. Fancy Deep and Fancy Vivid diamonds, for example, have more color than Fancy Light diamonds.

Grading Colored Diamonds

Like D-to-Z diamonds, GIA evaluates colored diamonds under carefully controlled lighting and viewing conditions. Expert graders view the diamond in its face-up position and establish the three attributes of that color by bracketing each of the attributes using reference stones as color comparators, finally assigning one of nine color fancy grades to the colored diamond.

Color grading colored diamonds requires considerable skill, as slight gradations in color can make a big difference in price. Additionally, diamonds can be treated to alter their color. Since naturally colored diamonds are worth far more than treated ones, expert evaluation is essential to determine what is referred to as the “origin of color”.

These four yellow diamond master stones mark the most commonly seen lower saturation boundaries of their respective grade ranges. L-R: Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense and Fancy Vivid. (c) GIA & Robert Weldon

Another consideration: The rarer the color, the more valuable the diamond. Red, green, purple, and orange are the rarest colored diamonds. Clarity, cut, and carat weight are secondary considerations (though all things being equal, a larger colored diamond is still more valuable than a smaller one).

Get Ready to be Dazzled

Now that you know what makes a colored diamond desirable and have a better understanding of the GIA Colored Diamond Grading System, get ready to enjoy some dazzling beauties. And remember that the GIA Colored Diamond Grading System helps you know what you’re purchasing – and lets you buy with confidence.

The Bulgari Blue, a distinctive two-stone ring featuring a 10.95 ct Fancy Vivid blue diamond and a 9.87 ct G-color diamond, fetched $15.76 million at Christie’s New York on October 20, 2010.

A 14.82 carat Fancy Vivid orange diamond (The Orange) sold for $35.5 million in November 2013. At $2.4 million per carat, it was the highest-ever per-carat price for a gemstone at auction. Photo courtesy Denis Hayoun Diode SA Geneva

Two rings: (left) 1.86-ct. Fancy Deep blue diamond flanked by pink and yellow triangular cut diamonds, (right) 1.11-ct. Fancy intense yellow-green diamond flanked by 2 triangular cut orangy-pink diamonds. Photo courtesy of American Siba Corp, Moses Jewelers, Isaac Wold and Lazar Wolf.

Ready to learn more about fancy colored diamonds? Visit GIA’s online Gem Encyclopedia

The post GIA Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Expanded Colored Diamond Grading System appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.

What better way to celebrate the love for your significant other than by giving heart shaped jewelry and diamonds this Valentine’s Day? As the world’s foremost expert in gems and jewelry, GIA offers a few tips and best practices before you set foot in your neighborhood jewelry store.

Valentine’s Day has a long and storied tradition. The heart has been celebrated as the dwelling place of romantic love for centuries. Some scholars speculate that the earlier winged Cupids with heart-shaped arrows depicted in Renaissance art symbolized it, while others say the heart as the seat of affection dates back the first century BCE.

Valentine’s Day was certainly celebrated during the 16^th century. Shakespeare wrote about it in Hamlet, when Ophelia said:

To-morrow is Saint Valentine’s day,
All in the morning betime,
And I a maid at your window,
To be your Valentine.

Hearts and Valentine’s Day were forever wedded when Hallmark began mass  production of Valentine Day cards in 1913. Now it’s celebrated around the world, and you’re likely to find heart-shaped jewelry and heart-shaped diamonds in your neighborhood jewelry store.

This heart-shaped ruby ring is a classic Valentine’s Day gift. Diamonds surrounding the 8.01 ct Burmese ruby, set in platinum, make this piece a heart stopper. Courtesy of Jan Goodman Co.

So how do you pick the perfect bejeweled heart for your heartthrob? Make sure the proportions of the lobes of the heart are the same size. You might want to choose a stone rich in color – it can capture the emotion of love. If you’re buying a ring and your significant other is physically active, make sure the point is protected by a V-shaped prong to prevent it from being damaged. Heart-shaped earrings or a necklace are always a good choice. For more shopping tips read our “Purchasing Fancy Shaped Diamonds” buying guide.

Now that you’re ready to buy a symbol of love for your significant other, enjoy these exquisite examples of wearable tokens of affection.

These Smiling Lotus suite by Wallace Chan hold a secret known only to a gemologist – the hearts are made of three different layers: carnelian/red agate (bottom), mother of pearl (center), and rock crystal quartz (top). The arrangement gives the hearts a rosy hue. A large diamond in the center of all the hearts is the “cherry on top” of this jeweled confection.

Courtesy of Wallace Chan.

These charming earrings are classic pieces many women may own. The gold backdrop makes the diamonds sparkle all the brighter.

Diamonds surround by gold earrings. Courtesy of Denise James.

The pendant is fashioned from 14k white and yellow gold with 1.30 carats of diamonds. The name of this piece – Rockstar Heart – is a modern take on traditional heart-shaped diamond jewelry. Someone who is a bit of a wild child would probably gush over it.

“Rockstar Heart” pendant is fashioned from 14k white and yellow gold with 1.30 carats of diamonds.

This uber-trendy piece appeals to those who have a bit of Goth in their soul. Think: dystopian love. A black and colorless cubic zirconia (CZ) pendant makes this an affordable alternative to ones made of colorless and black diamonds. The rubber chain is the finishing touch on this jewel for those living on the fringe.

Cubic zirconia (CZ) in black and colorless diamonds hanging from a rubber chain. Courtesy of Jane Smith.

Topped with a regal ribbon of gold and diamonds, this blue zircon heart-shaped pendant in yellow gold looks like something a duchess would wear to a ball.

Blue zircon heart-shaped pendant in yellow gold. Courtesy of Andrew Sarosi.

An impressive number of diamonds for an impressive ring! This pink sapphire stunner is guaranteed to elicit a gasp. Encircling the stone with 126 diamonds ( 1.22 tcw) makes it an even more dazzling ring.

Pink sapphire surrounded by 126 diamonds. Courtesy of Omi Privé.

This striking piece by Barbara Westwood makes a statement. Black onyx is an unusual color choice for a heart (carved by Steve Walters), while the 18K gold setting undulates and flares like flames of passion. It’s pulsating, alive, intense – and not for the faint of heart. Courtesy of Barbara Fine Art Jewelry. Photo credit Sky Hall

Black onxy in an 18K gold setting. Courtesy of Barbara Fine Art Jewelry. Photo credit Sky Hall.

Are you planning to buy a piece of jewelry for your significant other this Valentine’s Day? Which of these pieces best express your love – or is it something entirely different?

Main image Coast Signature Color ring features a vibrant 3.90CT heart shaped spinel surrounded by diamonds, and set in platinum. Courtesy of Platinum Guild International.

The post A (Bejeweled) Heart for Your Valentine appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.

The unique beauty and appeal of fancy cut diamonds make them the perfect choice for gifts of the season. Shoppers now have a wide array of choices, so there is something for every taste. In this installment of our 2013 Holiday Buying Guide series, you will learn about some of the special characteristics of fancy cut diamonds before you ever step into a jewelry store.If you’re already familiar with the 4Cs of Diamond Quality, you know how GIA grades the color and clarity of colorless diamonds, and how GIA evaluates cut for round brilliant cut diamonds. But if you don’t know the difference between diamond shape and diamond cut, you might want to take a quick refresher before reading on.

In selecting your fancy cut diamond, it will be important for you to know if the diamond is well cut. If it is too shallow, there could be a greater risk of chipping the diamond. If it is too deep, it may appear to be less bright. While GIA does not grade the overall proportions of fancy cut diamonds, a GIA Diamond Grading Report does contain an assessment of the diamond’s Finish, which includes Polish and Symmetry. When the report denotes these as “Excellent” or “Very Good,” it’s an indication of the diamond’s cut quality.

You don’t have to be a diamond expert, but understanding the distinct features of each shape will help to ensure a smart purchase.

OVAL:

Oval is a shape that pairs well with other shapes of gems in multi-stone rings. Ovals have the added benefit of appearing larger because of their elongated shape. When selecting an oval diamond, look for even, well-rounded shoulders.

Your personal preference will likely decide which width of oval is more appealing, however the optimal length-to-width ratio is 1.33-1.66:1.

Ovals cut in the brilliant style display a brightness similar to round brilliant cut diamonds. Oval brilliant cut diamonds often display a “bow-tie.” Seen with the naked eye, this is a dark area which looks like two triangular pieces joined in the center of the stone. When the diamond is viewed face-up, you want the “bow-tie” to be minimized as much as possible.

Oval Diamond

MARQUISE:

Symmetry is an important factor for all fancy cut diamonds. Even the smallest difference can create an appearance that is not balanced. Check that each half is a mirror image of the other, and for marquises that the two points align. Like oval, this shape pairs well with other gem shapes in multi-stone rings, and if a prong mounting is chosen, V-shaped prongs will help protect the points.

If a marquise shape is too long, it could impact its durability. Look for a length-to-width ratio of 1.75-2.25:1.

Like the oval, the marquise diamond that is cut in the brilliant style should be examined for a “bow-tie” effect, and the points of the marquise should be examined for inclusions.

Marquise Shaped Diamond

PEAR:

Like all fancy cut diamonds, the pear diamond comes in a variety of proportions, however the preferred length-to-width ratio should range between 1.50-1.75:1.

Examine the point for inclusions and color concentration. The wings on each side of the point should be symmetrical. The rounded end should appear like a semi-circle. As with the oval and marquise, the pear brilliant may show a “bow tie.”

If a prong setting is chosen, it should include a V-shaped prong at the point because that will help protect it from damage.

Pear Shaped Diamond

HEART:

An obvious symbol of love and romance, the heart-shaped diamond should have two identical halves, and the cleft should be distinct. The wings and lobes need to be even with the lobes curving down the cleft.

The ideal length-to-width ratio is approximately 1.00:1. Check the point for any visible inclusions. As with the oval, marquise and pear, the heart shape may show a “bow tie.”

It may be difficult to perceive the heart in a diamond of less than .50 carats. For smaller size stones, a bezel or three-prong setting better preserves the shape.

Heart Shaped Diamond

TRIANGULAR:

You’ll often encounter triangular-shaped diamonds cut in the brilliant style, referred to by jewelers as trillion or trilliant. While this shape is sometimes set as a solitaire, it’s more commonly used as side stones in a multi-stone setting.

Attention should be paid to clarity, since even small inclusions may be more visible in this shallow shape. The preferred length-to-width ration is 1:00:1.

A protective prong setting is recommended to keep the sharp points from chipping.

Triangular Shaped Diamond

SQUARE:

Square diamonds are spotted almost daily on celebrity fingers this year. The halo setting used for brilliant cut square gems was one of the most popular engagement ring trends of 2013.

The list of cuts available for square shapes is a long one. Some of the trade names you may come across while shopping include Asscher, barion, cushion, princess, radiant and Quadrillion (as pictured below). All sides should be parallel.

Square Shaped Diamond

RECTANGULAR:

Similar to square shapes, there are numerous cuts for a rectangular look including baguette, barion, emerald cut, and radiant.

Avoid uneven, narrow or no corners and sides that are not parallel.

The emerald cut or a square step cut will require higher clarity since inclusions might be easier to see.

Rectangular Shaped Diamond

One general shopping tip for fancy cut diamonds is to view them in daylight. Pricing of the various shapes can be complicated, so it’s best to compare stones of the same shape, cutting style and similar carat weight. Ask to see the grading reports for the diamonds you are considering. They will help you compare each diamond’s quality factors.

For additional assistance on jewelry purchases this season, the 2013 Holiday Buying Guide series is a great resource to make you a more informed shopper.

Part 1: Diamond Jewelry Trends for the 2013 Holiday Season

Part 2: 4Cs Tips for Holiday Diamond Jewelry Shopping

Part 3: How to Read a GIA Grading Report Video

Part 4: Asking the Right Questions for a Diamond Purchase

The top image all weighing approximately one carat, represent a variety of shapes and cutting styles. From left: cushion, cut corner square step-cut, emerald, modified radiant, oval, marquise and pear. Photo by Robert Weldon/GIA.

The post Holiday Buying Guide Part 5: Tips for Purchasing Fancy Cut Diamonds appeared first on GIA 4Cs Blog.

For many, jewelry shopping can be an intimidating experience. Add crowded malls, a long list of gifts to purchase, and the desire to get ‘just the right thing,’ and it can be downright stressful. But knowing what to ask a jeweler can help make this a great shopping experience

In part 4 of our 2013 Holiday Buying Guide, GIA put together the top five questions to ask a jeweler when you’re shopping for jewelry this holiday season.

Feel free to bookmark this page, print it out, or pin it: just keep it handy as you walk into any jewelry store or visit an online retailer. With the right questions, you can be confident in what you’re buying.

1. What are this diamond’s 4Cs? Can I see an independent grading report?
A jeweler should be able to explain a diamond’s 4Cs in detail and produce an independent diamond grading report to support his explanation. An unbiased diamond grading report, such as the GIA Diamond Dossier®, GIA Diamond Grading Report, or GIA Diamond eReport, ensures that you will know your diamond’s quality and authenticity. For a quick summary of the 4Cs, see part 2 of our 2013 Holiday Buying Guide, 4Cs Tips for Holiday Diamond Jewelry Shopping.

2. Can I see other options in my price range?
Many factors contribute to how a piece of jewelry is priced: the type of gemstone(s) used and it’s quality, the type and quality of the metal in the setting, overall design and craftsmanship, just to name a few. A jeweler should be able to provide you with a variety of choices for any given price point.

3. How do I take care of this piece?
Wearability and care are important considerations. If the piece includes gemstones other than diamond, be sure to find out where they rank on the Mohs scale, which represents gemstone hardness. Ask your jeweler to explain the metal used – some metals are more durable than others. And be sure you know whether the gemstone has been treated, since treated gemstones will require special care. Whether you’re looking for an everyday or special occasion piece, it’s important to understand the care and cleaning tips for any jewelry you purchase.

4. What are your credentials?
You’ll get the best shopping experience from a jeweler who is professionally trained and experienced. Most jewelers are proud to display their professional diplomas from internationally recognized gem and jewelry schools like GIA. In addition, they may be members of trade and business organizations, like the American Gem Society (AGS), Jewelers of America (JA), and your local Chamber of Commerce.

5. What is your return policy?
While everyone wants to give the perfect holiday gift, sometimes the piece just isn’t quite the taste of the recipient. Just in case she was hoping for something different, ask about the return policy. For a significant diamond purchase, like an engagement ring, you might want to also ask about any trade-in programs for a larger diamond down the road.

To avoid holiday crowds, many people opt for online shopping. GIA has a separate set of tips for online shopping that covers online retailers as well as auction sites.

And while GIA doesn’t specifically recommend jewelers, it does offer tools to help you find a jeweler in your area who carries GIA-graded diamonds or have GIA-trained professionals on staff.

Our 2013 Holiday Buying Guide continues next time with an in-depth look at special gemstone cuts and fancy shapes. Prepare to be wowed!

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The previous installment of the 2013 Holiday Buying Guide covered the basics of the 4Cs of diamond qualities. But how will you know that the diamond you’re considering buying has the qualities you’re looking for? The answer…an independent, unbiased evaluation.   

This evaluation is called a grading report, and it is essential that you request to see a grading report for any diamond purchase you’re considering this holiday before you make your purchase.

As creator of the 4Cs and the International Diamond Grading System^TM, GIA is considered the benchmark independent grading laboratory. GIA was the first to issue independent grading reports in the early 1950s, and today its Diamond Grading Report and Diamond Dossier® are globally recognized and trusted. A GIA grading report contains a full scientific and unbiased assessment of your diamond’s 4Cs and discloses any known treatments.

What actually goes into a grading report? The third installment of the 2013 Holiday Buying Guide provides an informative video tutorial to walk you through the features and benefits found on a GIA grading report, and explain what that means for you and your diamond.

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