Hodgkins Jewelers - Diamond Guide - Jewelry Diamonds Palmdale Lancaster San Clarita Simi Valley Apple Valley

Hodgkins Jewelers
Terry & Colleen Hodgkins
1072 W. Ave. K
Lancaster, CA 93534
Phone: (661) 942-1042
FAX: (661) 723-1275

	4C'S OF DIAMOND QUALITY
	Diamonds are graded by four characteristics: cut, carat (weight), clarity, and color. All four of these properties determine how much a diamond is worth. Cut - What is the proportion of the diamond? Round brilliant diamonds are commonly cut with 58 facets. The better proportioned these facets are on the diamond, the more light will be reflected back to the viewer's eye. This is extremely important. When cut properly, the diamond will sparkle more. Diamond cuts are measured by the table percentage, so always ask for it. A good table percentage is between 55-60%. Cut also refers to the shape such as: round, pear, and oval. If you are having a diamond mounted, write down the measurements of your stone. Measurements never change. Measure the stone after it is mounted and verify that it matches the appraisal and/or certificate. Carat - How big is the diamond? Larger diamonds often cost more per carat due to their size. There are 100 points to a carat. Hence a 50 point diamond is 1/2 a carat. (There are 5 carats to a gram.) Always get the actual point size of a diamond rather than a fractional weight. Sometimes jewelers will try to sell a .90 diamond as a 1 carat diamond. A .90 diamond should be substantially less expensive. Clarity - How clear is the stone? Clarity ranges from flawless (perfect) to I (included). Here is a chart: Flawless: perfect inside and out Internally Flawless: may have minor blemishes on the outside VVS1, VVS2: have very very small inclusions. VVS1 inclusions can only be seen through the pavilion. VVS2 inclusions are more visible. VS1, VS2: have very small inclusions. VS1 inclusions are harder to see than VS2. SI1, SI2, SI3: have small inclusions I1, I2, I3: have inclusions visible to the naked eye Color: -Diamond colors generally range from D - X for white and yellow diamonds. D is the whitest. Around S they become "Fancy" yellow Diamonds. One can also find green, pink, red, blue and brown diamonds - though these are usually irradiated. Be certain to ask: Do you guarantee the color and clarity of your stones? Many states allow dealers to be off by one color and/or one clarity.
	HOW TO EXAMINE A DIAMOND
	To accurately judge the quality of a diamond, it is advisable to use more than the naked eye. Here are common ways to examine a diamond. Microscope/Loop: To examine inclusions, one uses either a microscope or a 10x magnifying glass called a jeweler's loop. This enables one to see inclusions in stones. Most dealers will let you use theirs. Diamond Tester: A diamond tester uses light to verify that the stone you are examining is really a diamond. It does not guarantee quality -- just the type of stone. Most testers will still work when the stone is mounted. Jewelry Mall Diamond Tester Search Results Certification: If you are unsure of your diamond knowledge or the jeweler you are buying from, get a certified Diamond. The best known and reliable certification is from GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or EGL (European Gemological Laboratory). Be aware that certificates will cost you an extra $100-$200 on average.
	HOW DIAMONDS ARE TREATED
	Diamonds are often treated. If you are concerned about getting true value for your money, know what you are getting. Filled for clarity: Diamonds with inclusions are sometimes filled with glass to make them appear clearer. Yehuda Diamonds have undergone this treatment. Filler can be damaged by heat, ultrasonic cleaning, and by re-tipping. The filling does not repair the inclusion, it just makes it less visible. If you look at a filled diamond closely, rotate it under light, you should be able to notice a bluish flash. Yehuda will usually refill your diamond for free if it is ever damaged. Check for guarantees before buying such a diamond. Irradiated for color: Can be affected by heat. Painted for color: Can be painted to offset a yellow tinge. The paint wears off rather quickly. Ask if the diamond you are considering buying is treated. Getting a notarized statement from your jeweler saying that your diamond in not treated is recommended. This is like having the jeweler swear under oath that to his/her knowledge that the diamond is not treated. Several states have disclosure acts requiring dealers to tell you about these treatments.
	HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR DIAMONDS
	Diamonds are often thought to be unshatterable. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Here are some useful handling and care tips. Diamonds are brittle: If you hit a diamond hard, they WILL crack or chip if mishandled. Don't wear your diamond when doing rough work. Storage: Store diamonds separately. When stored with other jewelry, diamonds may scratch other jewelry (or each other). Cleaning: The best method for cleaning is a jeweler's polishing cloth. Most jewelers will clean your diamond ring for free if you are making another purchase in the store.
	THE HISTORY OF DIAMONDS
	It should come as no surprise that our culture was not the first 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 not considered so much as a piece of jewelry, but more as 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 are the qualities that have contributed to making the diamond such a special and magical gift.
	HOW DIAMONDS ARE FORMED
	One million 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. After 100 million years of formation, volcanic explosions forced them upward, exposing their natural beauty to the world. Diamonds were formed more than 70 million years ago when diamond-bearing ore was brought to the surface through volcanic eruption. After the magma cooled, it solidified into blue ground, or kimberlite, where the precious rough is 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.