Kingsley Jewelry
Phone: 904-278-2480
Fax: 904-278-4230
kingsleyjewelry@bellsouth.net
668 Kingsley Ave
Orange Park, FL 32073
Diamonds
What to look for when buying a diamond: We are delighted to present our information on buying diamonds. Since selecting a diamond for any occasion can be mystifying, we have put this website together to give you the knowledge needed to take the questions out of buying diamonds. We know an educated and informed customer is a confident and satisfied customer.
Whether you are purchasing your first diamond…or have purchased diamond jewelry before, this website gives you all of the important facts about the 4 C's of diamond: Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight.
What to Consider when choosing the shape:
Throughout history, the shape of a finished diamond has taken on many form. The term shape is often confused with the technical term cut. The precision of the cut determines the diamond's fire, brilliance, and ultimate beauty.
Your choice of shape is limited by the skill and imagination of the craftsman, and your own taste and preference.
Radiant, Oval, Emerald, Marquis, Round and Opal
It's all in the cut: The precision with which a diamond is cut and is a critical factor in releasing its "fire" and "brilliance." It is the only factor of the 4C's that man can control.
The facets, or planes, of the diamond should be placed in exact geometric relation to each, the culet or "point" should be in the exact center of the bottom of the diamond and needs to be well polished. This symmetry is crucial for light entering the diamond to be reflected back to the eye as brilliance. If these geometric proportions are compromised, the beauty and brilliance of the diamond are sacrificed. To achieve a diamond's truly dazzling radiance, it must be well cut.
Acquiring an eye for color: Although most gem-quality diamonds when seen alone appear to be colorless to the untrained, there are subtle differences in shade. Color in diamonds results from traces of other elements, which mix with carbon during the diamond's formation. Diamonds with no traces of body color are extremely rare.
How to distinguish clarity: Most diamonds develop natural "inclusions" (crystals, feathers, etc.) during their formation deep within the earth.
Diamond clarity is determined by the position, color, number and/or nature and size of these inclusions. The fewer the inclusions, the rarer the diamond and the greater the value. Flawless and internally flawless diamond are exceedingly rare.
How to Determine Carat Weight:
Of the 4 C's, carat weight is the simplest factor used to determine the value
of a diamond. As with all precious gems, the weight of a diamond is expressed
in carats. One carat equals 1/5 of a gram or 1/142 of an ounce. One carat is
divided into 100 points, so a diamond weighing ¾ carat has 75 point or .75
carats.
As diamonds increase in value, their price per carat usually increases geometrically, not arithmetically. Thus, a two-carat diamond will usually be more than double the price of a one-carat diamond of the same quality.
Diamonds are accurately weighed when they are loose, or free from any mounting, on a calibrated scale.