How to Buy Diamonds
Stavrakis Jewelers sells
the highest quality diamonds available. We know diamonds! Here are
some tips for buying just the perfect diamond:
The Ideal Cut
When a
round brilliant diamond has been cut to "Ideal" proportions by a
master cutter, it is a splendor to behold.
The Ideal Cut Diamond
describes a round brilliant diamond that has been cut to exact
mathematically proven proportions. Its symmetry, with 58 exactly
placed facets, produces the ultimate in lustre and beauty.
When a diamond is cut to the
ideal proportions, all of the light entering from any direction is
totally reflected through the top and is dispersed into a display of
flashes and rainbow colors.
Premium Cut
A
Premium Cut Diamond demonstrates subtle variations from the Ideal Cut.
Although
dimensional differences affect a diamond's reflection of light, a
Premium Cut still achieves a harmonious balance between it's
proportions and the display of brilliance.
Inferior Cut
Most diamonds are "spread" in their cutting to retain maximum weight
from the original rough. A heavier diamond will result, but at a
dramatic sacrifice of potential fire and brilliance.
 |
Too Deep
When a diamond is cut too deep, light leaks our of the bottom,
brilliance is lost and the center of the diamond will appear to be
dark.
Too Shallow
When a diamond is cut too shallow, light leaks out of the bottom,
brilliance is lost and the diamond appears watery, glassy and
dark.
*Arrows on the diagram simulate the
flow of light in the diamond. |
Color
Most diamonds, although appearing colorless, actually have slight
tones of yellow or brown. As these tones become more easily apparent,
the rarity and the cost decrease.
|
D |
G |
I |
L |
Z |
|
Ideal cutting dramatizes
the rare splendor of a diamond because it produces such dazzling
brilliance. |
|
GIA |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
I |
J |
K |
L |
M |
N |
O |
P |
Q |
R |
S |
T |
U |
V |
W |
X |
Y |
Z |
| |
colorless |
near colorless |
faint yellow |
very light yellow |
light yellow |
|
AGS |
0 |
0.5 |
1 |
1.5 |
2 |
2.5 |
3 |
3.5 |
4 |
4.5 |
5 |
5.5 |
6 |
6.5 |
7 |
7.5 |
8 |
8.5 |
9 |
9.5 |
10 |
Color and Clarity
diagrams courtesy of the Gemological Institute of America and the
American Gem Society |
Clarity
Practically all diamonds contain naturally occurring internal
characteristics called inclusions. The size, nature, location and
amount of inclusions determine a diamond's clarity grade and affect
its cost.
One unique
advantage of the Ideal Cut is that it's sparkle can mask otherwise
noticeable inclusions.
|
FL-IF
No
inclusions visible (by an expert) under 10x magnification.
FL=Flawless
IF=Internally Flawless |
VVS1-VVS2
Minute - extremely
difficult to find under 10x
VVS=Very, very slight inclusions |
VS1-VS2
Minor difficult to find
under 10x
VS=Very slight inclusions |
SI1-SI2
Noticeable, relatively
easy to find under 10x
SI=Small inclusions |
I1-I2
Obvious under 10x - Just
visible to the naked eye
I=Imperfect |
| GIA |
Flawless |
VVS1 |
VVS2 |
VS1 |
VS2 |
SI1 |
SI2 |
I1 |
I2 |
I3 |
| |
Internally Flawless |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Imperfect |
| AGS |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
