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DIAMOND EDUCATION
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When comparing prices of diamond jewelry, be sure to compare clarity, color, cut and total carat weight.
Although gemstones are graded and priced accordingly,
it is to your benefit to purchase precious gemstones
from an experienced gemstone dealer who understands the
nuances of stone evaluation and can therefore deliver gemstones that combine value and quality.
Be aware that a single stone of a specified carat weight is worth MORE than a number of stones
totalling the same carat weight. Read item descriptions carefully to see if the weight specified is
for a single stone, or a total weight of more than one stone.
So, for example, a ring with a single 1 carat diamond, is worth more than a ring with 10 diamonds that
all together weigh
a total carat weight of 1 carat.
Be aware that an appraisal by a GIA-certified (or IGI-, or EGL-certified)
gemologist is NOT a GIA report, or a report by an independent laboratory. The appraisal
may or may not be independent of the selling organization.
Be aware that anyone can call him/herself an appraiser. There is
no licensing requirement to be an "appraiser". Choose your appraiser with care.
Certificates from the laboratories of
GIA, IGI, EGL, Gubelin testify as to the authenticity of the stone and its characteristics.
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KEY TO DIAMOND CLARITY
At Maurice Goldman Fine Jewelry, our fine jewelry is of high quality.
Most of our diamonds are
of diamond clarity
VS-2. However, we do sell SI-1 where the imperfections are less
noticeable by virtual of their placement. Since the SI-1 classification is broad in that
it may include stones with black center
imperfections, as well as side imperfections which are not necessarily black, Hector Goldman evaluates
each stone individually.
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Very few, very small inclusions, under 10X magnification very difficult to see. |
VVS-1 very, very slightly included
VVS-2 slightly included |
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Very small inclusions, under 10X magnification difficult to find |
VS-1 very slightly included
VS-2 slightly included |
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Small inclusions, easily recognized under 10X magnification |
S1-1 slightly included
S1-2 slightly included |
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Inclusions, immediately recognized under 10X magnification, but not diminishing brilliance |
I-1 included I
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Larger and/or numerous inclusions, slightly diminishing the brilliance recognizable with naked eye |
I-2 included II
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Large and/or numerous inclusions, diminishing the brilliance considerable |
I-3 included III
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KEY TO COLOR GRADING OF FACETED DIAMONDS
Our diamonds usually exhibit color
at minimum H color. However, stones that are I, J and K are evaluated
individually in relation to other attributes.
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Blue-white |
D
E
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Fine White |
F
G
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White |
H
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Weakly tinted white |
I
J
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Tinted white |
K
L
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Weakly yellow |
M
N
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Yellowish |
O
P
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Weakly yellow |
Q
R
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Yellow |
S-Z
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Source: Gemstones of the World, Walter Schumann
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