Diamond Jewelry

The word diamond comes from the Greek term adamas, meaning unconquerable. Every diamond is truly unique, as is each of it's wearers. Diamonds today symbolize eternity and love. Often referred to as a girl's best friend. Diamonds are loved by women around the world (men, too).

Diamonds can be found in nearly any color. Yellow and brown are the most common. Colored diamonds contain impurities or defects that cause the coloration, while the purest of diamonds are transparent and colorless. A diamond's quality and price is judged by the four Cs: Carat, Clarity, Color, and Cut. Carat refers to the diamonds weight. Clarity is what gemologists refer to the scale of perfection. This also refers to any inclusions (identifying characteristics such as minerals or fractures) in a diamond. Color of the diamond is of the utmost importance. Colorless is the most desireable. Diamonds are graded on a color scale. Cut of the diamond refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond.

The first step in selecting diamond jewelry, is to decide what shape you desire. The following information will help you decide.

Round Shaped or Brilliant Cut

This is the most common shape, it's a true classic. Most people think of the round cut when they think diamond. The round cut shows the most brilliance and sparkle out of all the shapes.

Marquis Shaped Diamond

This is a brilliant-cut, elongated stone with a point on each end. This diamond looks bigger than a round of the same carat weight, even though it weighs less. This is due to the elongated shape.