Different
setting styles
•
materials we use
•
Jewellery care
•
How to judge the
Quality of Jewellery
•
Pearl Information
•
Opal Information
Diamond
Information
Diamonds are like
graphite, pure carbon, and have been created millions of years ago in intense
temperature and pressure in volcano pipes. Consequently, most diamonds contain
tiny marks, known as inclusions, which make each stone unique. The fewer and
smaller the inclusions, the more valuable a diamond will be. But inclusions
don't necessarily weaken the stone and its beauty will not be affected if the
light is reflected from one facet to another and then back out through the top
of the diamond. The skill of the cutter will reveal the hidden fire and
brilliance.
Diamond is the hardest material on Earth and can only be cut by diamond dust and
because of the fact that the hardness varies on the crystal facets. Diamonds are
durable and won't deteriorate. A diamond will shine as brilliantly as new each
time it is cleaned. In fact it will not be completely dull like glass stones or
cubic zirconia, when skin oils, soap, cosmetics and grease have left deposits.
How to clean jewellery
We use conflict-free diamonds Russian
cut from an Australian Supplier.
Their fire and brilliance is unquenchable, which its owner can be proud of. For
every carat of rough diamonds recovered, more than 250 tonnes of ore have to be
blasted, crushed and processed. Only 20% will be gem quality. Its value depends
on the quality which is determined by carat, clarity, colour and cut.
Cut
= most important, depending
on the finish grade (polishing) and the proportions that determine the fire and
brilliance (brightness)
Brilliant Facets
Light
performance / Reflection
Common
Diamond Shapes
ideal Brilliant cut
- 57 precisely angled facets offer best reflection and high dispersion of the
light causing a colourful sparkling in better quality diamonds.
Single cut (Eight facet cut)
– usually medium to lower quality small diamonds.
Other cuts - Triangle, Trilliant, Baguette, Baguillion.
Fancy cuts and coloured Diamonds also have their lovers.
Carat
Carat means the actual weight of the gemstone. 1 carat is the
equivalent of 0.2g and has nothing in common with the 'purity carat' of gold.
Size to ct comparison examples:
4.1mm
5.15mm 5.9mm
6.5mm
0.25ct 0.50ct
0.75ct 1.00ct
Clarity
(International Grading Scale of internal impurities)
Loupe-clean = if = with 10 times magnification no
inclusions
VVS 1
=
" " "
"
very very small minor inclusions
VVS 2
=
" " "
"
very very small inclusions
VS 1
=
" " "
"
very small minor inclusions
VS 2
=
" " "
"
very small inclusions
Si 1
=
" " "
"
small minor inclusions
Si 2
=
" " "
"
small inclusions
P1 or 11 =
pique 1 small inclusions
visible without magnification
P2 or 12 =
pique 2 inclusions visible
without magnification
P3 or 13 =
pique 3 large inclusions
visible without magnification
External characteristics on the surface of the stone only have an influence on the clarity grade if they are sufficiently noticeable and if the stone is not internally flawed.
Colour
(determined by comparing it to an internationally approved set of
master stones) International Grading Scale:
Diamonds with no trace of colour are extremely rare and valuable.
D
- exceptional white + = River R+
E
- exceptional white = River R
F
- rare white +
= Top Wesselton TW
G
- rare white
= Top Wesselton TW
H
- white
= Wesselton W
I & J
- slightly tinted white = Top Crystal TCR
K & L
- tinted white
= Crystal CR
M & N -
tinted colour 1 = Top Cape TCA
O & P -
tinted colour 2
= Cape CA
Q& R -
tinted colour 3
= light yellow LY
S to Z
- tinted colour 4
= up to Yellow Y
A range of white, rare pink, cognac and champagne coloured diamonds are found at the Argyle Mine in Western Australia. Their popularity and prices vary according to fashion.
Different
setting styles
Bezel setting: the
gemstone is enclosed in a rim of gold, rubbed over all the way around. For extra
sparkle a facet can be cut to the inside of the setting with an engraving tool.
Channel setting: a straight or curved open channel of metal walls on both
sides with incision holding a row of gemstones set close together.
Claw setting: 3, 4 or 6 individual wires in e.g. crown or basket shape are
secured to the gemstone by pressing the ends over the stone.
Pavé/Grain setting: grains of gold are lifted with an engraver out of the
solid metal to raise a bead-like claw securing the gemstone, offering a way of
creating bright sparkles from a lot of diamonds placed close together.
Buying
a diamond means entering an enchanted world of romance, intrigue, legend and
history which compared diamonds with tears of Gods or splinters of stars that
fell to earth like the Ancient Greeks believed. They were worshiped, sought
after, fought over and have become the ultimate gift of live. Cupid is said to
have used diamonds as tips on his arrows.
Australian Opals new