how do i choose a good diamond.. what are the characteristics?
360444
The four C's are used to determine a diamond's rarity and value, according to the Jewelry Information Group, a non-profit trade association based in New York.\n\nCut refers to the shape of the diamond and the number of its facets - or flat, polished surfaces. Each diamond cut should be precise to best show the stone's brilliance. A well-cut diamond reflects the light and refracts it back to your eye.\n\nClarity is determined by a diamond's internal imperfections and external irregularities, which interfere with the passage of light through the stone. Called inclusions, they can be spots, lines or bubbles. The fewer inclusions, the greater the value of the stone.\n\nCarat is a diamond's weight, not size, as many people believe. One carat equals 200 milligrams - the heavier a diamond, the greater its rarity and, usually, value.\n\nColor is also a value-determining factor. Diamonds can come in a variety of colors, but colorless stones are most rare and expensive. Diamonds are graded on a color scale, from D (colorless) to Z, established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The further down the alphabet, the more yellow and less valuable the stone is.
993033
check this:\nhttp://www.gemstone.org/gem-by-gem/gem-by-gem.html
938195
The rating for selection of good diamonds and proper pricing is based on 4 (Four) "Cs" 0- Carat, Clarity,  Color, Cut. The significance of these qualities are-\n\nThe carat weight measures the mass of a diamond. One carat is defined as a fifth of a gram, or exactly 200 milligrams (about 0.007 ounce). The point unit—equal to one one-hundredth of a carat (0.01 carat, or 2 mg)—is commonly used for diamonds of less than one carat. All else being equal, the value of a diamond increases exponentially in relation to carat weight, since larger diamonds are both rarer and more desirable for use as gemstones. A review of comparable diamonds available for purchase in September 2005 demonstrates this effect \n\nClarity is a measure of internal defects of a diamond called inclusions. Inclusions may be crystals of a foreign material or another diamond crystal, or structural imperfections such as tiny cracks that can appear whitish or cloudy. The number, size, color, relative location, orientation, and visibility of inclusions can all affect the relative clarity of a diamond. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and others have developed systems to grade clarity, which are generally based on those inclusions which are visible to a trained professional when a diamond is viewed from above, under 10x magnification.\n\nA chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond is perfectly transparent with no hue, or color. However, in reality almost no gem-sized natural diamonds are absolutely perfect. The color of a diamond may be affected by chemical impurities and/or structural defects in the crystal lattice. Depending on the hue and intensity of a diamond's coloration, a diamond's color can either detract from or enhance its value. For example, most white diamonds are discounted in price as more yellow hue is detectable, while intense pink or blue diamonds (such as the Hope Diamond) can be dramatically more valuable.\n\nDiamond cutting is the art and science of creating a gem-quality diamond out of mined rough. The cut of a diamond describes the manner in which a diamond has been shaped and polished from its beginning form as a rough stone to its final gem proportions. The cut of a diamond describes the quality of workmanship and the angles to which a diamond is cut. Often diamond cut is confused with "shape."\n\nBased on all the above quallity and price will be determined-
463232
If you want to get a specific diamond from de Beers you need to find one of de Beers Brokers.  Most of these are in Israel or Amsterdam/Antwerp.   The average jewelry store at the Mall is not a customer of de Beers.  de Beers only sells to a small handful of clients.   If you are looking for a 200 carat flawless (Grade D) diamond expect to pay around 60-80 million USD.   \n\nA group that is suppied by de Beers is:\n\nS.Spira Diamonds Bvba\nPelikaanstraat 78, Antwerpen, Belgium
898106
Assuming you mean the color grade of "I" or "G" it would be a "near colorless" or middle of the road diamond with respect to its color.  \n\nHowever, other factors, such as clarity, cut and carat weight also affect the overall quality of a diamond, so its impossible to tell a gem's quality from just the color alone.
500224
Go to different Jewelry stores and see if they are interested in buying your diamonds.
693467
That depends on many factors. First of all, you would have to weight the rough stone and determine how many carats each was. Then, and most importantly, you have to judge the quality of the stone: intensity and quality of the color, inclusions, origin of the stone, and how much of that rough could be used into cutting the stone. \nIf all three stones were top quality (from top origins, and without treatments, top color, clarity and so on), it could be something like: Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire. \nStill, take into account that this goes by particular specimen (and this applies to many gemstones) and not so much by species. \nRough, uncut stones are hard to judge, since the inclusions are harder to see, and you don't get a good sense of color. \nYou can probably get a good piece of rough stone for not too much money. If you are looking to have it cut or polished, though you may be disappointed, as very little of it may be useful. \nIf you are looking to buy stones to wear, I recommend that you look into cabochon cuts: this cut makes the color look beautiful, whilst using lesser quality (clarity wise) stones, so it's not as expensive, and you may find big, beautiful pieces that are ready to be set. \nHave you considered buying spinels? They come basically in every color, and they are so shiny that they glitter even in their rough, unpolished forms. \nGood luck!
808141
The most prized jade is the "Imperial" or "Old Mine Jade". Jade dealers only employ the term "Imperial" for the most translucent and richest color of emerald green\nWhat is Good Jade?\n\nJudging what is good jade can be a subjective affair. A lot of experience is required. Every collector has different taste and different ideas of what to look for in a piece of jade, but there are some basic guidelines to follow.\n\nJade is translucent and not transparent like glass. Opacity in fact lowers its quality. Cracks and the presence of impurities further reduce its value. However the beauty of a piece of jade will be enhanced if there is a small flaw somewhere, just as, it is said, a gentleman with a little fault is more interesting than one without. \n\nThe essential value of jade is its beauty which ultimately depends on factors such as color and tone; shape, size and dimension; translucency and clarity, polish, texture and finish. No one piece of jade is ever the same as another, it has a quality character and hue of its own.
909392
Crystal "defects" can be due to imputities. This is common with diamonds.
63411
diamonds are forever...forever...forever..plus i havent ever seen a real diamond that looked bad
154854
its a f-----ing diamond or a crystal.
272468
I think you should get her a one of a kind designer diamond or coloured diamond bracelet with matching earings and chain. Note that you have to talk one on one with the jeweler and tell them that you want to create something unique, elegant and outstanding! you know so that she will be the only one in the world who has it!  you know with women we can never have too much jewelery! that's a fact!
93886
I think that Diamond is a generic brand of foil and is quite thin. If should be an address to write to on the box of foil. You could also inquire at the store where you purchased the foil--they should atleast be able to give you address from their shipment roster.
254876
Depending on what your looking for, you could possibly find something real simple with no diamonds at walmart. Also, sears has some pretty good deals. For my fiance and I's anniversary last year, I bought him this really nice ring there for $60. Also, try ebay. Im sure you could find something there. Or if you want something that looks like it has diamonds, sometimes those small boothes in the mall have cheap rings that look real.
1099606
http://www.diamondmanufacturer.com/tutorial/certificate.htm\nTry this link
236593
A certified diamond is a diamond that comes with a certificate.  There are many certificates, more popular ones are GIA, IGI and GemEx.  The certificates verify certain specifics of the diamond, mainly the 4Cs(Color, carat, cut and clarity)for GIA and IGI, while GemEx tells you the return of light(brilliance).  I have attached links for the sites to provide you with more details, hope that they are helpful to you.\nhttp://www.igi-usa.com/\nhttp://www.gia.edu/GIAReports/31514/section_main_page.cfm\nhttp://www.gemex.com/index.php?gemex_Sess=f15df196864b55b28d2977a419752d43
787970
Having a different stone than a diamond is NOT "ghetto".  Even princess Diana had a Sapphire (surrounded by small diamonds).  Many celebs have stones other than diamonds...many that do have diamonds have them in any color BUT the traditional clear or "white" as it's referred to.  The pink and yellow diamonds are very popular now.\nThe bottom line is...he asked YOU...you told him what you'd like.  If he was out to please you and only you?..then why not a ruby?  My friend was married last year - she too wanted a ruby.  He wasn't down with that either - but he got her one.  Granted the ruby was flanked by two big diamonds..lol..and it was stunning..but he got her a ruby.  \nDo you think maybe he might have already got you a diamond?...and he was just hurt or disappointed?  Would not totally excuse his poor behavior ...but just a thought.