Recent Learning Center Articles

Diamond Re-cutting

Our master diamond cutter is able to enhance a diamond that you already own in miraculous ways. Some contemporary cuts can have technical problems in the way that they were cut originally; marquise, oval and pear shapes sometimes have an area in the diamond towards the center that is lacking in brilliance; creating what is known in the trade as a "bow-tie effect". This is often a result of poor or sloppy craftsmanship in the original cutting of the diamond. We have corrected this problem in many valuable diamonds by properly re-polishing only in the area that lacks brilliance creating even a more valuable and beautiful gemstone.

Have you damaged your diamond? Yes, even a diamond can be scratched or chipped. Our master diamond cutter can remove surface damage, scratches and nicks and even chips resulting in a more brilliant and lively diamond. Often repairing damage is covered by insurance.

Diamond Certification

A certificate is a written professional gemological report from an accredited laboratory that explains and describes all of a diamond's attributes including: shape, diameter, length, width, weight, depth percentage, table percentage relative to the diameter, girdle characteristics, culet description, polish and symmetry conclusions, clarity, color, and fluorescence. A certificate also contains a front and back diagram of the diamond with a plot of its inclusions.

The certificate is like a record of the diamond's pedigree and it is your assurance that you are in fact receiving the diamond you have so carefully chosen.  The certificate will also include the date, name and address of the laboratory and a certificate number that is registered in the database of that lab.

Diamond Care

Diamonds may top the Mohs scale of relative mineral hardness but they still need basic care and maintenance to continue looking their best. Diamond jewelry that is worn every day, such as an engagement ring or a tennis bracelet, can become smudged or dirty from soap, hand creams and natural skin oils, all of which will dim its brilliance and fire. Even special-occasion pieces like chandelier earrings or riviéra necklaces can become dulled after time if they are not cleaned and cared for. It's important to know that this is not a big under-taking - just the minimum of care will yield maximum results. Here are some tips:

Store your diamond jewelry in a fabric-lined jewel case, a chamois pouch or a sectioned box.

 Try to avoid touching clean diamonds with your fingers. Instead, handle the jewelry by its edges.

Do not let your diamond come into contact with chlorine bleach or other harsh chemicals, as these can discolor the mounting.

Don't wear diamond jewelry in the pool or hot tub.

Natural Diamonds, Simulant Diamonds, Imitation Diamonds

In the past if something looked like a natural diamond, it probably was a diamond. Today, technology exists to create, alter, or simulate a diamond. The potential for uncertainty is boundless. For that reason, descriptive words take on great importance and must be used accurately. The Federal Trade Commission addresses nomenclature in its Guide for the Jewelry, Precious Metals and Pewter Industries. Whether a diamond is natural, synthetic or imitation will have a bearing on its price. A natural diamond is more valuable than a synthetic with otherwise similar characteristics. A synthetic diamond will be more valuable than an imitation diamond. To create less confusion in the marketplace jewelers abide by the nomenclature put forth by the Federal Trade Commission.

Natural Diamonds

A diamond is the natural gem produced from carbon deep within the planet's lithosheric mantle over a period of millions of years. Diamonds are brought to the earth's upper crust by volcanic activity. The word diamond, alone, can only be used to describe a gemstone created by this natural process.

Buying a diamond

Diamonds and gold solitare contemporary ringWhen you are ready to choose your diamond, careful selection of a professional jeweler that you have confidence in is of paramount importance. Choosing a competent professional in our field is as important as selecting a good accountant, attorney, or any other professional with whom you entrust your care. An experienced professional master jeweler won't insult your intelligence and knows you are making a very important purchase. You need to ask yourself some important questions: Who is it that you are working with? Are they a professional or a meagerly trained sales clerk? How hungry are they for your business? Any jeweler can show you beautiful diamonds from his inventory and give you prices or an e-jeweler can even quote you "come on" prices. How is one to know if one is receiving real value?