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Frequently Asked Questions |
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What is a diamond made of?
Adiamond is made entirely of carbon (just like the graphite in apencil). But, while graphite is very soft, the carbon atoms in diamondform in such a way as to create the hardest known substance. Thisspecial structure allows diamonds to take a superior polish and projectmore brilliance than any other natural colorless gemstone.
Can a diamond break or chip?
Even though diamonds are extremely hard, they can still be damaged fromabuse. Diamonds can scratch each other and all other gemstones, such assapphires, rubies, emeralds, and pearls. Store your diamonds away fromother gems in your jewelry box and don't wear any valuable gemstoneswhile doing hard work.
How should I clean my diamond?
Anything that cuts grease will help remove the build-up of oil and dirtfrom a diamond. Commercially prepared jewelry cleaner is perfectlysuited for this purpose as is dish detergent and a bit of ammonia.Other gems may require different cleaning procedures, especially opals,pearls, emeralds, turquoise, and other soft and porous stones. Ask yourretail jeweler the best way to clean any stone in question.
What is a "clarity enhanced" diamond?
A clarity-enhanced diamond is one with improved visual appeal achievedthrough a technique known as feather or fracture filling. This methodintroduces a glass material into the stone’s natural fractures orfeathers making them less noticeable. While the treatment is stable fornormal wear, it is not considered permanent. In most cases, shoulddamage to the treatment occur, the diamond can be repaired and itsenhancement restored.
Such a treatment must be disclosed, by law, prior to a diamond’s sale.For such instances, EGL USA offers an “Enhanced Diamond Report.” Thisreport features a comprehensive evaluation, plus specific packaging andcontent that highlights the enhancement(s) evident on the stone.
What is "laser drilling"?
Laser drilling is used to improve the appearance of diamonds with darkimperfections. The most common procedure uses a fine laser beam totunnel into a diamond and burn the existing inclusion, which is furtherlightened with acid. As this process is stable, all labs will gradelasered drilled diamonds and indicate the process on their report. TheFederal Trade Commission also requires disclosure of laser-drilleddiamonds to consumers at the point-of-sale.
What is a diamond certificate?
Diamond certificates, or grading reports, are independent documentsthat provide extensive information about the quality of a diamond.Along with carat weight, measurements, clarity grade, and color grade,EGL USA diamond certificates contain detailed information about cutquality.
Where is the best place to buy a diamond?
Diamonds can be purchased from many sources and many different dealers,but the key is to buy from a professional jeweler. Some people like theexperience of dealing with a traditional family jewelry, while otherswant the convenience of shopping several jewelers located together in amall or jewelry exchange. Today, shoppers can even buy a diamond fromInternet websites.
Remember that a diamond certificate make the shopping process easier byproviding straightforward information that validates the quality of thediamond you are considering. Before you buy your diamond, ask about thereturn policy, and if your diamond does not come with a certificate,ask the retailer how you can get one or send your diamond directly toan EGL USA office.
What is fluorescence?
For reasons not entirely understood, certain diamonds emit a subtleblue glow when exposed to ultraviolet rays. This interesting phenomenonis called fluorescence. Many light sources including the sun,fluorescent office lights, and "black" lights emit ultraviolet rays. Innormal lighting conditions, fluorescence cannot be seen.
EGL USA indicates the strength offluorescence on its diamond certificates for identification purposes.The appearance of fluorescence in diamonds exposed to strongultraviolet lamps ranges from very faint (barely perceptible) to verystrong (a neon-blue glow). Some diamonds show no fluorescence at all.
A scientific industry study showed that, with few exceptions,fluorescence in diamonds affects neither price nor appearance. Thereare two exceptions to this rule. In a minute number of cases, diamondswith very strong fluorescence and a special arrangement of claritycharacteristics may look slightly "cloudy," but consumers rarelyencounter such diamonds. Fluorescence may also have a slightly positiveinfluence on the appearance of certain off-colored diamonds, therebymaking them more desirable to own.
What is SI-3?
Diamonds graded as SI-3 ('slightly included") contain claritycharacteristics that are very easy to see under 10X magnification. TheSI-3 category lies between the SI-2 and the I-1 grade.
SI-3 was introduced to the diamond trade in 1992 to better serve thechanging needs of the marketplace. The following year the RapaportDiamond Report created an SI-3 price column, and the grade has gainedwider acceptance over the past decade.
While not all labs have adopted SI-3, EGL USA began using it on itsdiamond grading reports in 1997. This step was validated by importantglobal industry organizations that officially recognize the grade,among them the World Federation of Diamond Bourses and theInternational Diamond Manufacturers Association.
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