Buying a Diamond
Gemstones
Jewelry Care

Buying a Diamond

When making your diamond purchase, let us, your Master IJO Jeweler, put your mind at ease by adding the confidence, trust, integrity, honesty, and expertise you need when buying from the heart.

The 4 C’s classify the value of diamonds. Every diamond’s price, rarity and beauty are determined by the combination of cut, color, clarity and carat weight.

Cut
Cut describes the proportions and angles of a diamond. Many people confuse cut with the shape of the diamond. Although nature determines the other three characteristics, it takes a master diamond cutter to reveal a diamond’s true beauty, making it the most important diamond characteristic.

A well-cut diamond reflects light from one mirror-like facet to another and projects the light through the top of the stone. The result is a fiery and brilliant display. Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow leak light through the side or bottom resulting in a lackluster appearance and diminish the value.

Color
White diamonds are the most popular, even though diamonds are found in a kaleidoscope of color. Diamonds are graded on a color scale implemented by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Color differences can be so subtle that diamond colors are graded under controlled lighting conditions and are compared to a master set for accuracy.

Clarity
Naturally occurring inclusions such as minerals or fractures are identifying characteristics created while diamonds are formed in the earth. At J. F. Kruse Jewelers, we use magnification to view diamonds at 10x their actual size so these tiny inclusions are more easily seen.

The greater the diamonds clarity, the more rare and valuable it is. A diamond with an inclusion in the middle or top could impact the dispersion of light, making the diamond less brilliant.

Carat Weight
Carat is a diamond’s measure of weight, not size. A full carat is equal to 100 points. Since larger diamonds are found less frequently in nature, a 1-carat diamond will cost more than twice a ½ carat diamond (assuming all other characteristics remain constant). The cut and the mounting can make a diamond appear larger than its actual weight. At J. F. Kruse Jewelers, we help you find the right diamond and mounting to optimize its beauty.

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Gemstones

Featured Stone for April: Diamond

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but do you know who was the first to propose with one?

In 1477, Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy to signify his promise of marriage. He placed it on the third finger of her left hand, the finger believed by ancient Egyptians to have a vein that led directly to the heart. She accepted his proposal and the diamond engagement ring was born.

It is estimated that only 2% of all women in the world will own a diamond of one carat or more. That single diamond will touch four continents and pass through hundreds of people as 250 tones of ore are mined and as the diamond is cut, polished, and set. More than 80% of these diamonds will pass through Antwerp, Belgium, the “Diamond Capital of the World.”

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Jewelry Care

After purchasing an exquisite piece of jewelry, knowing how to care for it makes all the difference in maintaining its sparkle for years to come.

Chemicals found substances we use everyday like hairsprays, lotions, perfumes and even cosmetics can permanently damage fine jewelry.

Fine jewelry should be removed before diving into a chlorinated swimming pool or before using household cleaners. Many household cleaners contain ammonia and are only safe for diamonds and the more durable colored gems. Chlorine bleach, another common household solvent, can pit gold alloys. Light and heat can also affect a colored gemstone’s durability and color. Just as the sun’s harmful rays can damage our skin over time and in excess, they can also fade and weaken some gemstones.

Cleaning most colored gems is safe with warm water, mild soap (no detergents) and a soft brush. Be sure to stop the sink’s drain in case the gemstone comes loose in it's setting.

Soft gems, such as pearls, on the other hand, are easily scratched. Clean using an unused makeup brush instead, and warm, soapy water. Lay the pearls on a towel to dry. The wet string can stretch and attract dirt, so don’t touch a string of pearls until they are completely dry. Pearls worn every few days should be restrung once a year.

Proper jewelry storage is also often overlooked. Jewelry should never be tossed into a drawer or on top of a dresser—that’s a recipe for scratches and fractured gems. Most jewelry pieces come in a box or pouch from the store, which is a perfect place to keep them. Sterling silver, for example, should be kept in an anti-tarnish bag or cloth.

As always, bring in your pieces for regular cleaning and inspection. Feel free to ask us any questions about the storage and safe keeping of your precious pieces.

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For more information:
www.gia.edu
www.ijo.com
www.americangemsociety.org