Arizona's Ultimate Diamonds Buying Guide 2022 - Everything You Need to Know

How much are you aware while buying diamonds? If you don't buy jewelry all the time, it's very unlikely that you've done a lot of research into diamond quality. You might have some vague idea, but it might be something like 'the more sparkles and bigger the better or something else entirely. Do you know what makes an exceptional diamond?

We have many years of experience creating custom pieces of jewelry. We will not only help you pick the right ring, but we also offer unparalleled customer service that larger chain jewelry stores can't match. So, if you’re looking for the perfect custom engagement ring or any other piece of fine jewelry, visit us today at E.D. Marshall Jewelers in Scottsdale!

Whether you are buying a diamond or selling one, you will find all the information you need here.

Diamond Fun Facts

There are many fun facts about diamonds that you might not know about, and those facts are:

●       Diamonds are the hardest natural materials known to humankind. According to researchers, a diamond is up to 58x harder than anything found in nature. Thus, the only object or piece of equipment that would cut through a diamond would be another diamond.

●       The largest diamond ever uncovered was called the Cullinan diamond. It weighed in at an impressive 3106 carats. The Cullinan was ultimately cut into nine large diamonds and 100 smaller ones.

●       About 80% of diamonds are used for industrial purposes.

●       Producing a one-carat diamond requires the mining of about 250 tons of earth.

●       The word diamond derives from "Adamas," a Greek word that means invincible or indestructible.

●       All diamonds are not colorless. In nature, there are a variety of natural fancy colored diamonds. The extremely rare diamonds come in different hues of red, blue, pink, yellow, brown, black, orange, and green.

●       Lab-created and natural diamonds are very similar, and no one can tell the difference without extensive experiments.

●       Almost all of the world's natural diamonds are extracted and marketed by large-scale mining companies located in Canada, Russia, and Botswana. These ethical diamond companies operate with a high level of transparency and take responsibility for their societal and environmental impact.

4cs Of Buying A Diamond Jewelry

Well, it is quite rightly said that "Diamonds are the best friends of a woman." So when it comes to an engagement ring, what is better than gifting her diamonds. Diamonds come in various shapes, colors, sizes, weights, and obviously, you want the best for your woman while being within your budget. It poses a question that everyone has in their mind: what to look for in a diamond for an engagement ring? Well, there are 4 C's that you have to keep in mind while buying a diamond ring. The 4 C's are clarity, color, carat, cut. Let us look more thoroughly at these 4 C's.

COLOR:

 It is hard to find a diamond that does not have any color at all. In fact, diamonds occur in almost any naturally occurring pigment, including gray, white, yellow, green, brown, and pink. A chemically pure and structurally ideal diamond has no hue. It is like a drop of pure water, and consequently, a higher value. While color affects price, there are several factors that can help you decide which color grade is suitable for you.

GIA(The Gemological Institute of America) set the industry scale of criterion for diamond grading. GIA has a D-to-Z diamond color-grading system that calculates by comparing a stone under controlled lighting and specific viewing conditions. GIA has a D-to-Z diamond color-grading system that calculates the degree of by comparing a stone under controlled lighting and specific viewing conditions. Many of these diamond color distinctions are so subtle that they are invisible to the untrained eye; however, these distinctions make a massive difference in diamond quality and price. 

D: D is the topmost color grade, meaning nearly no color. A D color diamond will appear colorless under magnification and the naked eye. They are usually set in platinum or white gold, complementing the diamond's uncolored beauty. D color grade Diamonds are the rarest and most expensive on the market.

E: E color diamonds are almost identical to D color diamonds. An expert gemologist can only see the differences in color between a D and E diamond under magnification. Similar to D color diamonds, E color diamonds are also usually set in platinum or white gold to evade the color of the jewelry detracting from their near-flawless color. 

F: F color diamonds are almost similar to D and E color diamonds, with nearly no visible tint. D, E, and F diamonds will look practically identical to anyone other than an expert gemologist, even under magnification and side-by-side. Although the F color diamonds are less expensive than D and E color diamonds, they are still in the premium range.

G: G color diamonds indicate nearly no color and appear predominantly colorless to the naked eye. It is the highest, best grade in the "Near Colorless" range of the GIA's scale, covering diamonds graded G to J. Though G color diamonds have some hues of color, they are almost impossible to notice with the naked eye. These diamonds should also be set in platinum or white gold, like D-F diamonds.

H: H color diamonds appear colorless primarily to the naked eye but have a light yellow hue that is often visible under magnification in bright lighting. H color diamonds are a little less expensive than G color diamonds and remarkably more affordable than diamonds in colorless grade. We recommend this minimum color grade for diamond shapes with a large table, such as the radiant and cushion cuts.

I: I color diamonds deliver a great assortment of near-colorless looks and good value for money. These diamonds have a slight yellow tint. This tint will be only visible when you view them next to diamonds of a higher color grade. As you would expect, I color diamonds are less expensive than G or H color diamonds. It is the minimum color grade we recommend for princess cut diamonds.

J: J color diamonds look colorless primarily to the naked eye, but they usually have a light yellow tint that is easy to detect under bright lights and magnification. The color might also be perceptible to the naked eye in certain lighting conditions. From a money perspective, J color diamonds can be an excellent choice. We do not recommend the J color grade for diamond shapes with a larger table and fewer facets.

K: K color diamonds are indexed as a faint tint on the GIA's diamond color scale, meaning they have a slight yellow pigment that is perceptible even to the naked eye. You can find diamonds in this price range for significantly less than those in the G to J range. We generally do not recommend setting diamonds of this color grade in platinum or white gold.

L: In normal lighting conditions, also L color diamonds have a yellow tint visible to the naked eye. L color-grade diamonds are much more affordable than those in the G to J range.

We do not recommend the L color grade for non-round diamond shapes and to get them set in platinum or white gold because of the yellow tint. However, L color round brilliant cut diamonds look lovely in yellow gold solitaire rings due to the warm yellow tone of the metal.

M: M color diamonds have a yellow tint visible to the naked eye. M color diamonds are much more affordable when compared to near colorless or colorless diamonds. It is typically the lowest color grade offered by online diamond vendors. However, M color diamonds can look warm and beautiful in antique yellow gold bracelet settings.

N-R: Diamonds in the N to R range have detectable yellow or brown tinting. These diamonds are obtainable at a much lower price than faintly tinted or near-colorless diamonds. 

S-Z: Diamonds of an S-Z range have easily noticeable yellow or brown tinting.

CLARITY:

Diamond clarity is one of the C's that you should keep in mind while buying diamond studs or diamond necklace. Natural diamonds result from carbon exposed to tremendous heat and pressure deep in the earth. This process can result in various internal characteristics called 'inclusions' and external characteristics called 'blemishes.'

To evaluate diamond clarity, you have to determine the number, relief, size, nature, position of these characteristics and how these affect the stone's overall appearance. If you are trying to determine the best clarity for a diamond, remember that the closer it reaches to purity, the better its clarity. 

Inclusions are tiny crystals that can be trapped in a diamond when forming. Sometimes when a crystal grows, it can generate irregularities in its atomic structure. The position, size, and visibility of inclusions can greatly influence diamond clarity.

The GIA Diamond Clarity Scale has six categories, some of which are divided, for 11 specific grades.

●       Flawless (FL): No blemishes and inclusions visible under 10x magnification.

●       Internally Flawless (IF): No inclusions observable under 10x magnification.

●       Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): Inclusions are so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under a powerful microscope.

●       Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2): Inclusions are minor, and you can observe them with effort under 10x magnification.

●       Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2): Inclusions are detectable under 10x magnification.

●       Included (I1, I2, and I3): Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification, affecting transparency and brilliance.

CUT:

The cut is a diamond's symmetry, proportions, and polish, not a diamond's shape, e.g., round, oval, pear, etc. The magnificence of a diamond relies more on cut than any other factor. Though quite challenging to analyze and quantify, the diamond cut has three primary effects on appearance:

●       Brilliance is the brightness created by combining all the white light reflections from the surface and the inside of a polished diamond.

●       Fire is the disbandment of rays into the colors of the visible spectrum, seen as flashes of color.

●       Scintillation is the flashes of light and dark or sparkle when we move a diamond or light source.

A diamond's proportions are essential as its crown and pavilion angles, and the relative measurements of its facets are vital contributors to a diamond's overall face-up appearance. Facets are tiny mirrors, and their size and placement will impact how light acts as it passes via the diamond and back to your eye. A diamond's proportions can help signify how well a diamond will deliver brightness, fire, and scintillation.

GIA evaluates a diamond's cut based on seven components – brightness, fire, scintillation, weight ratio, durability, polish, and symmetry. GIA diamond cut grade ranges from Excellent to Poor. 

Excellent: Excellent Cut Diamonds deliver the highest level of fire and brilliance because they reflect almost all incoming light through the table. The diamond radiates with magnificent sparkle.

Very Good: Very Good Cut Diamonds deliver exceptional brilliance and fire. A considerable majority of the light entering reflects through the diamond's table. Very Good diamonds provide parallel sparkle to those of Excellent grade to the naked eye.

Good: Good Cut Diamonds shows brilliance and sparkle, with a good amount of light reflecting through the table to the viewer's eye. These diamonds equip magnificence at a lower price range.

Fair:  Fair Cut Diamonds offer slight brilliance, as the light quickly exits through the sides and bottom of the diamond. Diamonds of a Fair Cut are suitable for smaller carats and those acting as side stones.

Poor: Poor Cut Diamonds render nearly no sparkle, brilliance, or fire. Light enters and escapes very quickly from the bottom and sides of the diamond.

CARAT:

Many people confuse carat as the size of a diamond, whereas it is the weight of a diamond. A metric "carat" is 200 milligrams or one-fifth of a gram. Subdividing each carat into 100 points allows exact measurements to the hundredth decimal place. A jeweler may express the weight of a diamond below one carat by its 'points' alone.

We use carats and decimals to represent diamond weights greater than one carat. The diamond's value and price increase with the diamond carat weight because the larger the diamond, the more desirable it is.

However, two equal carat weight diamonds can have very different prices depending on the other three factors of the diamond: Color, Clarity, and Cut.

Diamond pricing increases exponentially, not linearly, as diamond carat weight increases. That means once a diamond hits its critical weight, the price bumps up. The critical weights are 0.30ct, 0.40ct, 0.50ct, 0.70ct, 0.90ct, 1.00ct, 1.50ct, 2.00ct, 3.00ct, 4.00ct, 5.00ct and 10.00ct.

What Are The Most Popular Shapes In Diamond  Jewelry?

The diamond shapes are essential when choosing a diamond ring, diamond ear rings, diamond pendant, diamond brooches or more for your special someone. Do you want a classy and simple look, or do you want a vintage look? All the factors depend on the shape of a diamond. Here are the ten most popular diamond shapes for the engagement ring.

Round shape diamond: 

Round Brilliant Cut diamonds have the highest brilliance, making them precious diamonds. They come in various sizes and grades, allowing any groom-to-be to find one that fits their budget. Round shape diamond Still takes the top spot.

According to research, more than 65% of couples love a round diamond for their center stone. The round shape diamond has been around since the 1800's making it by far the most well-liked year after year. Round shape diamonds work well as solitaires in two- and three-stone settings and even in geometric settings for a more vintage look.

If the bride knows what type of setting she wants but is unsure what diamond will work best, round brilliant is probably the way to go, especially if you favor a classic look.

Princess shape diamond: 

A modern version of the round shape diamond, princess cut diamonds are the second most brilliant and popular among diamonds. Their outstanding light dispersion and affordable cost make them an excellent way to turn a woman into your princess for life.

Princess cut diamonds claim the most clever title among square and rectangular diamonds, shaped like inverted pyramids with beveled sides.

Which bride doesn't want to look like a princess on her dream day? Enter the famed princess shape, another widely popular engagement ring style.

Cushion shape diamond: 

Inspired by minimal Art, cushion cut diamonds are square or rectangular with gently rounded corners. Beloved for their fire, cushion-shaped diamonds are cost-effective for engagement rings.

Although cushion shaped diamonds lag behind their round counterparts in sparkle, their varied angles produce unmatched fire or the ability to shine with all the colors of the rainbow.

They look great in modern settings.Replica Patek Iced out They still aren't the most fashionable.

Oval shape diamond: 

Loved for their brilliance and ultra-modern air, oval-shaped diamonds emphasize the size and personal look. Available at a moderate price, they can offer you a fantastic benefit-cost ratio. It's a classy and not so ordinary choice.

Oval-shaped diamonds look mostly good in wide rings because of their larger size, but they can be beautifully set in other rings as well. 

Emerald shape diamond: 

 Emerald shaped diamonds have an excellent balance and deliver elegant sight rather than brightness. Considerably cheaper than other choices, the emerald shape diamond is ideal for those who want to invest in a bigger stone. It's also not a super glitzy style, so if you're looking for a mega sparkler, it's not the cut for you.

Emerald shape diamonds are pretty as solitaire stones, complemented by baguettes or enveloped by a halo of smaller stones. 

Pear shape diamond:  

Pear shape diamond is rich in its marvelous beauty. Their cost is slightly more than other diamond shapes, but their different sizes and settings make them affordable to all.

This particular shape is a perfect choice for vintage-inspired brides who play by their own set of rules and think that two are more refined than one. 

Asscher shape diamond: 

Pure, long-lasting, and unique Asscher cut diamonds faithfully represent real love. Their different phase elements and large table deliver classy sparkles of light, and their uncomplicated cut won't break your budget.

Invented in Holland, the Asscher cut was once restricted to antique diamonds and had a significant comeback. Asscher cut diamonds are square with rounded corners, have a big table that allows you to look into the middle of the stone

Heart shape diamond: 

An everlasting symbol of love, heart-shaped diamonds are not traditionally used as engagement rings, nor are they limited to Valentine's Day weddings, but possibly that's what makes them so impressive. This trendy cut boasts a feminine shape that looks outstanding as a solitaire on a simple band or a more detailed setting for the hopeless romantic.

Radiant shape diamond: 

True to its name, a Radiant shape diamond invented in 1977 by Henry Grossbard notices the light in a significant way. The shape imitates an emerald-cut stone, but the unique, deep-cut factors allow extra flash.

Brides who don't want to go astray from the ideal forms will appreciate the radiant shape diamond’s timeless nature and custom-made spirit. It's also relatively rare, so you may not be able to find a wide choice of stones in this cut to pick.

Marquise shape diamond: 

The Navette cut is also known as a marquise cut. It has a regal feel  marked by curved sides and pointed ends. Its long, narrow shape not only creates an illusion of greater size but elongates the finger when set vertically. Marquise shape diamond also have a brilliant sparkle.

However, there's a chance of chipping and breakage because of its delicate pointed edges if the ring is not arranged perfectly. 

What is Table and Depth while purchasing Diamonds Online

Out of the 4C's discussed above, cut is the most crucial C to which everyone pays attention while buying a diamond. The depth of a diamond plays a vital role in determining the stone's brilliance, fire, and scintillation. Depth is simply defined as the height of the stone as measured from the culet to the table. Its unit of measurement is usually in millimeters.

The bottom tip of the stone is known as the culet of a diamond. As it is the bottom-most facet, it's impossible to see it with the naked eye. The depth of a diamond plays a notable role in controlling how light travels through a stone. It mainly determines the amount of light that reflects back to the observer's eye. 

On the other hand, A diamond's table is the flat facet on its surface you can see when looking at the diamond from the top. As the largest facet on a diamond, the table plays a significant role in determining how sparkly the diamond is. The size of the table is an essential factor in the appearance of any diamond. A large table lets light into the diamond and disperses light onto the other facets of the diamond to create a beautiful sparkle. 

While a diamond's table needs to be large enough to allow light in, a bigger table isn't necessarily better. A good table needs to be balanced. It has to be large enough to let lots of light into the stone but not so large that it doesn't refract light onto the crown of the diamond. Measure the table's width as a percentage of the total width of the diamond to calculate the table percentage.

DIAMOND TABLE AND DEPTH

Shape Ideal Table % Depth %

Round 53 - 58 59 - 62.3

Oval 53 - 63 58 - 62

Emerald 61 - 69 61 - 67

Princess 67 - 72 64 - 75

Asscher 61 - 69 61 - 67

Pear 53 - 63 58 - 62

Marquise 53 - 63 58 - 62

Radiant 61 - 69 61 - 67

Cushion 61 - 67 61 - 67

Heart 53 - 63 58 - 62

Make Sure You Get A Certificate With Your Diamond

 A diamond certificate is a document constructed by a diamond laboratory that provides in-depth detail about a diamond such as clarity, color, cut, carat, fluorescence, polish grade, symmetry, and more. Diamond certificates are for authentication, identification, and educational purposes; they do not assign a value to a stone.

A diamond grading laboratory must be independent of the diamond selling process, thereby transparent and free of conflict of interest. Independent lab entities evaluate diamonds and provide certificates to verify their grading. Here are some reliable diamond grading laboratory

●       American Gem Society Laboratories (AGS)

●       Australian Diamond Grading Laboratory (ADGL)

●       Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia (DCLA)

●       Gem Studies Laboratory (GSL)

●       Gemmological Institute of America (GIA)

●       HRD Antwerp (HRD)

●       Independent Gemmological Laboratory (IGL)

●       International Gemological Institute (IGI)

●       International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research (IIDGR)

●       Scientific Gem Testing Laboratories (Auscert)

GIA certification is the best and most reliable certification. The strict grading standards and proven consistency have made the GIA diamond reports highly recognizable. When you buy an engagement ring with a GIA report, available with us , it  provides you with tremendous peace of mind that it will accurately represent the quality of the diamond.

 Buying Online Vs. Buying From A Retail Store - Which One Is Better?

Diamond is a big purchase. Many people are hesitant to buy diamonds online. The truth is, buying diamonds online is as safe as purchasing any other product from trusted websites. In fact, you can find some good discounts, and you have many more options to choose from when purchasing online. Shoppers who visit brick-and-mortar stores are more likely to be coaxed into buying a less valuable diamond than those who shop online. Because online shoppers have the opportunity to do extensive research on diamonds before making a purchase, they'll have the information they need to make an informed decision whether they buy diamonds online or at a retail store.

How Can I Sell Or Pawn My Diamonds When I Need Extra Cash?

When it comes to selling diamonds and diamond jewelry in Phoenix, Arizona you can be sure that E.D. Marshall Jewelers has the expertise and experience to help you get the highest price, whether you are selling your loose diamonds or looking for a pawn shop or diamond broker, stop by E.D. Marshall Jewelers for a free evaluation today!

Tips To How to Keep your Diamonds Jewelry

Although a diamond is the hardest substance, it still needs some care to maintain that shine and grace.

●       Your diamond jewelry may lose its grace by becoming exposed to abrasive solutions or harsh chemicals. Whether applying sunscreen, wearing perfume, using hairspray, or simply washing up, these chemicals can erode or fade metal settings; hence, you should not wear diamond jewelry or wear protective clothing before doing any of this stuff.

●       You should always pick diamond jewelry up by their band, not by the stone or setting, specifically when removing rings. It will help keep the diamond secure in its setting and prevent natural oils from your hands from building up around the stone.

●       Diamonds' natural hardness can damage other gemstones, metals, and even other diamonds. It is always best to store diamonds separately from your other jewelry correctly in its box. Alternatively, you can keep your diamond jewelry in individual soft cloth pouches that will also protect them from any harm.

You Need To Know More About Diamonds And The Jewelry Industry

What is a Diamond?

Diamond is a form of carbon and it is the most popular gemstone. It has both utility and ornamental value. As a gemstone, diamonds possess a high refractive index making them sparkle. The high refractive index makes diamond a very hard material which makes it ideal for use as an industrial tool.

Why are Diamonds so expensive?

The diamond is still the most preferred gemstone for engagement and marriage proposals. Its high price can be attributed to a number of things, including size, rarity, and other attributes. However, the biggest factor behind the high price of diamonds is the limited natural supply of gem-quality stones in the world. surprisingly, only about 30% of all stones mined get qualified for jewelry use.

How Diamonds Are Formed?

Diamonds took billions of years to form deep within the earth's crust under intense heat and pressure that caused carbon atoms to crystallize, resulting in diamonds.

Diamonds occur at a depth of 100 miles or more below the surface of the earth. Here, the average temperature is 900 to 1,300 degrees Celsius at a pressure of 45 to 60 kilobars ( the atmospheric pressure is over 50,000 times that of at the earth's surface). These conditions also form molten lamproite and Kimberlite (commonly known as magma) within the earth's upper mantle and expand at a rapid rate. This accumulation causes the magma to erupt, propelling it to the earth's surface and taking diamond-bearing rocks along with it. The magma moves at an incredible speed and takes the path with the least resistance, forming a pipe to the surface. The magma cools and hardens to form Kimberlite and settles in vertical structures known as kimberlite pipes. Yet only 1 in every 200 kimberlite pipes contains gem-quality diamonds; they are considered the most significant source of diamonds. The name 'Kimberlite' was derived from the South African town of Kimberley, where they found the first diamonds in this type of rock.

When should you buy Diamond Jewellery? 

Diamond prices fluctuate, and the month of March may be the best time to buy diamond jewelry. You can shop for diamonds on days which companies provide significant discounts like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Mother's Day, and Christmas Holidays.

The Future Of Diamond Jewelry: Lab-Grown Diamonds And Synthetic Diamonds

Synthetic diamonds and lab-grown diamonds are the future of diamond jewelry as they are cheaper and have fewer impurities than natural diamonds, resulting in growing popularity all over the world. Synthetic diamonds or lab-grown are the same things. They are also known as lab-created, lab-made, and even engineered diamonds. Synthetic diamonds are made in a laboratory or factory rather than surfacing in nature and mined from the earth. Some laboratories use advanced technology to mimic natural diamonds' conditions when they form beneath the earth's crust for a good quality synthetic diamond. Their origin is the main aspect that sets synthetic diamonds apart from natural ones since synthetic diamonds have the same optical, chemical, physical properties, and crystal structure as natural diamonds.

Unless you are a trained gemologist with cutting-edge technology, lab-grown diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from naturally grown diamonds. 

Choosing a diamond that reflects your personality: Platinum, Gold or Silver?

Diamonds can be set in various metals like gold, platinum, and silver. You should go for the diamond setting that suits your personality and budget. Diamonds are everyone's best friend. You can buy any jewelry in a diamond. It will always look magnificent, be it engagement rings, pendant necklaces, diamond earrings, diamond studs.

 E.D. Marshall Jewelers is the best destination for diamond shopping. They provide GIA-certified diamonds and have stores in Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, and they also have a website where you can buy the best diamonds at great prices. For more details, visit https://edmarshalljewelers.com/diamonds.

Source:

 https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/diamond-color/

What is Diamond Depth? | Diamond Education. https://www.withclarity.com/education/diamond-education/diamond-cut/what-is-diamond-depth-or-diamond-education