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What is the quality of diamonds in your jewelry?

1/10/2020

 
Really a great question.  But one with a complicated answer.  The shortest answer is that while we are not Gemalogical Institute of America (GIA) certified appraisers, we do possess 30+ years of experience in fine jewelry.  When evaluating Diamonds jewelry for acquisition we look for Diamonds in the color range of G - L, and the clarity ranges of SI or better.  Accordingly, pricing of two Diamond solitaires of the same Carat weight may differ greatly because of better Color or better Clarity.  
Now for the lengthier, more detailed answer.  Many have heard of the "4-Cs" of Diamonds.  The 4-Cs are Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat.  Of these, Color and Clarity speak to quality.  
Diamonds are divided generally into two categories, Colorless Diamonds and Colored Diamonds.  Among the most common colored Diamonds can be steel gray, blue, yellow, orange, red, green, pink to purple, brown, and black.  Colorless Diamonds are often referred to as white Diamonds.  The GIA scale for white or colorless Diamonds runs from D - "Colorless" to Z - "Light Yellow" or "Brown."   D, E, and F colors are very rare, and typically increase the cost of a Diamond exponentially.  The most common color grades of Diamonds purchased are G - L.  In this color range is is very, very difficult for the untrained eye to discern a color difference.  Grades M - Z show a distinct to dramatic shift to yellow.  In terms of Clarity Diamonds are typically graded in a range from F - Flawless to Included - I3.  Here are the clarity grading distinctions:
  • Flawless (FL) Diamonds (Cost - Astronomical)
-No internal or external characteristics
-Less than 1% of all Diamonds are graded Flawless.
  • Internally Flawless (IF) Diamonds (Cost - Stratospheric)
-Some small surface blemishes may be visible under a microscope
-IF Diamonds have no inclusions within the stone, only surface characteristics
  • VVS1, VVS2 Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS) Diamonds
-VVS Diamonds have minuscule inclusions that are difficult even for trained eyes
-VVS clarity is rare and results in an eye clean appearance
  • VS1, VS2 Very Slightly Included (VS) Diamonds
-Minor inclusions ranging from difficult (VS1) to somewhat easy (VS2) to see at 10x (jewelers loupe) magnification
  • SI1, SI2 Slightly Included (SI) Diamonds
-Inclusions arte noticeable at 10x (jewelers loupe) magnification
-If eye clean, SI Diamonds are often the best value
-SI2 inclusions may be detectable to a keen unaided eye, especially when viewed from the side
-SI range of clarity represents the most frequently/commonly purchased Diamond
  • I1, I2, I3 Included Diamonds
​-I clarity Diamonds have obvious inclusions that are likely to be visible and impact beauty
-Aloha Estate Jewelry's policy is to avoid acquiring I-Clarity Diamonds whenever possible.

We want you to be absolutely thrilled with your selection from Aloha Estate Jewelry.  So regardless of the selection, you have 2 weeks, 14-days, to seek a second opinion, or a separate appraisal, to appreciate the value of your purchase.  And if not completely thrilled, we are happy for you to return the item to us for a full refund at anytime within the 2-weeks.

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