In many cases, the engagement ring is the first important purchase a couple will make together. It is necessary to know a bit about diamonds before making your final purchase:
Let Roberta's Jewelers' Diamond Experts help.

Getting Started:

Each diamond has 4 basic characteristics which will determine it's price:
SIZE (CARAT WEIGHT), CLARITY, COLOR & CUT.

1. Size: This is reflected in the weight of a diamond when put on a diamond scale called a Carat Scale and is expressed in a unit called Carat: A carat is .20 parts of a gram. Points are another way of expressing diamond weight. One hundred points equals one carat.

2. Clarity: This catagory reflects how many or how few natural internal and external markings are in or on the diamond. A trained diamond expert examines the diamond at 10 times it's natural size to determine the clarity of each gemstone. The clarity scale starts with IF or internally flawless and ends with I3 or heavily included or damaged diamonds. The average diamonds are sold in the VS (diamonds with very slight inclusion) to SI (diamonds with slight inclusions) ranges of the scale.

3. Color: The color of each diamond is a naturally occurring phenomenon that is imparted into the diamond crystal millions of years ago upon it's creation in the violent upheavals of the earth. Today when we uncover these incredible gemstones we cut and polish them and diamond experts observe the distinctive color of each crystal. The color is determined on a letter scale of D-Z. At one end of the scale "D" is a colorless body color and the other end includes distinct, visible diamond body color including blue, green, yellow, pink, brown, and black "Z". In our society, the most colorless diamonds have been cherished as the most valuable because they are the rarest. Most diamonds are sold in the"F " (very colorless) to "K"( slight body color) portion of the color range.

4. Cut: Many couples have determined the shape of the diamond they would like to own. Diamond experts call this the Cut of the stone. The basic diamond shapes or "cuts" are; Round, Oval, Pear, Emerald cut which includes Princess, Squares , & Bagettes and the very popular, Marquise. The price of diamond shapes has as much to do with fashion as it does with demand. However, there is a technical portion of the "Cut" of a diamond that also effects it's price. This is the very exacting standards used to cut and polish a diamond. The actual shaping of the stone to get the very best light reflection and excellent body shape, to precise scientific guidelines. The brilliance or scintillation of a diamond is reflective of it's "Cut". This is the most difficult aspect of the 4C's in diamond classification for the first time diamond purchase. It is also the area most overlooked by the average salesperson. Yet, a fine cut will go far in concealing flaws and also enhancing body color. So, a stone that is brilliant (well "Cut") is usually the most appealing to the eye.

At Roberta's Jewelers, we select diamonds for their overall qualities. Our diamond experts will help you select a diamond that will fit your style and personality.

HOME