J. Edwards Diamonds

Diamond Education

Since most of the world’s diamonds are produced by DeBeers, the prices of finished diamonds are standardized and, therefore, are approximately the same from all cutters. The vast difference in the prices to consumers is created by the retailers. The true value of a diamond is determined by a combination of four factors known as the “4C’s”. You should understand the “4C’s”, what they mean and how they affect the value of your diamond.

Buying a Diamond

You should only buy a diamond from a trained expert in the diamond business… It is important to buy from a professional, not selling on commission. You want unbiased, straightforward information, so you can make an informed decision. Diamond grading should be done only by an independent, third party, internationally recognized grading laboratory that can offer an unbiased opinion. Make sure all terms used are standardized, internationally recognized terms.

How to Guarantee the Best Value

To guarantee that you receive the best value possible, you should compare two stones of equal certified grades and compare the actual prices for which you can buy the stones. Ignore suggested retail prices. You must be sure certification of color and clarity gradings are accurate and equal ... Make sure you compare certificates.. When comparing two stones, make sure the two certificates are from the same grading labs. Every grading lab uses different techniques in grading, therefore, pricing can be much different if comparing certificates from two different labs. Make sure your professional explains the difference in labs. When you are shopping, make sure you receive a Best Price Guarantee in writing. Price Protection should explain what the seller will do should you find a lower price for essentially the same diamond with the same benefits and same terms.

Carat

Carat weight is made up of points… like ounces to a pound. It takes 100 points to equal one carat. For example, 25 points = 1/4 carat, 50 points = 1/2 carat, etc. Various diamond sizes are shown below. However, please do not use these pictures as an absolute indicator of size. Due to the various sizes of computer screens, the diamond may appear on-screen larger or smaller than the actual stone.

Cut

When we buy diamonds we look first at the cut. The cut refers to how well the diamond is proportioned, not the shape. If cut properly it will have more brilliance and, as a result, will be more valuable than a poorly cut stone.The certificate will tell you how the stone is cut. Look at the depth and table percentages. Ideal percentages, for a round diamond, should be a table between 53% and 64% and a depth between 58% and 64%. In a princess cut, both table and depth percentages should be between 65% and 80%. If lower or higher than this range, the stone will be too shallow or too deep. Both will adversely affect the beauty and the value.

Clarity

Clarity refers to a diamond’s internal quality. Grading is performed under 10 power magnification. The size and location of an inclusion determines the clarity grading.

• FL= flawless
• IF = internally flawless
• VVS1/VVS2 = very, very slightly included
• VS1/VS2 = very slightly included
• SI1/SI2 = slightly included
• I1/I2/I3 = included

Color

Color grading according to The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is as follows:

• D, E, F     = Colorless
• G, H, I, J  = Near colorless
• K, L, M    = Faint yellow
• N-R         = Very light yellow
• S-Z          = Light yellow

More than just the 4C’s.

Most consumers look only at size, color and clarity… THIS IS A MISTAKE.… While size, color and clarity are important, this could be only 25% of what makes up the value of a diamond. The other 75% could be shape, proportions, symmetry, polish, table percentage, depth percentage and fluorescence.. Without this information, it is impossible to determine the value of a diamond.

The 5th C is for caution

Be sure you are not buying a diamond that has been laser drilled or color enhanced… The GIA has determined that these treatments are not permanent and therefore, these diamonds have very little value, if any.

Additional Factors that Make Up the Value of a Diamond

All J. Edwards graders are GIA graduates and thoroughly trained in buying diamonds. All J. Edwards certified diamonds must meet the specific grading parameters mentioned below. J. EDWARDS DIAMONDS is very strict in our grading.

• Symmetry is the balance of the diamond… example, is the diamond round or is it off round?
• Polish refers to the smoothness of the finish… example, does it have streaks or lines? GOOD, VERY GOOD, EXCELLENT is what we look for. Do not accept POOR OR FAIR.
• Fluorescence refers to the material of the diamond.. NONE OR SLIGHT is acceptable... MEDIUM, STRONG, BLUE, HEAVY are not acceptable, as the diamond will appear hazy.

How to read the certificate

All of the information needed to determine the characteristics and value of a diamond are on a full laboratory certificate. A “mini” certificate, listing only size, color and clarity, should not be relied upon for determining value. Make sure that all characteristics are in terms related to the GIA. If other terms are used, it is impossible to determine the diamond’s true value.