Carat - Cut - Clarity - Color

Carat is the unit of measure to weigh a diamond. 1 Carat has 100 points, similar to a dollar (1 dollar has 100 cents). So when you hear the term "this diamond weight 1.07 carat, that means the diamond is 1 carat and 7 points. A dollar would be 1 dollar and 7 cents.

Cut refers to the way a diamond has been cut to maximize it's return of fire and brilliance to the eye. Cut does NOT refer to the shape of the diamond (ie round, pear, princess etc). A well cut diamond will create a sparkling light show with the slightest movements near any light source. Although there is no "perfect cut", there are many guidelines to what constitutes a well cut diamond. Cut can be the most difficult to understand for many diamond buyers and we are glad to show you many different cut parameters to help you choose which you prefer the most.

Clarity refers to any inclusions which may grow within a diamond when it is formed in the Earth. Often referred to as clarity characteristics, inclusions may come in many sizes, colors & locations within a diamond. No two diamonds have the same clarity characteristics in the same locations, so they can also act as fingerprint of your diamond for future identification. Quite simply put, the fewer inclusions a diamond has the more it will cost.

Color is a description of a diamonds color as it relates to the GIA color grading scale. Diamonds are available in a full range of colors, however near colorless (white) is the most common and sought after for most diamond buyers. If a diamond is colorless (DEF-extremely rare) the cost will be more than near colorless (GHIJ – most common). Once a diamond begins to show obvious color, like brownish or yellowish it enters the KLMNO range and can be purchased for considerably less.

Diamond Certificates

One of the biggest decisions for a diamond buyer is whether to buy a diamond with a certificate or without a certificate. A certificate is an independent opinion from an unbiased laboratory regarding the Clarity, Cut, Color and overall quality of a diamond. A certificate is NOT an appraisal. There are several labs that complete "Certs" and these are the most popular and widely known. GIA, EGL, AGS, IGI.

When purchasing a certified diamond, you do not need to "trust" a jewelers opinion as to the diamond's grade. Certificates were used much less years ago when people shopped with the same jeweler year in and year out. With the advent of the internet and other diamond outlets "Certs" have become the only way for a buyer who is unfamiliar with his jeweler to be certain of what they are purchasing. The downside is that "Certs" are expensive to have completed and can "tie up" a jeweler's inventory for over a month while being completed. This means a buyer could pay up to a 20%-30% premium for a certified diamond.

At Snyder Jewelers we carry both certified and uncertified diamonds. Most of our certified diamonds were examined by GIA or EGL, however we can provide "Certs" from other labs if requested.

The question for many buyers is whether or not they trust the jeweler they are shopping with. At Snyder Jewelers we are a "fan" of both certified diamonds and trusting your jeweler. We believe you should never purchase a diamond from someone you do not trust.

Creating The Ring

At Snyder Jewelers it is our pleasure to create you the perfect Diamond Ring. Whether you want the elegance and simplicity of a solitaire mounting or the excitement and sparkle of a multi-diamond mounting to surround your new diamond. We can provide you with an enormous selection of mountings in 14k yellow gold, 14k white gold, white and yellow gold combined or platinum.

Our diamond setter is one of the best in the business. He has been setting diamond for Snyder Jewelers for over 15 years and his ability as well as his integrity are unmatched.

Any diamond you purchase from Snyder Jewelers will be accompanied with a detailed insurance appraisal as well as any laboratory certificates. Lifetime sizing goes without mentioning at Snyder Jewelers as well as lifetime cleaning and inspections.

Rest assured that Snyder Jewelers is committed to providing you high quality diamonds and mountings at the fairest prices available.

Please contact Mark Snyder personally with any further questions you may have at: msnyder@snyderjeweler.com or 781 331-0725.

Kimberly Process & USA Patriot Act

Snyder Jewelers and all of our diamond and gemstones suppliers are compliant with both the Kimberly Process and the USA Patriot Act. For more information on either visit:

Kimberly Process - http://www.kimberleyprocess.com/

USA Patriot Act - http://www.fincen.gov/pa_main.html

 

Worksheet info

Date of Visit: _________
 
Carat Weight: ________
               
Certificate: GIA / AGS / EGL / IGI / None

Shape of Diamond: Round / Princess / Marquise / Pear / Oval / Other

Color: DEF /GHIJ / KLMNO / Fancy

Clarity: Fl  IF/ VVS1  VVS2/ VS1  VS2/ SI1  SI2 SI3 / I1
                               
Dimensions: _____mm X _____mm

Polish & Symmetry: ______
               
Girdle: ________

Price Quote: $_________ (Expires in ____ Days)

 

Other Comments:

 

For more education & information about purchasing diamonds visit GIA's Diamond Buying Guide at http://howtobuyadiamond.gia.edu/menu.htm or visit A Diamond is Forever at http://www.adiamondisforever.com/buy/