Diamond Guide
This 3 page section is an important diamond information center of sorts, giving valuable information on diamond clarity and the finer points of diamond carat size, etc. It also works as an informative diamond clarity guide for those who may want reference before buying their diamond jewelry.
Diamond
Diamonds made of pure crystallized carbon are the simplest of all gemstones. A diamond starts to crystallize far away from the earth's surface through a combination of liquids, gases, and crystals. Diamonds can be extremely aged. They may even be from 1 to 3 billion years old. It is the hardest recognized material known to man. Due to its extreme hardness, the only method of cutting or polishing a diamond is to cut or polish it with a different diamond. Nevertheless, a diamond may still be chipped or broken if hit at the right angle; diamonds are not unbreakable.
External Reflection
The stone cutter's skill and attention to detail can be suggested by the polish of the stone. If the stone is bright and lustrous, its polish will be fine. External reflection is the light rays reflected back to the viewer's eyes from the surface of the stone itself. Additionally, the primary light refraction caused by a stone's fire and brilliance inside its facets is referred to as internal refraction. A high degree of external reflection results from finely polished stones.
Facet
The level surfaces on stones are called facets. In order to create the most fire and brilliance of a stone, facets must be cut in precise geometric relation to one another.
Girdle
The area of a stone that rests in the setting and is the furthest boundary of the stone is called the girdle. The girdle also divides the upper and lower sections of the stone. The facet of the stone causes the girdle to differ in thickness.
Hallmark
The Irish Hallmark has existed since 1637 and certifies the prescribed amount of precious metal used in each piece of Irish jewelry. It is one of the most reassuring of quality guarantees and one of the oldest forms of consumer protection.
All jewelry of precious metals made in Ireland must carry a hallmark. The Irish hallmark is distinctive and distinguishes it from imported jewelry.
Ideal Cut
A diamond with the most fire and brilliance follows specific proportions from a certain list of guidelines and is named an ideal cut. The greatest possible fire and brilliance from a diamond comes from a cut of 58 facets.
Inclusion
A recognizable characteristic that naturally occurs in diamonds such as a small crystal, cloud, or feather, is called an inclusion. All other qualities being identical, a diamond with the least amount of inclusions is the most valuable.
Diamonds with fewer inclusions are also less rare than those with more inclusions. Diamonds with absolutely no inclusions are exceptionally rare.