Diamonds 101
Diamonds 101: A lesson on diamond buying
Each diamond is as unique as the individual that wears them. For this reason Mazzarese selects each diamond carefully for its combination of the four C's and a fifth consideration, value. From premium to ideal-cut, colorless to fancy,round to square, each diamond represents years of experience from the world's finest diamond cutters unleashing the internal beauty that gives the diamond its endless brilliance.
Mazzarese carries diamonds of all carat weights, shapes and characteristics certified by independent gemological laboratories such as GIA, AGS, EGL and HRD.
There are few purchases that represent eternity. Let the experts at Mazzarese educate you on what to consider when purchasing a diamond or even selecting the perfect piece of jewelry. An educated consumer is our main goal.
Mazzarese offers a Lifetime Diamond Upgrade which allows the original purchaser full credit of the original purchase price on every loose Mazzarese diamond towards another diamond of larger size and greater value. See a Mazzarese Sales Associate for more details on how to upgrade your Mazzarese diamond.
The Mazzarese Ideal Cut Diamond - A Practice in Perfection
There is a certain discerning trait among humans that demands perfection. To Mazzarese, perfection is the ultimate statement and found in the most minute of details. Although all diamonds begin as identical rough material, only a select few have the potential to reach the "ideal", the highest level of perfection of the modern round brilliant cut. The Mazzarese Ideal Cut diamond achieves the maximum amount of brilliance through optimum proportions with relation to crown angles and facet placement in order to return the ideal balance of light reflection and dispersion.
The Mazzarese Ideal Cut diamond, when viewed through a specially-designed scope, reveals a phenomenon only achieved with the most exacting proportions presenting hearts around the perimeter of the stone when viewed from the bottom, or pavillion of the stone, and arrows when viewed from the top, or crown. Each Mazzarese Ideal Cut diamond is certified by the American Gemological Society (AGS) with "0-Ideal" (zero-ideal) ratings for the symmetry, proportion and finish which represent the highest achievement available. Ask to view a Mazzarese Ideal Cut diamond and experience the perfection of nature for yourself.
A Diamond's Characteristics: The Four C's
CUT
Perhaps one of the most identifiable of the four C's and the only grade that humans actually play a role in influencing. The cut of a diamond does not solely refer to the shape but the facet design, finish and proportions of the diamond. A diamond that is considered properly cut will exemplify the art of diamond cutting through its radiance and brilliance. Diamonds selected by Mazzarese are cut to specific proportions deeming them "Ideal" and "Premium" cuts.
COLOR
The color of a diamond refers to the hue and saturation of the intensity or lack of color within the body of a diamond. Color occurs usually in shades of yellow, brown and gray produced by different levels of nitrogen below the surface of the earth; little to no nitrogen produces colorless diamonds while high levels of nitrogen produce yellow and brown hues. Color is graded in letter classifications from colorless (D-E-F), near colorless (G-H-I-J) and degrees of yellow and brown (K to Z). Some of the most rare colors occur in fancy, vivid shades of yellow, pink and even blue.
CLARITY
Clarity refers to the natural inclusions within diamonds. Consisting primarily of foreign bodies (inclusions) present during the development of the diamond and external scratches or blemishes. Inclusions can take different forms and shapes. The grading of a diamond's clarity is determined by the number, size and location of the inclusions. There are eleven grades within five classifications ranging from Flawless and Internally Flawless (FL-IF), Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1-VVS2), Very Slightly Included (VS1-VS2), Slightly Included (SI1-SI2) and Included (I1-I2-I3). Clarity is determined by using a 10x microscope or jewelers loupe (pronounced "loop").
CARAT
The "carat" is a unit of measurement equaling 1/5th of a gram and originating from the carat seed found in the Middle East. Carat weight (ct) is measured in whole and decimal units into the hundredths expressed as
"points" or fractions. A diamond of "one carat" would be represented by "1.00ct", while a diamond of "one quarter carat" or "twenty-five points" would be represented by "0.25ct". The larger the diamond the more rare and therefore more valuable. The carat weight of a diamond is the most objective grade since there is no deviation in weight.