DIY Tips To Maintain Your Gold Jewelry
March 19, 2021
Is your gold jewelry lying around at home gathering dust? Our busy lifestyles and hectic work schedules may not give us enough time to maintain our gold jewelry properly.
Well-maintained gold jewelry also fetches a high resale value in case you ever plan to sell gold jewelry. This article compiled everything you need to know to keep your gold jewelry looking forever new and make it last a lifetime.
Cleaning Tips for Regularly Worn Gold Jewelry
It is very easy to identify gold jewelry that hasn’t been taken care of. Dirt, grime, and sweat can easily build up on jewelry that has worn regularly. Moreover, if you keep neglecting your gold jewelry, it can get so dirty that its entire appearance will be negatively affected.
The most common home remedy for taking care of gold jewelry is to clean it with warm water and mild liquid soap. It is a simple and effective way to remove the oil and dirt that your gold jewelry may have collected. Depending on how dirty your gold jewelry is, you might have to soak it in a soapy solution. Just leave it in the water for a couple of hours and scrub gently with a soft brush. Make sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of the soap and lather.
You can either dry your gold jewelry the regular way by blotting it with a soft cloth or you could do something extra. Many people prefer using a polishing cloth to give their valuables an extra shine. Note that you should never use any rough or coarse cloth or paper towels while drying your gold jewelry. These can cause scratches and marks.
One mistake many people make is to overdo this cleaning process. Remember to clean any gold jewelry only when you find the need for it. Don’t go cleaning it every month if it hasn’t been worn and isn’t dirty. A common mistake made by most on how to take care of gold jewelry is that they end up buying so many types of products to clean their gold. Whatever you do, stay away from bleach, no matter how mild it is advertised to be, because it will harm your gold jewelry.
Prevention first
If you wear gold jewelry daily, there are certain things you can do for its maintenance. Proper jewelry care is the key to long-lasting and well-maintained pieces. The first step in appropriate jewelry care is to identify things that may harm them.
Swimming and Showering: Wearing gold jewelry while showering at home or swimming in a pool, lake, or the ocean is a big No-No! Our bathing products have so many different chemical substances mixed in the composition. While they may be good for your skin, they have not recommended for gold jewelry.
The chlorine added to swimming pools is downright terrible for gold. It takes away the shine, weakens the metal, and eventually, your gold jewelry will snap. So, we advise taking off your gold jewelry before you step into the shower or a pool.
Cooking: Your time with your gold jewelry should also be limited when you are in the kitchen if you are looking into the dos and don’ts of how to take care of gold jewelry. Food particles that stick to the edges and corners of your jewelry are very difficult to remove. Also, it will do your gold jewelry no good to be close to the fire or other heating sources in the kitchen. Cleaning: Chemicals in soaps and cleaning products can sometimes react with gold. For better jewelry care, remove and keep aside all jewelry that may come in direct contact with harsh cleaning products like acids or abrasives. Aside from the damage through chemicals, you can easily scratch the gold while handling your cleaning chores. Gold is a soft metal, so any bump can easily cause it to lose shape.Personal grooming: Use of beauty products and cosmetics while wearing jewelry may cause the product to build up in layers on your gold. We advise you to put on your gold jewelry after you have finished getting ready.
Types of Gold Alloys
Up until now, we have simply been referring to “gold jewelry”. But our tips on how to take care of gold jewelry cover not only the most popular yellow gold, but also other common variants.
Let us list and discuss some of the most common and popular forms of gold found in jewelry.
Yellow gold: This is the traditional form of gold and also the most widely used. It owes its popularity to the fact that it requires the least amount of maintenance. It is also the most hypo-allergenic form of gold, meaning that people are least likely to be allergic to yellow gold. White gold: White gold is fast gaining in popularity. The reason is the current trend of white metal-based jewelry. It is also more durable and scratch-resistant than yellow gold because of its alloy composition of gold with nickel or palladium, zinc, and copper. Moreover, white gold is highly affordable and comes at pocket-friendly prices. Rose gold: Perhaps the trendiest of all gold colors, rose gold is everywhere today. Because of its unique, classy color, it has commanded a great demand in the jewelry business. It is also more durable than both yellow and white gold because of its high copper composition.
Store your gold jewelry well
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Do you shove your gold jewelry in drawers and cabinets only to forget about them? Remember, proper storage of jewelry is part of how to take care of gold jewelry.
While it may seem tedious, you will realize the benefits of putting away your jewelry after you have worn them. Make a habit out of it, and soon you will not even realize it!
Use a fabric-lined jewelry box to keep your gold jewelry. Make sure to untangle gold chains and bracelets before you store them. Avoid storing too many jewelry pieces in a single container.
You can also opt for annual cleaning of your gold jewelry so that a professional can have a look at it. This will help in the detection of any damage and loosening of clamps, prongs, or stones.
Are you planning to sell your gold jewelry?
We’ve got you covered. At Sell Your Jewelry, we purchase old, pre-owned gold jewelry and offer the best prices in the city and it is best place to sell gold. Book a free appointment and bring in your gold jewelry for assessment by our experts. We take into consideration all gold price factors and offer you deals you cannot refuse. Visit our website to avail a free consultation today.[greeting]
How Uncut Diamonds is Determined and Valued?
March 17, 2021
What comes to mind when you think of an uncut diamond? As the very name suggests, they are raw and unfinished. Most people also know that an uncut diamond is cheaper than a well-cut and finished diamond. Why?
Normally, the value of diamonds depends on 4 primary factors – color, clarity, cut and carat weight. When it comes to uncut or rough diamonds, these factors are reduced to 3 – color, clarity and carat weight of the stone.
Cutting a diamond is a very expensive process, and this is reflected in the price of the final cut stone. On the other hand, an uncut diamond has been freshly mined and brought to the surface. It is untouched by any procedure that gives the diamond its final fancy appearance.
So, how exactly is the value of an uncut diamond determined? In this article, we will be answering this question along with several others. But first, let us clearly establish what we mean when we speak of an uncut diamond.
What is an uncut diamond?
Uncut or raw diamonds are those that have not been cut, shaped, polished, or treated in any form. A natural or real uncut diamond is one that has just been mined out from below the earth’s surface. Only when an uncut diamond is found to be of high quality, it is then sent to professional diamond cutters and jewelers. Such diamonds are then cut and polished to fit into different types of jewelry.
Importance of cutting and polishing a diamond
It goes without saying that a diamond’s beauty lies in its cut. While an uncut diamond also looks precious and unique, it is the intricate cutting process that makes the diamond sparkle.
Cutting a diamond is the key to increasing its appeal and so, requires expert craftsmanship and skill. A common misconception is that a diamond cut refers to its shape. Whereas in fact, diamond-cut involves the proportions, polish, symmetry and depth given to the stone.
The cut of the diamond determines the angle at which light enters it. If the light does not enter at the best angle, the diamond will not reflect light properly. This will result in a dark and dull appearance, which in turn will decrease the diamond’s value.
In case a diamond is not unpolished or not polished enough, its facets cannot act as mirrors. So, light is not reflected properly, and the diamond appears dull and ordinary. Due to the distorted light reflections, any blemishes on the surface of the diamond become even more pronounced and make the stone look rough.
Before we look at uncut diamonds and how they are valued, let us understand the grade chart for diamond cuts.
You must have heard of GIA diamonds. Have you wondered why they are so valuable? The reason is that the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the most trusted and reputed laboratory when it comes to assessing diamonds.
They have come up with a uniform grading system for diamonds with the following grade chart: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair and Poor.
Since GIA covers the most important factors to check the diamond cut quality, their system of grading is followed by most laboratories. As a result, diamond cut grade is assigned based on proportion, symmetry and dimensions that enhance the overall appearance of the stone.
When an diamond is cut, it is carried out in such a way that maximum light can be reflected off the stone. But diamond cut cannot determine the final look of the diamond all by itself. The color, clarity and carat weight have a major impact on diamond cut.
So, any professional and experienced diamond cutter will aim to enhance the clarity of the stone and simultaneously mask any inclusion or unwanted tint in the stone. They will also try to trim away as little as possible from the original diamond so that the final cut stone is big in size.
Now that you know how an uncut diamond is cut, let us move on to the burning question:
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How is an uncut diamond valued?
An uncut diamond follows the same rules which determine the value of other diamonds with the exception of diamond cut. This means that three factors are considered while determining the worth of an uncut diamond. These are clarity, color, and carat weight.
Clarity
Very often, naturally occurring uncut diamonds have internal or surface imperfections, flaws, and inclusions. This compromises their clarity of the stone. An uncut diamond with minimal blemishes is of high value. These can be masked when the stone is finally cut and given a flattering shape.
Color
The color of an uncut diamond determines if it is suitable for jewelry or not. Uncut diamonds having a heavy yellow or brown tint are less desirable. On the other hand, if an uncut diamond has a very slight or even negligible tint, it is used for making jewelry. As a result, there is an increase in its value.
Carat weight
One metric carat is equal to almost 0.2 gram. One metric carat is divided into 100 points. Diamonds are weighed to a thousandth of a carat and then rounded up to the nearest hundred (or point). Due to the extreme precision required in weighing diamonds, even the fraction of a carat can make a huge difference in the diamond value. Thus, accurate weighing of an uncut diamond is of great importance.But if a rough diamond of high carat value has a lot of blemishes that need to be cut out, then it won’t be of high value. On the other hand, a smaller but clearer uncut diamond is more desirable, and thus, fetches more money.
Are you planning to sell diamond jewelry? We offer the best prices in the city! Book your free appointment today.
You can also check our topic: What is the Best Diamond Cut for an Engagement Ring?[greeting]
4 Ways To Clean Your Necklace
March 9, 2021
All of us lead busy and hectic lifestyles. But in the process, we end up neglecting the little things. This is true for all our jewelry. If you've realized your mistake and are now wondering how to clean a diamond necklace, then this article is for you.
We often forget to take off our jewelry for days at a stretch and then store them somewhere safe. But did you know that statistically, there is less chance of your necklace getting stolen and more chances of it getting ruined out of neglect?
While we're sure that the entire process of taking off your necklace, cleaning it, and then putting it back on may seem tedious and unnecessary, we assure you that it's not. Proper jewelry care is the key to long-lasting and well-maintained pieces.
Today, we will discuss all you need to know on how to clean diamond necklaces and the other varieties of necklaces you may possess.
How to Clean a Gold Necklace?
Cleaning a simple gold necklace or chain is such a simple task that you'll regret not having done it sooner. If this isn't a diamond necklace or doesn't have any stones embedded in it, all you need to do is soak the necklace in a mild soapy solution.
For this purpose, dishwashing soap is a great way to begin. Use a few drops of it in a bowl of lukewarm water and place your necklace in it. Wash the necklace very gently with your fingers by rubbing it all over the jewelry.
How to clean a necklace with intricate engravings? For gold necklaces with grooves or other braids and intricate patterns engraved on them, you can use a brush with soft bristles, preferably those meant for little children. Use the brush to reach the corners and crevices to remove dirt and build-up, but do so gently.
We recommend staying away from products like toothpastes, baking soda, and strong detergents as they are often too harsh. Their abrasive nature makes them highly unsuitable for cleaning fine jewelry such as necklaces.
How to Clean a Silver Necklace?
If you have a silver necklace, you must have noticed it has become almost blackish. This is a common occurrence with the silver available in the market today, and the necklace needs to be cleaned thoroughly to get back the original color and shine.
You can either purchase products like a silver polishing cloth and a good tarnish remover while cleaning a silver necklace.
Or you can use products readily available at home – Hydrogen peroxide and Windex. The chemical formula of hydrogen peroxide is such that it can easily fight any bacteria accumulation on the silver necklace. After this, you can apply Windex, which cleans the grime and oil build-up. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry.
Another home remedy for polishing silver jewelry and bringing back its shine includes the use of tomato ketchup. All you need to do is cover the necklace in ketchup and leave it for a while. Use a brush with soft bristles to push the ketchup into crevices. Once you've gone the ketchup on for a few minutes, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Do not leave the ketchup on for too long because it will end up damaging the necklace.
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How to Clean a Pearl Necklace?
Cleaning a pearl necklace can be a tricky thing to do and, therefore, must be done with the utmost care. Remember, though the pearls may appear hard and shiny, they are just as delicate. Pearls are prone to scratches and marks if not taken proper care of.
Unlike other necklaces, we do not recommend using detergent or cleaning agents for cleaning pearl necklaces. The chemicals in the formula of such soaps and dishwashing gels may end up spoiling your pearl necklace, and they'll end up being worse for the wear.
Simply use a soft cloth, preferably microfiber ones, and dip it in lukewarm water. Next, you need to clean your pearl necklace by dabbing at the pearls and rubbing very gently if you need to. Don't be in a rush, and do not rub the pearls against each other. Take your time and wipe each pearl along the necklace with utmost care.
How to Clean Diamond Necklace
Necklaces that have diamonds and other gemstones have generally been cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaning machine. Here, the sound waves' vibration helps remove all the dirt that has been built upon the surface of the diamond necklace.
If you do not want to get your diamond necklace cleaned by a professional just yet, you can do the cleaning at home yourself. You can apply a liberal amount of hair removal cream on the diamond necklace for a couple of minutes and then gently remove it off with a damp cloth.
When deciding on how to clean a diamond necklace yourself, there are certain things you must keep in mind. Note that this is also applicable for necklaces that have gemstones and other precious stones:.
Wipe the stones gently with a damp cloth.
Do not apply too much pressure, or else the diamond can come loose and fall off from its clasp.
Do not use any sharp objects to rub, scratch, or poke the stones.
Very often, loose hair strands may get caught up in between the stones of the diamond necklace. In this case, do not try to use any sharp object to remove it. Instead, try burning the knots closer to the surface by using a lighter from a distance. This will free up the hair and make it easier to remove.
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to avoid clogging up the grooves of the necklace with lint.
After cleaning your necklace, check each stone and its clasp to make sure it is still tightly set.
The Bottomline:
Ideally, everyone should be conscious of the essential times when you must take off your diamond necklace as this reduces the chances of heavy dirt build-up. However, everyone must also be aware of how to clean diamond necklaces and other jewelry by themselves. Proper maintenance can give your diamond necklace a clean, sparkling, and shiny appearance, and it will never look old or worn.
You will also save hundreds of bucks that you would have to spend to get it professionally cleaned before wearing it on any special occasion. Moreover, jewelry that has regularly been cleaned is less prone to damage and will fetch you higher prices on the off chance you decide to sell diamond necklaces and other jewelry.
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Here’s How Diamond Fluorescence Affects Price And Color
March 8, 2021
If you’ve seen a diamond and held it close, you must have observed a soft glow in it. No, we are not talking about reflected light which gives a diamond its sparkle. Rather, we are referring to diamond fluorescence.
Very often, diamond fluorescence causes confusion among people who don’t have prior knowledge about it, and in turn, affects their decision to buy diamonds. In this article, we aim to discuss everything you need to know about fluorescence and the ways it affects the price and color of diamonds.
So, what is diamond fluorescence and what causes it?
When diamonds glow, they are actually emitting visible light. This fluorescence in diamonds has caused exposure to UV rays from the sun or other artificial sources. This usually causes them to emit a soft bluish or yellowing light. But once the source of UV light has been removed, the fluorescence is gone. But not all diamonds are capable of fluorescence, and the ones that do, only have fluorescence up to a certain degree.
Can diamond fluorescence be graded?
While the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) considers four primary factors called the four Cs – color, clarity, cut, and carat weight while grading diamonds, they also consider diamond fluorescence to be an important aspect of diamonds.
GIA lays out a fluorescent diamond grading system based on the intensity of diamond fluorescence. Thus, the intensity of fluorescence in diamonds is either None, Faint, Medium, Strong, and Very Strong. It has checked and assessed in labs. If the diamond fluorescence has been recorded as Strong or Very Strong, then in that case will also note the color of the diamond.
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Diamond fluorescence and colored diamonds:
The most common fluorescence color in diamonds is blue, so much so that 99% of all is blue. It occurs when diamonds have exposed to longwave UV lights. Very rarely, it exhibits colors like yellow, white, or red.
Depending on the degree of intensity of diamond, the diamonds can either appear hazy or enhance the color:
· Diamonds with Faint and Medium have often been recommended.
· Diamonds with Strong and Very Strong fluorescence can make the diamond look extremely hazy and cloudy. This hampers the overall look of the diamond.
· Blue fluorescent diamond very often enhances the diamond color.
·In case certain diamonds have a Faint to Medium fluorescence which does not change its appearance, you should definitely go for them because they will save you a lot of money.
· Since it is visible only under UV light, make sure to have the jeweler show you the diamond in UV as well as in a natural light setting.
· The lower grades diamond color can usually be enhanced if they have high quantity.
· Low color grade diamonds are less likely to turn hazy or cloudy even if the it is strong.
· In fact, blue fluorescence can make a diamond appear whitish. Thus, the yellowish tint in low color graded diamonds can usually be countered with such blue fluorescence.
Bottomline
In the end, the decision rests with you. Almost all studies have revealed that diamond fluorescence is hardly ever noticeable to anyone with an untrained eye. So, if the diamond looks good and you are happy with your purchase, you shouldn’t really bother about it. Unless the it is absolutely horrible and the diamond loses its clarity, it can be well worth your money to buy low-graded colored diamonds with strong fluorescence. Bear in mind that diamonds with fluorescence often sparkle much better than those without them.
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This Is How You Can Check The Quality Of A Diamond Cut
March 4, 2021
When you think of diamonds, it is natural to think of stunning cuts that enhance their beauty. And with so many different designs and cuts in the market, the options have also increased by manifolds. But with varied options comes a lot of confusion. In this article, we will explore different diamond cuts and how to check the diamond cut quality.
The difference between a rough, uncut diamond and a carefully cut and polished diamond is stark. A proper diamond-cut requires expert craftsmanship and precision and is the key to increasing the appeal of diamond jewelry. That is why the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) considers diamond-cut among its primary parameters of assessing diamonds.
What is a diamond cut, and how does it affect a diamond’s value?
The proportions of a diamond cut determine the angle at which light enters the diamond. If the light does not enter at the best angle, the diamond will not reflect light properly. This will result in a dark and dull appearance, which in turn will decrease the diamond value.
A good diamond cut makes optimum use of the light which enters it. The craftsmen take special care to cut and shape the diamond in such a way so as to enhance the facets and the light and dark areas. This contrast enhances the sharpness and clarity of the diamond, giving it a crisp and neat look.
Based on the shape given to a diamond, names have been assigned to them. You may have heard of a princess cut diamond, cushion cut diamond, or an emerald cut diamond. The various shapes that are given to diamonds greatly affect their price based on what look is currently trending.
Parts of a diamond:
To understand diamond cut, it is best to be acquainted with the basic parts of a diamond:
Girdle:
This is the outer edge or diameter of the diamond. A well-cut diamond can be judged by looking at the thickness of the girdle. Ideally, the girdle should be of proportional thickness to the size of the stone. Therefore, it should not be too thick or too thin. Additionally, the girdle should also be even throughout. Otherwise, the diamond will appear deformed.
Culet:
The culet refers to the flat portion of the diamond at the very bottom. Ideally, a culet should be very small. Many diamond cuts may not have a culet altogether.
Table:
The diamond table refers to the flat surface at the top of the diamond. Since we look at any diamond from the top angle through the table, it needs to be well cut and polished. A right balance of percentage between the table and depth needs to be maintained for a diamond cut to sparkle well.
Depth:
It is the distance between the table and the culet, i.e., the top and bottom of the diamond. The girdle divides the depth. Its depth reveals the weight of any diamond. As a result, a good depth percent should be maintained for the overall aesthetic appearance of the diamond.
Components of a diamond cut according to GIA
To check the quality of a diamond cut, GIA diamonds cut grade consists of 7 factors. Of these, the weight ratio, durability, symmetry, and polish assess the diamond’s craftsmanship.
The most important of these seven factors are:
Fire:
This refers to the flashes of light that occur due to the prismatic effect occurring within the diamond.
Brightness:
Refers to the white light reflection, both internal and external, of the diamond.
Scintillation:
Highlights the contrasting light and dark areas so that each facet is clearly visible, giving the diamond a crisp appearance.
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Popular diamond cuts and shapes:
While selling Diamond jewelry, especially diamond rings, no longer has the regular round-shaped diamonds as the center stone. These have a name of their own due to their unique shapes. Let’s have a look at the most classic diamond cuts:
Princess cut diamond:
The most popular choice for engagement rings, the Princess cut is elegant and sophisticated. Its square shape looks neat and crisp. Complex layers are cut into the stone, making it resemble an inverted pyramid when viewed from the side. It is deserving noting that Princess cut diamonds are cheaper than round cut diamonds. The reason is that the rough diamond has been used more efficiently, and very little of the stone has wasted during the cutting process of Princess cuts.
Emerald cut diamond:
The brilliant emerald cut ring is a rarity. An emerald cut diamond requires extreme precision in its craftsmanship. The result is the sharp, chiseled appearance of the rectangular diamonds that sit on your fingers. Emerald cuts in diamonds have highly coveted due to their rarity and the concentric, rectangular faceted cut.
Cushion cut diamond:
Unlike the Princess cut diamond which has sharp corners, the Cushion cut features square or rectangular diamonds with rounded corners. This gives it a somewhat soft appearance, resembling a pillow or cushion – hence its name. Cushion cuts are an extremely popular choice because they are less prone to damage and sparkle brilliantly.
Assher cut diamond:
Blending the classic cuts of the Princess and Emerald style diamonds, the Asscher cut diamond rings are the timeless piece, supporting their elegance and appeal for a long time. Their most significant emphasis is that they are brilliantly faceted. The concentric cuts of the diamonds enhance clarity and allow optimum reflection of light, making the diamonds sparkle beautifully.
Oval cut diamond:
Oval cut diamonds have an elongated shape, otherwise bearing a resemblance to round diamonds in terms of their layers and facets. It is among the most popular choice for halo diamond rings, where tiny stones surround the central oval stone. The end result is that the oval shape makes the ring appear bigger and more luxurious.
Round cut diamond:
Understated yet sophisticated, and round diamonds are perhaps also the most versatile. A round diamond cut is a great choice for those who do not prefer big, chunky diamonds. Its simple elegance, paired with its high-range versatility, makes it an all-time classic diamond cut.
Bottom line:
You will now have a clear idea of diamond cuts and their significance, having reached the end of this article. Most well-cut diamonds are shaped and designed so that they reflect the most amount of light. This makes them sparkle brilliantly. An ideal diamond cut should have a good balance between the table and depth percentage while also maintaining the symmetry of the stone. Keep in mind the points discussed above.
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8 Types of Fake Diamonds You Won’t Believe Exist!
March 3, 2021
Any person with a keen eye for jewelry has heard of faux diamonds. Different types of fake diamonds have flooded the market and have become increasingly popular among people. Such stones are artificially treated to resemble real diamonds.
But with this growing popularity of fake diamonds arises another problem – very often many uninformed people believe such diamonds to be real as a result of which they are cheated.
You must have heard of synthetic or imitation diamonds. These are extensively used to make heavy jewelry designs at low prices. These too, fall under the category of fake diamonds and are sometimes so convincing that they may fool the untrained eye.
What is a Fake Diamond?
Fake diamonds refer to those stones that have a different chemical composition when compared to real diamonds. They are most commonly known as stimulants or imitations. The reason is that they are mostly made in labs and resemble natural diamonds to a great extent. However, you must understand that of the different types of fake diamonds, some of these imitations are stimulants or naturally occurring stones, while others are synthetic or lab grown diamonds.
What are diamond simulants?
A diamond simulant is a naturally occurring stone which has gemological similarities with naturally occurring diamonds. Most diamond simulants are a combination of artificially made diamonds and naturally found stones.
What are synthetic diamonds?
Also known as laboratory-grown diamonds, synthetic diamonds have artificially made. As a result, they have the same chemical composition as real diamonds. However, due to the fact that they are completely man-made, they are different from naturally occurring diamonds as well as diamond simulants.
On the whole, buying different types of fake diamonds, whether simulants or synthetic, has become quite popular. And why not? These faux diamonds have the luxurious feel of real diamonds at pocket-friendly prices!
Now that we’ve established the strong presence of faux diamonds, let us take a look at the different types of fake diamonds available in the market.
1. Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia is a popular name in the world of diamond jewelry, and is so similar in appearance to real diamonds that it is difficult to tell the difference with an untrained eye. Before you ask the question: Is cubic zirconia fake? Let’s clarify its nature immediately.
Cubic zirconia is a naturally occurring stone that has most commonly used as a diamond simulant. Scientifically, it is the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide and is often mistakenly confused with zirconium silicate. Due to its colorless appearance and hard, durable material, cubic zirconia is the most popular among all the different types of fake diamonds. While it is not a highly expensive stone, it is by far the closest in appearance to naturally occurring diamonds.
Another reason for the constant popularity of cubic zirconia is that it is also available in specific colors that resemble other precious gemstones.
How to tell the difference between cubic zirconia and real diamonds?
· Hold them up to the light. Cubic zirconia will produce a rainbow of colors whereas a real diamond will simply sparkle more intensely.
· A fog test acts as a fake diamond tester. If you breathe on a cubic zirconia, it will remain fogged up for a short while. However, the fog on a real diamond clears up immediately.
2. Moissanite
Moissanites, scientifically known as silicon carbide, are naturally polymorphs. However, they are exceedingly rare, which is why most moissanite are grown and cultivated in laboratories.
These synthetic stones bear a strong resemblance to diamonds, making them a top-ranking contender among the different types of fake diamonds. However, they are a tad bit more colorful than real diamonds, due to which when they are exposed to light, they sparkle colorfully.
On the other hand, moissanites are highly durable and hard, ranking 0.5 on the Moh’s scale measuring hardness.
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3. Spinel
Spinels are naturally occurring minerals available in a wide variety of colors from white and colorless to red, pink and black among others. Synthetic spinels are also frequently cultivated in labs in many colors. Cobalt is added to colorless spinels to give them a striking blue color.
Spinels are rich in history, with recorded use in civilizations across the globe. Today, their popularity is ever-rising due to their commercial demand as types of fake diamonds. They measure between 7.5 and 8.0 on the Moh’s scale of hardness. Thus, they are durable and great for use as imitation stones.
4. Zircon
Very often confused with cubic zirconia as discussed earlier, zircon is actually more expensive than cubic zirconia. While most zircons are safe to wear, some may contain mild levels of radioactivity. They occur in a range of naturally occurring colored stones – the most popular being red, blue, green and white.
5. Russian Diamonds
Mined primarily in Russia, these Russian diamonds are a class apart in the different types of fake diamonds. Cut and polished with extreme precision and finesse, these stones are an excellent substitute for real diamonds. While they are obviously cheaper than naturally occurring diamonds, they are more expensive than other faux diamonds. However, the quality, finish and overall appearance of Russian diamonds more than make up for the slightly higher prices.
6. White Sapphire
While you may have most commonly heard of blue sapphires, naturally occurring white sapphire stones have a charm of their own. They are the best bet for people who want to get something “real” but not as expensive as real diamonds. This is the reason why white or colorless sapphires are fast gaining popularity, especially as an alternative to an expensive diamond engagement ring.
7. Diamond Nexus
Almost all synthetic or lab-grown diamonds have one primary element – carbon. However, the latest breakthrough in synthetic diamonds has given birth to something new. The diamond nexus is hailed as the closest thing to real diamonds due to their unique patented proprietary formula. They can be graded based on the 4Cs of clarity, color, cut, and carat weight used to evaluate real diamonds. As a result, they have also tested for their durability and hardness, revealing their close resemblance to real diamonds in every field.
8. Glass
Among the different types of fake diamonds, crystal glass diamonds are extremely common. They are available in several bright colors and are polished to enhance the appearance.
Final thoughts
In conclusion to the different types of fake diamonds discussed at great length in this article, it is obvious that such faux diamonds have flooded the market. However, the bottom line remains that nothing can ever replace original diamonds – neither in terms of sentimental value nor their monetary worth. Moreover, you can never hope to fetch high prices for your jewelry if the stones on them have been artificially synthesized.
At Sell Your Jewelry, we offer 100% free consultation with our experts trained to assess your diamonds professionally. Based on the evaluation, they offer the best prices in the city for them. Book an appointment today.
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Diamond Polish & Symmetry: The Ultimate Guide
March 2, 2021
When we talk of diamonds, the first thing that comes to mind is their brilliance and sparkle. A “finished” diamond is one that has undergone proper cutting and polish. This is where the expertise and precision of the craftsmen come into play. Thus, diamond polish and symmetry are two factors that contribute significantly to the overall appeal of diamonds.
The Gemological Institute of America lays a great deal of importance on the 4Cs – cut, clarity, color, and carat weight of diamonds. However, apart from these, each GIA diamond report also features a detailed assessment of the polish and symmetry of a diamond. Each diamond is then rated on a scale ranging from Excellent to Poor on the basis of diamond polish and symmetry respectively.
How important is diamond polish?
We all understand that diamonds need to be polished in order to get the final luxurious look. No one spends money on rough, uncut diamonds. A polished diamond brings out the cuts and facets of the stone. This allows light to enter the stone and we experience the “dazzle” which is actually the phenomenon of total internal reflection. While polishing any diamond, tiny bumps and inclusions that might be present on the surface of the stone are smoothened out.
In case a diamond is not unpolished or not polished enough, its facets cannot act as mirrors. So, light is not reflected properly, and the diamond appears dull and ordinary. Due to the distorted light reflections, any blemishes on the surface of the diamond become even more pronounced and make the stone look rough.
How are diamonds polished?
A polishing wheel, which has a function similar to that of a sander, is used to polish diamonds. This polishing wheel actually has a finely ground surface that rubs against the stone that needs to be polished. Most industrial diamonds are polished mechanically in this manner.
You might have also heard of hand-polished diamonds. This is done in cases where diamond grading has revealed that the stone is of excellent quality based on the 4Cs. Here, the diamond is not polished by a polishing wheel, rather it is meticulously polished by hand. This raises the value of the diamond and it will be priced higher.
Diamond polish grades:
Polished diamonds are graded on a scale ranging from Excellent to Poor. Thus, your diamond may fall into any of the following categories:
Excellent:
There are no visible surface flaws or bumps even under 10x magnification.
Very Good:
The polishing flaws are so minimum that they are only very slightly visible under extreme magnification.
Good:
The polished diamond may have flaws that are difficult to spot under high magnification.
Fair:
The diamond has polishing flaws that are visible to the naked eye when viewed closely.
Poor:
The polish flaws are quite evident, making the diamond look rough and unfinished.
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What is diamond symmetry and how important is it?
Diamond symmetry encompasses a lot of things – the diamond shape, alignment, and diamond cut. While the 4Cs of diamond grading laid out by GIA covers diamond cut, it is worth noting that diamond symmetry plays an equally important role. Very often, while checking for a symmetric diamond, we look for a number of aspects. These could be:
· Alignment of the crown and pavilion of the diamond.
· Whether the table and girdle are parallel to each other or not.
· A straight, uniformly thick girdle
· Equal angles of the crown between the table and girdle.
There may be many out there to convince you that diamond polish and symmetry do not mean much, and that you can get a better deal on unpolished and symmetric diamonds. But keep in mind that these are two factors that impact diamonds greatly. Diamond polish and symmetry are clearly visible to the naked eye, and any shortcomings on these factors can change the look of the diamond by a vast extent.
How is diamond symmetry graded?
Similar to diamond polish, diamond symmetry too is graded on a scale ranging from Excellent to Poor.
What happens if diamond polish and symmetry are compromised?
· There is not much difference between a diamond rated “Excellent” and a diamond rated “Good” for its polishing. So, if the diamond looks sufficiently polished and bright to the naked eye, it is better to opt for a lower rated diamond.
· Diamonds with extremely poor symmetry will have a clear negative appearance. This is because light will not be reflected in the intended manner, making the stone look deformed.
· Diamond symmetry therefore, becomes more important than diamond polish. The clarity of the facets and cuts of a diamond are dependent almost entirely to its symmetry.
· Diamond polish and symmetry in case of colored diamonds are more flexible. Very often, if the diamond is heavily tinted, it can make allowances for lower grades of diamond polish and symmetry.
· Off-center tables or uneven thickness of the girdle can easily reduce the value of any diamond.
· As mentioned earlier, diamond polish and symmetry affect the price of the stone. Higher graded stones are priced significantly higher than those with low grades.
Bottomline
If you have reached this point of our guide on diamond polish and symmetry, it must have become evident that both are important to a certain degree. Technical terms on diamond polish grades or symmetry are inconsequential if a particular diamond looks appealing to you. It is also better to buy diamonds with negligible flaws visible to the untrained eye, than stones that technically have no flaws but are priced substantially higher.
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