CUT:

The Ideal Cut - Ideal cutting dramatizes the rare splendor of a diamond because it produces such dazzling brilliance.

The Ideal Cut Diamond describes a round brilliant diamond that has been cut to exact and mathematically proven proportions. Its symmetry, with 58 exactly placed facets, produces the ultimate in lustre and perfecton in a diamond.

When a diamond is cut to the ideal proportions, all the light entering from any direction is totally reflected through the top and is dispersed into a display of sparkling flashes and rainbow colors.

Premium Cut - A Premium Cut diamond demonstrates subtle variations from the Ideal Cut. Although dimensional differences affect a diamond's reflection of light, a Premium Cut still achieves a harmonious balance between it's proportions and the display of brilliance.

Inferior Cut - Most diamonds are "spread" in their cutting to retain maximum weight from the original rough. A heavier diamond will result, but at a dramatic sacrifice of potential fire and brilliance.

Too Deep: When a diamond is cut too deep, light leaks out of the bottom, brilliance is lost and the center of the diamond will appear to be dark.

Too Shallow: When a diamond is cut too shallow, light leaks out of the bottom, brilliance is lost and the diamond appears watery, glassy and dark.

COLOR:

Most diamonds, although appearing colorless, actually have slight tones of yellow or brown. As these tones become more easily apparent, the rarity and the cost decrease.

COLOR GRADING SCALE
The following scale depicts the differences in color (0-0) of various diamonds:

CLARITY:

Practically all diamonds contain naturally occuring internal characteristics called inclusions. The size, nature, location, and amount of inclusions determine a diamond's clarity grade and affect its cost.

One unique advantage of the Ideal Cut is that its sparkle can mask otherwise noticeable inclusions.

CLARITY TABLE
The following table depicts the gradation in clarity of diamonds:

CARAT WEIGHT:

The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 parts called "points," 1ct.=1.00 points; 1/2 ct.=0.50 points. The value of two diamonds of the same weight can vary greatly depending on the color, clarity, and cut of each diamond.

Caring for Diamonds

Diamonds do need care to keep them at their brilliant best. A clean diamond not only reflects light better, but actually looks bigger than one that has been "dulled" by skin oils, soap, cosmetics and cooking grease. Diamonds have an affinity for grease and should be cleaned once every month to keep their fire at its brightest. There are two generally accepted methods for cleaning diamonds.

The Detergent Bath

Prepare a small bowl of warm suds with any mild liquid detergent. Brush pieces gently with a tooth brush while they are in the suds. Transfer to a wire strainer and rinse under warm running water. Pat dry with a soft, lintfree cloth.

The Cold Water Soak

Make a half and half solution of cold water and household ammonia in a cup. Soak the diamond for 30 minutes. Lift out and tap gently around the back and front of the mounting with a small brush. Swish the solution once more, and drain on paper. No rinse is needed.

Things Not to Do with Your Diamond

Do not let your diamond come in contact with chlorine bleach when you're doing housework. It will not hurt the diamond, but it can pit or discolor the mounting.

Do not wear your diamond when you are doing rough work or doing the dishes. Even though a diamond is durable, it can be chipped by a hard blow along its grain.

Do not jumble your diamond pieces in a drawer or jewelry case, because diamonds can scratch each other and also scratch other jewelry.

Take your diamonds to a qualified and reputable jeweler for a "Check-up" at least once a year. The jeweler should check your ring for loose settings and signs of wear. The jeweler will usually give your diamonds a professional polish at the same time.