Understanding Gem Weights And Clarity:
Diamond Gems are measured in Carat Weight. One carat weighs 200 milligrams. If a diamond is referred to as four grains, this also means that it is a one carat diamond.
The word Carat comes from the word carob. A carob is a bean that grows on a tree in the Mediterranean. In times past, if a diamond weighed the same as a carob bean, it was one carob, or one carat.
However, in the far east, where Carob trees do not grow, rice was used to measure the weight of a diamond. If a diamond weighed as much as four grains of rice, it was four grains - or one carat as we know it to be now.
The majority of diamond purchases are for Diamond Gems that are 1/3 of a carat.
Beware when shopping for Diamonds that are already set or mounted. If more than one diamond is used in the piece, the tag on the jewelry will give the CTW or Carat Total Weight - it does not tell you the carat weight of each stone in the piece.
You need to ask the jeweler for the total carat weight of the largest diamond in the piece to truly understand what you are buying.
![]() | The Crystal Bible List Price: Sale Price: $12.45 You save: $7.54 (38%) |
DescriptionBeautifully illustrated, The Crystal Bible offers a comprehensive guide to crystals, their shapes, colors and applications. With informative descriptions and an easy-to-use format, it is an indispensable practical handbook for crystal lovers and users everywhere - both beginner and expert alike... |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Clarity is an important aspect of a diamond, and it is important to know how to grade the clarity of a diamond before you buy one.
It is actually quite easy to learn how to grade the clarity of a diamond. There are basically two things that you must understand: Diamonds with visual inclusions and blemishes, and those that are 'eye clean' meaning that there are no inclusions or blemishes that can be seen with the naked eye.
From there, the clarity of a diamond is further broken down into subcategories.
Many people mistakenly think that diamond clarity refers to how clear it is. This isn't so. Clarity actually refers to the internal and external imperfections of the diamond.
The best Gems, of course get a grade of FL or IF - Flawless or Internally Flawless - meaning that it is perfect. A grade of I-1, I-2 or I-3 means that the diamond is imperfect, with a grade of I-3 being the worst.
Other grades are VVS1 and VVS2, which means that the diamond is very, very slightly imperfect; VS1 and VS2, meaning the diamond is very slightly imperfect; SI-1 and SI-2, which means that the diamond is slightly imperfect.
Confused about Gem Weights And Clarity? - Yeah - me too ![]()
Start Your Jewelry Appraisal Now!
Invitation:Thanks for your visit, but after all the hard work (unpaid) we put into this site - if nothing else - we would certainly appreciate your comments on this article. |
Jewelry hallmarks
Professional jewelry appraisals completed by gemologists and valuers often have to take into account the effect the jewelry hallmarks have on the value of each item being appraised. Do they alter the price, up or down, depending on the hallmark. The simple answer is yes – and no. It depends on the hallmarks themselves and where they come from.
I get similar questions on forums and ‘expert’ websites, together with my own members discussion group. They are usually in the following format, and in general the same questions get asked over and over again. They go… Continue reading Jewelry Hallmarks And What They Mean...
The Asscher cut diamond is unique that owes its name to Joseph Asscher the person that invented this particular stone way back in the year 1902. This diamond cut has as many as seventy-two facets and the diamond is shaped as a square though thanks to its parallel step facets as well as depth of corners it can be likened to an octagon as well. Sparkling Diamonds The true beauty of the Asscher cut diamond lays in the fact that such a cut helps make a diamond sparkle like no other diamond cut. Even though the Asscher cut… Continue reading The Asscher Cut Diamond Provides An Antique Feel...
Most people when they imagine a pearl are picturing perfect large round spherical gems, creamy white in colour with a shimmery iridescent surface. The reality is that pearls are usually irregular in shape, each one is different and to find one that is completely round is almost unheard of, not to mention trying to make a whole necklace of pearls that are all more or less the same. Natural pearls are the rarest and most highly valued variety, but nowadays most pearl jewellery is made from cultured or farmed pearls, which are grown on pearl farms… Continue reading What are the Main Differences Between Freshwater and Saltwater Pearls?...
Jewelry Appraisal Center



Basic Online Jewelry Appraisal Kit
Enhanced Valuation Online Kit With Appraisal Advice Service Included
Deluxe 'Hands Off' Jewelry Appraisal Online Kit With Bonus Staff Assist
Upgrade Your Benchmark Package with the Appraisal Advisory Service
Let Us Do The Work For You - With our Staff Assist Program
Annual Renewals And Our Extended Warranty Guarantee