We offer a wide array of loose and mounted diamonds in all shapes and sizes. We also offer diamond grading reports from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS.) Among these reports Cowardin’s offers the Diamond Quality Certificate (DQC). The DQC is a guarantee — a guarantee of authenticity and quality, certifying the cut, color, clarity, and carat weight of the diamond. Available only through American Gem Society retail members.
The
Science of Diamonds
While not everyone will share the same opinion as to what constitutes beauty, most people want a diamond that expresses their individual taste and personality. Here’s what you should consider first, however, before buying a diamond:
CUT. Of all the 4 Cs, cut has the greatest effect on a diamond's beauty. In grading, cut evaluates the cutters skill in the fashioning of the diamond.
Diamonds have a unique ability to manipulate light efficiently. This unique ability can be released and maximized only by cutting and polishing the diamond to an extremely high level of accuracy. The American Gem Society Cut Grading System considers not only the proportions of a diamond, but also the craftsmanship of its overall symmetry and polish. It is unique in that it uses the latest in technology to analyze the cut’s impact on the diamond’s light performance.
American Gem Society Cut
Grading Chart
COLOR.
A truly colorless diamond is extremely rare. Most diamonds
possess
varying degrees of yellow or brown and small, subtle differences in
color can make a substantial difference in value. If a diamond is well
cut, the diamond's refraction and dispersion often will disguise
certain degrees of coloration. To accurately and consistently grade
color, an American Gem Society experienced grader will utilize special
lighting to compare the diamond being graded to a set of American Gem
Society Master Color Comparison Diamonds, which have met exacting
standards of cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.CLARITY. Clarity is the evaluation of a diamond's internal and external characteristics. The fewer inclusions or blemishes, the more desirable the diamond. Inclusions are internal, that is, inside the diamond. Crystals are merely minerals trapped inside the diamond; feathers are breaks in the diamond. Blemishes are usually very small and are only on the surface of diamonds. To locate these tiny characteristics, an American Gem Society member jeweler will use a binocular microscope that magnifies the diamond ten times. Then, evaluating the size, location, nature, number, and color of all the inclusions and blemishes, a clarity grade is assigned.
CARAT. The standard used to measure diamond weight is the carat. A carat equals 1/5 of a gram (or 1/142 of an ounce). Each carat is further divided into points, each point representing 1/100th of a carat. While weight may be the least important of the four Cs in determining value, it may be the easiest of the four Cs to gauge accurately and is the most objective. As diamonds increase in size, their cost tends to increase geometrically. Thus, a one-carat diamond may cost more than twice as much as a one-half carat stone of equal quality. Also, as previously stated, weight does not always enhance the value of a diamond. In fact, when a diamond is improperly cut, added weight may serve only to reduce its brilliance. For these reasons, you should consult with an American Gem Society titleholder regarding the question of carat weight.
Courtesy American Gem Society
For more information on the 4C’s of diamonds, Click Here to take the Gemological Institute of America’s diamond tutorial.
Once you have selected the perfect diamond it’s time to select the perfect setting! Visit our bridal page to see some of the designer engagement rings that we carry.
| ABOUT US |
| CONTACT US |
| SERVICES |
