Diamond Education
Almaseyah believes that you can better decide your suitable diamonds and select with confidence what you desire when you understand more about Diamond. Enhance your experience by reading the following chapters.
The 4C’s
The extremely important Characteristics to understand while making a diamond purchase are the 4 C’s: The color, clarity, cut and carat weight.
Each of the 4 Characteristics affect the quality as well the price of the diamonds.
Press on the following link from GIA (Gemological institute of America) to watch a short tutorial about the 4C’s:
Watch Video
Diamond color
The Diamond color assessment of gem-quality white diamonds (excluding rare colored diamonds) is based on the absence of color. In other worlds a pure and perfect diamond has no hue like a drop of clear water and accordingly will be higher in value. The Grading System used worldwide created by GIA use the alphabetical system starting from D to Z considering D the greatest color(colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown).
Diamond Clarity
Diamonds clarity describe the absence or existence of inclusions (imperfections) in the diamonds.
To better understand diamond clarity, lets understand how diamonds are created naturally. Natural diamonds are originally carbon transformed to diamond, deep in the earth after being
exposed tremendously to heat and pressure for millions of years. This process can result in a variety of internal characteristics called ‘inclusions and external characteristics called ‘blemishes.’
Evaluating diamond clarity requires defining the quantity, size, position, and nature of these inclusions, along with how these inclusions affect the whole appearance of the stone.
although no diamond is perfectly pure, but the closer it comes to purity, the better its clarity.
The GIA Clarity Scale contains 11 grades. In determining a clarity grade, the GIA system considers the size, nature, position, color or relief, and quantity of clarity characteristics
visible under 10× magnification.
Flawless (FL) - No inclusions or blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10× magnification.
Internally Flawless (IF) - No inclusions and only blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10× magnification.
Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) - Inclusions are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10× magnification.
Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) - Inclusions are minor and range from difficult to somewhat easy for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification.
Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) - Inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader under 10x magnification.
Included (I1, I2, and I3) - Inclusions are obvious under 10× magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance
Diamond Cut
The cut of a diamond does not describe the diamond’s shape (round, heart, oval, marquise, pear), but it indicates how effectively the diamond
returns light back to the viewer’s eye. A well-cut diamond will appear very brilliant and blazing, while a poorly cut diamond can appear not brilliant and lifeless,
regardless of its other characteristics such color, clarity.…
Diamonds are famous for their ability to convey light and sparkle so powerfully, however the angles, symmetry and proportions of the facets, play a very important role in reflecting
out the light from the diamond.
Achieving the best cut and surface finishing for a diamond will reflect the stone’s final beauty and value.
To define a diamond cut grade, we have also to examine a combination of many other aspect of the cut and its related observations, for example:
The Brightness: Internal and external white light reflected from a diamond.
The Diamond Fire: The scattering of white light into all the colors of the rainbow.
The Scintillation: The amount of spark a diamond produces under the light, and the pattern of light and dark areas caused by reflections within the diamond.
Pavilion Depth: The distance from the bottom of the girdle to the culet is the pavilion depth. A pavilion depth that’s too shallow or too deep will reflect light from the side of the stone or leak out of the bottom. A well-cut diamond will reflect more light through the crown.
Diamond Carat
To make it simple, diamond carat weight measures how much is the diamond weight. A metric “carat” is defined as 0.2 gram. Each carat is subdivided into 100 ‘points.’
This allows very precise measurement .
Considering we are comparing identical diamonds, with everything being equal excluding weight.
One diamond weight 1carat and the second 2-carat. The price of the stone of 2 carats weight will not be double the price of the 1 carat stone, instead the 2-carat stone will be considerably
more than double the value. Why? because larger diamonds are rarer to resource and more desirable (more demand). However, two diamonds of equal carat weight can have very different values
(and prices) depending on other factors of the diamond such color, clarity, Cut, fluorescence, polish, Symmetry.
Lab Grown Diamond
laboratory-grown diamonds have essentially all the same chemical, optical and physical properties and crystal structure as natural diamonds.
Laboratory-grown diamonds go by many different names; lab-created, lab-made, synthetic and even engineered diamonds. These names all point to the fact that laboratory-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory or factory rather than occurring in nature and mined from the earth. Some laboratory-grown diamond laboratories use advanced technology to mimic the conditions that natural diamonds undergo when they form beneath the earth’s crust. This origin story is the main factor that sets laboratory-grown diamonds apart from natural ones, since laboratory-grown diamonds have essentially all of the same chemical, optical and physical properties and crystal structure as natural diamonds. (https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/laboratory-grown-diamond/,2022)
A laboratory-grown diamond (left) and a natural diamond (right) can appear identical to the naked eye.
Lab-grown diamonds can look exactly the same as natural diamonds to the unaided eye. Their identity can usually only be determined by gemological laboratories using specialized instruments.
These instruments detect minor differences in trace elements and crystal growth to determine whether a diamond is laboratory-grown or natural.
(https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/laboratory-grown-diamond/, 2022)
How to take care of your jewelry
Avoid Creams and Perfumes
The Diamonds or gemstones can tarnish because of a thin layer of dirt due to the use of our creams, shampoos, or other products for the body. Deposits can form over time a layer preventing the light from being perfectly reflected on the Diamond. This will result on creating slightly milky appearance.
Avoid Chemicals
Do not take the risk of damaging your jewelry with a product that would be harmful to them without knowing it. If you have any doubts, remove them.
Store carefully your jewellery.
Store the pieces of jewellery in a cloth bag away from other objects or jewellery that may scratch their surfaces because they are too soft. You can use the Almaseyah boxes that you received in your purchase, but ensure to keep the jewellery separated each one in its box to avoid damages.
How to take care of your Emeralds
Despite their legendary beauty, emeralds are inherently more fragile stones than others.
If you wear an emerald, be careful to avoid as much as possible impacts that could crack your stone or even break it. Even a small accidental blow,
which seems harmless to you, can unfortunately be dangerous for your emerald.
Know that the emerald is a stone sensitive to strong variations in temperature. Thus, we advise you to avoid thermal shocks as much as possible with an emerald.
This can be the case during a hot / cold (you bask for hours in the sun before diving into the water).
How to take care of organic materials
To clean your jewels made of organic materials like turquoise, malachite, coral, pearl wipe them gently with a soft, damp cloth.
Avoid exposing organic material to extreme temperatures for a long period of time. That, in return results in discoloration and the loss of luster.
Store the pieces of jewellery in a cloth bag away from other objects or jewellery that may scratch their surfaces because they are too soft.
Make sure to put your jewels on only after finished spraying perfume or hairspray and putting on makeup. Be very careful with these chemical
substances as they will damage the stones made of organic materials or animal products.
Pearls need moisture, wear your pearls regularly, it helps them stay moist and lustrous. If the environment is too dry, the pearls may crack.
Gemstone (known as precious colored stone)
A gemstone (also called a precious stone, or semi-precious stone) is a piece of mineral crystal or organic which, in rough or cut and polished form, is used to make jewelry.
Majority of gemstones are colored stones.
Hard and soft gemstones soft are used in jewelry because of their luster or other physical properties.
A gemstone’s color is described by its natural tone and hue. For most types, an intense, heavily saturated color of medium tone is recognized the highest value.
Many gems are enhanced to improve their colorations, a treatment that is become accepted in the jewelry industry.
A superior gemstones cut is marked by the stone’s ability to reflect light, its symmetrical appearance, and the luster of its polish.
Precious gemstones have some degree of naturally occurring inclusions which can be in the form of a feather, cloud, or crystal. High quality gemstones are relatively clear to the naked eye.
The list of gemstones is very big, we will list a small number of renowned one’s that are considered as birthstone.
Birthstones or stones calendar
Birthstone means a gemstone popularly associated with the month or astrological sign of a person's birth.
Birthstones and their vivid colors have long been a way to connect your birth month with rare and unique gemstones. They are a meaningful gift for mom, a friend, spouse,
or family member during a special occasion.
list of each birthstone by month:
January Birthstone: Garnet
February Birthstone: Amethyst
March Birthstone: Aquamarine
April Birthstone: Diamond
May Birthstone: Emerald
June Birthstone: Pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone
July Birthstone: Ruby
August Birthstone: Peridot, spinel, and sardonyx
September Birthstone: Sapphire
October birthstone: Opal and tourmaline
November Birthstone: Topaz or Citrine
December Birthstone: Tanzanite, Zircon or Turquoise
January birthstone: Garnet
If you were born in February, your birthstone is amethyst – the purple variety of quartz that has captivated mankind for millennia. Its lilac to deep purple hues can be cut into many shapes and sizes, and it can be manufactured in a lab as well as mined. Amethyst, the February birthstone, can be found in the collections of royal families throughout Europe and Asia. Now it’s within reach of most consumers. Consider buying a stunning amethyst for the king or queen of your heart – or treat yourself to a royal present. If your birthday is in February, then wearing an amethyst can also be a symbol of personal empowerment and inner strength. (https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/february-birthstones, 2022)
February birthstone: Amethyst
If you were born in February, your birthstone is amethyst – the purple variety of quartz that has captivated mankind for millennia. Its lilac to deep purple hues can be cut into many shapes and sizes, and it can be manufactured in a lab as well as mined. Amethyst, the February birthstone, can be found in the collections of royal families throughout Europe and Asia. Now it’s within reach of most consumers. Consider buying a stunning amethyst for the king or queen of your heart – or treat yourself to a royal present. If your birthday is in February, then wearing an amethyst can also be a symbol of personal empowerment and inner strength. (https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/february-birthstones, 2022)
March Birthstone: Aquamarine
Aquamarine and bloodstone, March's two birthstones, are very different when it comes to appearance, but they share a similar reputation for protecting one's well-being. The aquamarine birthstone evokes the colors of the sea. From deep green-blue to light, slightly greenish blue hues, faceted aquamarines are often free from inclusions and as clear as water, symbolizing purity of spirit and soul. The bloodstone birthstone is typically a dark-green cabochon that contains red spots of iron oxide, the “blood” that brings health and strength to the wearer. (https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/march-birthstones, 2022)
April Birthstone: Diamond
Sparkling with an internal fire all its own, diamond is one of the world’s most sought-after and adored gemstones. Those born in April are lucky enough to call this scintillating gem their birthstone, a symbol of clarity and strength. Diamond is so strong, in fact, that its name comes from the Greek word "adamas," which means "invincible" or "unbreakable." The timeless charm of diamond was cherished long before it became the April birthstone, and the places where diamond comes from are as fascinating as the lore that surrounds it. (https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/april-birthstones, 2022)
May birthstone: Emerald
Emerald, the birthstone for May, has been beloved for millennia, evoking rebirth and renewal. Widely regarded as the definition of green, emerald is the perfect color for spring. From the poetic description of Ireland as "the Emerald Isle" to the vibrant green of the famed gemstone itself. The May birthstone emerald has captured hearts and minds through the ages. Variations of this rich green color suggest soothing, lush gardens. Legend has it that emerald has the power to make its wearer more intelligent and quick-witted, and it was once believed to cure diseases like cholera and malaria. Today, it's the gemstone given for the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries. (https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/may-birthstones, 2022)
June Birthstone: pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone
If you were born in the month of June, you are lucky enough to have three birthstones to call your own. June is one of only three months (the others are August and December) that has three birthstones, giving you a variety of beautiful birthstone choices. The June birthstones are pearl, alexandrite and moonstone. With so many attractive options, individuals with June birthdays can have a birthstone that fits their mood or budget, due to the different colors and price points these gems offer. (https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/june-birthstones, 2022)
July Birthstone: Ruby
Ruby is the July birthstone – and it's one of the most coveted of gems. The name is derived from the Latin word ruber, meaning "red" – the color of love and passion. Few things catch the eye like the ruby birthstone. The finest color of the birthstone for July is a deep red with a hint of purple, called "pigeon's blood" in the trade. A variety of the mineral corundum, ruby gets its color from trace amounts of the element chromium. The more chromium, the stronger the red. (https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/july-birthstones, 2022)
August Birthstone: Peridot, spinel, and sardonyx
Peridot, spinel, and sardonyx are the three birthstones for August. The peridot birthstone is known for being formed under extreme conditions, as it can be found in the hardened lava that carried it from deep within Earth’s mantle as well as in meteorites that traveled from outer space. The spinel birthstone was underappreciated until recently, as today’s consumers look for an alternative to ruby, a gem with which red spinel was mistaken for centuries. Sardonyx is the original August birthstone, with a history that dates back more than 4,000 years. (https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/august-birthstones, 2022)
September birthstone: sapphire
The September birthstone is sapphire – a gem that's been cherished for thousands of years. Although the term sapphire usually refers to the blue variety of corundum (ruby is the red variety), this birthstone comes in a rainbow of other colors. Sapphires have been long associated with royalty and romance and are also said to symbolize fidelity and the soul. "Sapphire" comes from the Greek word sappheiros and blue sapphire is one of the most popular colored stones. (https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/september-birthstones, 2022)
October birthstone: opal and tourmaline
Those born in October enjoy two spectacular birthstones to commemorate their birthdays – opal and tourmaline. Both October birthstones have endless color combinations and beautiful coloring characteristics. Learn more about these two October birthstones and discover the perfect gift for those born in the tenth month. (https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/october-birthstones, 2022)
November Birthstone: Topaz and citrine
Those with November birthdays have two beautiful birthstones to choose from: topaz and citrine. Topaz comes in a rainbow of colors; citrine is prized for its charming yellow and orange hues. Both November birthstones are known to have calming energies while bringing fortune and warmth to the wearer. Most topaz and citrine birthstones are affordably priced, as good-quality gems are not as rare as for many of their counterparts. This means that those born in November have many options to choose from. Your challenge will be deciding which one to pick. (https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/november-birthstones, 2022)
December birthday: tanzanite, turquoise or zircon
If you had to pick one December birthstone, which would it be: tanzanite, turquoise or zircon? From the blue to bluish purple of tanzanite, to the intense blue and green of turquoise, to the rainbow varieties of zircon – there’s a color for everyone. If blue is what you’re looking for, all three December birthstones have their own unique take on this favorite hue. Whatever your color, style or budget preferences may be, we can help you pick the right December birthstone for you or friend or a loved one. (https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/december-birthstones, 2022)
Pearls
Pearls are one of the earliest gemstones discovered by humanity, they have been used for adornment and desirable by humans throughout the world for thousands of years.
Pearls are one of a small number of natural organic gemstones; they are produced by the pearl oyster and the pearl mussel.
Natural pearls are a small irritant (grain of sand…) within the oyster or mussel which has been coated with nacre to reduce that irritation.
Natural pearls are extremely rare and valuable, so most pearls today are cultured.
To culture pearls, saltwater and freshwater mollusks are collected and a small shell bead placed inside. Saltwater oysters can usually only generate a single cultured pearl at a time,
while the much larger freshwater mussels can produce up to 20; which is why saltwater pearls are greatly expensive.
It takes roughly 2 to 7 years for mollusks to produce a single pearl. The color of the pearl varies depending on the type of mollusk.
Most natural and cultured freshwater pearls are found in the waters of Japan, China and the South Seas; however, many are harvested along the coasts of Australia and the rivers of Austria.