Diamond Buying AdviceDiamond Advice and Information on Choosing a Diamond

Wow! How many carats is it? Upon seeing a spectacular diamond or other precious stone, this is, quite naturally, among one of the first questions that any curious gem lover will ask.

Carob Pods

Have you ever wondered where the term “carat” originated? It actually has a very interesting background…Many, many years ago, in the far away land of the Mediterranean, it was discovered that the weight of a single carob seed appeared to remain fairly consistent from seed to seed.  And so…, the weight of a carob seed became kind of a pre-industry measuring method. (As a side note: carob beans are often used as a substitute for chocolate.) Read more about the history of diamonds.

Time passed, and soon tiny variations in the size of carob seeds were noted, commented on, and challenged. As the demand for more accurate and scientific measurements became internationally necessary, the industry dealing with precious stones adopted a more uniform and standardized way of measuring diamonds and other precious stones; until eventually, around the year 1913, the metric weight of a carat officially became 200 milligrams. Of course, each and every diamond can not be measured in full carats. In fact, the average diamond purchase tends to be within the 1/3 carat range. This is where the interim measurement weight of “points” comes in. It takes 100 points to equal a carat. For instance: a ¾ carat diamond would be 75 points, a ½ carat diamond, 50 points, a 1/4 carat diamond, 25 points… Well, you get the picture.

Now, isn’t it nice to know a little bit about the background of diamond weights and measures?

By the way: While carob seeds may be, to some, a suitable substitute for chocolate, there is absolutely no substitute for the twinkle that a only a beautiful diamond can provide.

Probably a fake diamond.

Pretty, isn’t it? But is it real? It sparkles, it flashes, it behaves like the real thing…but is it? In view of some of the most recent scientific and technological advances, sometimes it can be extremely difficult to distinguish a real diamond gemstone from a synthetic, lab-created stone. However, with a bit of detective work, it can be done. When an investment is made for such a costly purchase as an engagement ring or wedding ring, peace of mind can, and should be of utmost importance.

One way to determine whether or not a diamond is genuine, is to weigh it. Synthetic diamonds weigh about 1.5 more than the “real thing.” This can easily be determined by having it verified on a gram or carat scale. Another simple thing would be to examine the stone externally f

or any obvious scratches or blemishes. Diamonds are among the hardest substances found in nature, and can usually only be scratched by another diamond. Also, by taking a look at the depth of the brilliance, one can be given clue as to whether or not it is the “real thing.” With a genuine diamond, light is more refractive, and will cause the diamond to sparkle from all sides, whereas most synthetic stones will have a sparkly surface and no depth…all “razzle dazzle” with no substance. Heat is also rapidly dispersed with a genuine diamond, and so a heat probe can also flush out any fakes in almost no time at all.

However, if you want to be absolutely, 100% sure, a trusted jeweler, or professional gemologist (Gemological Institute of America, GIA) can provide a certificate of authenticity.

“Big Girls Need Big Diamonds” – Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor - One BIG Diamond

Well, there is no doubt about it. The time to purchase an engagement ring for your beloved has finally arrived. You thought that you were ready, but in all of the excitement, find that you have not really given full consideration to the desired carat weight. Although you have found the perfect style and setting, you have yet to decide what size diamond you should really aim for. This one is a personal choice, and will require a bit of soul searching.

By now, you should have also figured out any budgetary considerations, if necessary. If you have not done so, be sure to check with your trusted jeweler. Ask yourself: Just what will she be expecting? Is she a petite person with small fingers? Or, is she tall, with long slender fingers? Will the main stone be offset with companion stones? Is size more important than sparkle and brilliance?

Although a diamond of any carat size would be more than likely accepted with gratitude and excitement, it certainly will bring more joy and happiness, if the selection has been meticulously planned; and if serious thought has been put into the choice made.  Trust an expert on this one:  No girl is going going to turn down a whopper!  In any case, be sure to make a choice that you both can be proud of.  Don’t forget what Liz said! (This can also be true for even most “little” girls) ;-)