Courtesy: Chip Clark, Smithsonian Institution Diamond fluorescence is a fascinating phenomenon where diamonds glow when exposed to long-wave UV rays. It can sometimes increase or decrease the value of a diamond. It can also affect diamond appearance—or not. How should you take fluorescence into account when choosing the perfect diamond? In this article, we’ll cover: What is diamond fluorescence? Do all diamonds fluoresce? Is there a diamond fluorescence grade? Does diamond fluorescence make a yellow diamond look “whiter”? Does fluorescence cause haziness in diamonds? Can the average pe ..read more

Courtesy: Ritani Looking for the perfect diamond engagement ring? You’ll need to know about the 4Cs of diamond quality, metal characteristics, setting styles and more. Follow these 10 tips for buying an engagement ring to make a smart purchase: Know the 4Cs Know diamond shapes and cut styles Look at diamonds under different lighting Pick a metal for the band Choose the setting Consider side stones Know styles, motifs and trends Measure ring size Pick a reputable jeweler Insist on a diamond grading report The diamonds in this image show Poor, Good and Excellent cut grade from left to right ..read more

Botswana is currently the world’s second largest producer of diamonds. Some of the world’s largest diamonds have been found here. Diamonds help build Botswana’s infrastructure, support women and combat AIDS. Learn how else diamonds help Botswanans. In this blog we’ll cover: Diamonds at the Dawn of Independence Debswana—a Groundbreaking Partnership The Diamond Difference—Botswana Becomes a Middle-Income Country Diamonds Help Combat AIDS Ethical Diamonds How to Get a Botswana Diamond Diamonds at the Dawn of Independence Botswana was ruled by the British Empire from 1885 to 1966. Thought to be a ..read more

Buying a quality diamond begins with 3Cs—not 4. Surprising? Cut, clarity and color all determine diamond quality, but carat doesn’t. After all, size doesn’t affect quality. Learn how to buy a stunning diamond based on 3Cs, fluorescence and shape. In this blog we’ll cover: What Affects Diamond Quality? What is Diamond Shape Quality? What is Diamond Cut Quality? What is Diamond Color Quality? What is Diamond Clarity Quality? What is Diamond Fluorescence? What Affects Diamond Quality? A diamond’s beauty comes from both nature and nurture. Nature creates diamond rough of different colors and with ..read more

The origin of wedding rings is a fascinating one. The tradition of exchanging rings dates back 3,000 years, while the first diamond wedding ring was recorded in the will of a widow who passed in 1417. Why are rings, especially diamond rings, the ultimate symbol of romance? In this blog we’ll cover: What were the first wedding rings?—Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman wedding rings How did wedding rings evolve?—Medieval and Renaissance wedding rings When did women start wearing diamond wedding rings? When did engagement rings and wedding rings become two separate rings? When did men start wearin ..read more

Triple X diamond is a trade term referring to stones that have Excellent cut, polish and symmetry on their GIA grading reports. GIA does not use this term but many jewelers do. Does Triple X rating matter and should you pay more for a Triple X diamond? In this blog we’ll cover: What is a Triple X diamond? What is Excellent cut? What is Excellent symmetry? What is Excellent polish? Should I only buy Triple X diamonds? Are Triple X diamonds rare? Can I save money by not buying a Triple X diamond? What is a Triple X diamond? Triple X diamond is a trade term for round brilliant diamonds that have ..read more

South African diamonds gave birth to the modern diamond industry. Two teenagers — Erasmus Jacobs and Cecil Rhodes — helped make this happen. Learn how Jacobs found the first South African diamond and how Rhodes built up a diamond empire. In this blog, we’ll cover: Erasmus Jacobs’ Surprise Discovery Cecil Rhodes’ Diamond Empire How South African Diamonds Changed Diamond History Famous South African Diamonds Diamonds Do Good Are South African Diamonds Ethical Diamonds? Erasmus Jacobs’ surprise discovery Teenagers, farmers, a shepherd — these were the first to discover diamonds in Northern Cape ..read more

Promise rings symbolize love. Worn on any finger, a promise ring represents a couple’s commitment to their relationship. Learn more about promise ring meaning, its history and how to give one. In this blog we’ll cover: What is the history of the promise ring? What does a promise ring mean? Is a promise ring the same as an engagement ring? What finger do you wear a promise ring on? How do you give someone a promise ring? What are promise ring styles? Heart-motif promise rings show that you’ve given her your heart. This 10K rose gold ring is set with a 0.01 carat (ct) diamond. Courtesy: Robbins ..read more

Some consumers turn to Canadian diamonds in their quest for ethical diamonds. Learn about their discovery, how diamonds help Canadian communities and how a GIA Diamond Origin Report lets you know if your diamond is a Canadian diamond. How Were Canadian Diamonds Discovered? The Rush for Ethical Diamonds Are Canadian Diamonds Ethical Diamonds? How Do You Know If Your Diamond is a Canadian Diamond? The discovery and mining of Canadian diamonds tells the story of the human spirit overcoming nearly insurmountable odds. The Northwest Territories, where most of these diamonds are found, has a subarc ..read more

The selection of engagement rings is near limitless and the prices for diamonds seem daunting. You may need to make some choices about where to put your money. Follow these tips for a ring you’ll be proud to give and that she’ll cherish forever. The tips: Let go of perfection Understand how diamond quality is determined Diamond Cut – don’t scrimp on cut Diamond Color – can you tell the difference? Diamond Clarity – don’t pay more for what you can’t see Diamond Carat weight – go just under Get a GIA Diamond Grading Report Let go of perfection More than anything else, a diamond engagement ring ..read more