Confusing Diamond Terms Explained - Part 3

This is part 3 of our diamond terms explained. Also check part 1 and part 2.

• Diamond symmetry: The alignment of facets is called the symmetry and it is given a grade like cut.
• GIA triple X/GIA XXX: A diamond that has been graded excellent in cut, polish and symmetry.
• AGS 0: Diamond with cut grade "0" - the best cut grade given by the AGSL
• AGS 000/AGS Triple 0: Diamond with "0" grade color, cut and clarity given by the AGSL - their top tiers
• Deep Stones/Diamonds Cut Too Deep: When the depth of a diamond is relatively high compared to the diamond width.  Diamonds are often cut this way to maximize carat weight when cut from the rough and often results in poor light performance.
• Shallow Stones/Diamonds Cut Too Shallow: When the depth of a diamond is relatively low compared to the diamond width.  It often results in poor light performance. Such diamonds are often cut this way to make them look bigger.
• ASET: Angular Spectral Evaluation Tool. A color-coded diamond viewer which helps evaluate light performance.
• Fluor/ Fluoro/ Fluorescence: Some diamonds may emit a glow when exposed to ultraviolet light. Depending on the intensity, GIA grades fluorescence as none, faint, medium, strong and very strong. Fluorescence does not always affect the appearance of a diamond but can at times.
• H&A/ Heart and Arrows: It is a symmetry pattern a diamond makes when seen from a special viewer. 
• Solitaire Engagement Ring: The solitaire ring is the most popular design of engagement rings. There is only one diamond on the band hence the name solitaire. 
• Three Stone Engagement Ring: There are three diamonds in this ring. On either side of the center diamond, there is one diamond. These two side diamonds are usually half the carat weight of the center diamond.
• Side Stones/Accent Diamonds: The smaller diamonds on the band of the ring are called side stones or accent diamonds. They help to add extra sparkle.
• Shank: The band of the ring is called the shank.
• Split Shank Ring: The band of the ring splits in to two separate, thinner bands as it approaches the center diamond.
• Halo Engagement Ring: The center diamond is fully surrounded by accent diamonds. The halo and the center diamond give the appearance of one big stone so the diamond appears to be bigger than it is. 

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Confusing Diamond Terms Explained - Part 1

If you have been researching on loose diamonds and engagement ring, you must have come across terms that are confusing. Well, fret not! We are planning a new blog series, where we definitions for confusing terms. Let's start.

1. Loose Diamond(s): Diamonds that are not set in a ring or other jewelry. These diamonds can be purchased separately, without the ring or jewelry.
2. Engagement Ring Setting(s): The ring, or any other piece of jewelry such as earrings, without the center diamond mounted in it is called the setting. Buyers can buy a diamond separately and then have it mounted in the setting.
3. The 4Cs/Diamond 4Cs: The cut, color, clarity or carat of a diamond. 
4. Diamond cut: The arrangement of facets and the proportions of a diamond. The better the cut of a diamond, the more it will sparkle and the more expensive it is.
5. Facets: Flat polished surfaces on a diamond. Different diamond shapes can have different number of facets. E.g. A round brilliant diamond has 57 to 58 facets.
6. Diamond shape: The overall geometric form or outline of the diamond. Diamond shapes such as princess are often called as the princess cut but that's a turn of phrase.
7. Diamond clarity: The amount of natural flaws present in a diamond determines its clarity. The lesser the flaws, the better the clarity.
8. Diamond color: The saturation of yellow tint in a diamond determines its color. The lesser the saturation, the better the diamond color and the more expensive a diamond is. 
9. Diamond carat: The weight of a diamond is measured in carats (not to be confused with karats). One carat equals 200 milligrams.
10. Certified loose diamonds: The cut, color and clarity of a diamond are assigned grades. This process is often done by independent gemological laboratories to ensure unbiased grading. Diamonds that are offered for sale with these diamond reports are called as certified diamonds.  
11. GIA/GIA certified diamonds: GIA stands for Gemological Institute of America. The lab is an independent non-profit institute that grades diamonds on the 4Cs and issues grading reports. Diamonds graded by the GIA are sometimes called GIA diamonds. The GIA is a well-regarded lab and acknowledged as reputable institute around the world.
12. AGS/AGSL/AGS certified diamonds: AGSL stands for American Gem Society Laboratories. The lab is an independent non-profit institute that grades diamonds on the 4Cs and issues grading reports. Diamonds graded by the AGS are sometimes called AGS diamonds. The AGS is a well-regarded lab and acknowledged as reputable institute around the world.
13. Diamond certification: A diamond retailer or vendor sends the diamonds in their inventory to be graded by independent labs or they may be graded in-house. There are many labs, but not all are equal in reputation. The GIA, AGS, IGI, HRD are some of the reputed ones. Any diamond that comes with a grading report can be called as a certified diamond but not all diamond certification is equal or unbiased.
14. Excellent cut: A diamond that has been graded excellent, GIA's top grade for diamond cut.
15. Diamond polish: The overall smoothness of facets. The diamond polish is given a grade much like cut.

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30 Jewelry Terms You Should Know Before Buying Your Engagement Ring

If you're researching engagement rings for the first time, we understand it can get quite overwhelming. There are so many different designs, metals and gemstones used in engagement rings and you also have to find the one that best describes your personal style. That's why we think it's essential that you know your basics before you go shopping for your ring. Let's start with these 30 terms. 

1. Solitaire Engagement Ring: The solitaire ring is the most popular design of engagement rings. There is only one diamond on the band hence the name solitaire. 
2. Halo Engagement Ring: The center diamond is fully surrounded by a 'halo' of accent diamonds. The halo and the center diamond give the appearance of one big stone so the diamond appears to be bigger than it is. 
3. Double Halo Engagement Ring: The center diamond is surrounded by two concentric halos of accent diamonds. 
4. Three Stone Engagement Ring: As the name suggests, there are three diamonds in this ring. On either side of the center diamond, there is one diamond. These two side diamonds are usually half the carat weight of the center diamond.
5. Side Diamonds Engagement Ring: In this design, there are smaller diamonds on both sides of the center diamond. These diamonds are called accent diamonds and they add extra sparkle to a ring. 
6. Prong Setting: The tips that secure the diamond to the band are called prongs. Prongs are one the most popular and common type of setting used to secure gemstones and diamonds to the rest of the jewelry.
7. Six Prong Engagement Ring: Most rings and other jewelry have four prongs but six prongs are also popular.
8. Bezel Setting: In this setting, a thin metal border fully surrounds the diamond, making it a very secure setting. The bezel fully protects the girdle of the stone, offering extra security against chipping. 
9. Basket Setting: In the basket setting, there are one or two rings connecting the prongs for extra security. The overall shape looks like a basket, hence the name.
10. Tension Setting: In a tension setting, the diamond is held together by compression. The two ends of the ring's band add pressure from both sides, keeping the diamond in place. There are also grooves on both sides, where the girdle of the diamond fits in. 
11. Cathedral Setting: The cathedral setting is more about the profile of the ring. The ring band raises towards the center stone, giving it the appearance of graceful cathedral ceilings. A cathedral setting can have either prongs, a basket or bezel. The advantage of this setting is that it holds the diamond high above the band of the ring, making the diamond appear quite large.
12. Accent Diamonds: The small diamonds, other than the center diamond are called accent diamonds. They can be present on the shank or gallery of the band or any other spots. Their purpose is to add extra sparkle to the ring.
13. Pave Setting: In pave setting, the diamonds are set together very closely by tiny beads of metal. These beads can be a part of the band or they can be soldered on. They blend so well with the metal band, that when the diamonds are set, they almost fade away into the background.
14. Micro Pave Setting: Micro pave uses the same technique but for smaller diamonds hence it is even more smaller than pave setting.
15. Channel Setting: In this setting, the accent diamonds are set in a continuous row between the two metal walls of the band of the ring. There is a slight indentation or channel between these two walls, where the girdle of the stone is secured. There is no metal between the diamonds so they sparkle brilliantly.
16. Bar Setting: In this setting, a diamond is set in place with a bar of metal on either side. It is a very secure setting and a good choice for people with active lifestyles. 
17. Shared Prong Setting: In shared prong setting, each accent diamond shares one set of prongs with the diamond set next to it. 
18. Flush Setting: A hole is drilled in to the band and the diamond is set in it. The top of the diamond sits flush with the band of the ring. The metal is hammered in place so the diamond stays secure.
19. Ring Gallery: The gallery is that part of the ring that connect the center stone setting and the shank of the ring.
20. Ring Shank: The band of the ring, around your finger is called the shank. 
21. Split Shank Engagement Ring: The shank splits into two narrow bands as it approaches the center diamond. Jewelers often recommend the split shank setting for elongated center diamonds like the oval, pear and marquise as it helps to visually balance these diamonds. 
22. Tapered Shank Engagement Ring: The shank gradually becomes narrow on either side of the center diamond. This highlights the center diamond beautifully and may even make it appear bigger than it is.
23. Yellow gold Engagement Ring: Naturally occurring gold has a yellowish tint and hence the name. Yellow gold jewelry is made alloy that contain pure gold along with metals such as copper and zinc as pure gold is too soft to make durable jewelry.
24. White Gold Engagement Ring: An alloy of gold that contains gold along with white metals such as nickel, silver and palladium. White gold jewelry usually has a rhodium coating. Rhodium is another white metal.
25. Rose Gold Engagement Ring: An alloy of gold that contains a more percentage of copper that results in the pinkish hue of metal.
26. Platinum Engagement Ring: Platinum is a  naturally white and dense precious metal. When used for making jewelry, the alloy is about 95% to 98% pure while the rest are other metals.  
27. 14K Gold Engagement Ring: An alloy of gold that contains about 58.3% gold while the rest are other metals like silver, copper and zinc.
28. 18K Gold Engagement Ring: An alloy of gold that contains about 75% gold while the rest are other metals like silver, copper and zinc.
29. Fancy Color Engagement Ring: Diamonds in colors such as yellow, pink, brown or shades other than the colorless or white diamonds are known as fancy color diamonds.
30. Fancy Shape Engagement Ring: Diamonds in shapes other than the round are known as fancy shape diamonds.

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