How To Buy A Diamond

Buy Safely!
The Importance of the 6Cs

1. Certificate: A Gemological Institute of America certificate offers the most thorough analysis of a diamond and is called the Supreme Court of diamond grading. You should get a G.I.A. certificate with the diamond you buy to ensure its quality. The American Gemological Society (AGS) also provides a diamond grading scale that is accepted by the trade. It is used primarily to identify very fine, ideal cut diamonds. The European Gem Lab (E.G.L.) is another reputable lab used by diamond professionals. Their grading standards at times are slightly more liberal than the G.I.A. They are recognized as the Superior Court of diamond grading.

The Anatomy of An Independent Lab Report

2. Carat Weight: A carat is equal to 200 milligrams or 0.007 ounces. The number of cuts made in a diamond also relates to the carat weight and the cuts produce "points" in the surface. There are 100 points in a 1-carat stone.

3. Color: The G.I.A., A.G.S. & E.G.L. grading scale is shown below.

4. Clarity: The degree and types of inclusions visible under 10X magnification.

5. Cut & Shape: The proportions, polish, angles and symmetry determine the cut. Shapes include: Round, Emerald, Oval, Princess, Heart, Radiant, Marquise & Pear Shape.

All diamonds are hand cut. There is no such thing as a perfect diamond. All diamonds should have 58 facets except an emerald shape which has fewer facets. The most beautiful diamonds have table sizes that range from 55% to 63%. The depth should be between 58.7% to 62.5%. Stones cut with these proportions will increase the brilliance and fire of your stone...To know more about the cut and how it effects diamond prices contact one of our Diamond Consultants at:

1-800-322-0995 or e-mail us at bestprice@hadardiamonds.com

6. Company: Buy your diamonds from a Company that is well rooted in the industry with a track record of working in the client's best interest. Make sure you're buying the right diamond at the right price. With Hadar you are making a purchase from a Company where diamond cutters are your source. We are members of the New York Diamond Dealers Club (NYDDC).

G.I.A. Diamond Report

• Shape & Cut: Each diamond is described as to its shape (round, pear, oval, etc.) and its cut (brilliant, mine, antique).

• Measurements: Each diamond is measured with a millimeter gauge to the nearest thousandth of a millimeter. In keeping with trade practice however; results are given to the nearest hundredth of a millimeter for all of its major dimensions.

• Weight: Each diamond is weighed on an extremely accurate digital balance scale to the nearest thousandth of a carat. In keeping with trade practice however, results are given to the nearest hundredth of a carat.

• Clarity: Clarity describes the summation of the number, size, placement and the nature of inclusions and surface characteristics.

• Fluorescence: Fluorescence (when present) describes the degree of sensitivity of a diamond to long wave ultra violet light such as is present in daylight. When emission is blue this characteristic will enhance the appearance of the diamond in daylight.

• Comments: Comments are used to describe characteristics not covered by the above entries or on the plotting diagram of the G.I.A. report. For example, "significant graining is present", "minor details of finish not shown," etc.

• Grading Scale: The relative position of the grade of each diamond is shown with respect to the complete grading system.

• Report No.: This is the report number, which is entered into the GIA's computer and microfilming system for permanent record.

• Key to Symbols: Internal and external identifying characteristics are plotted as close to the facet position as possible. This serves as an illustration of the clarity grade but more importantly as a basis for the future identification of this diamond.

• Proportions: Proportions describe the ratio and angles of the major physical features of a diamond.

• Finish: Finish describes details of the polish and symmetry.

• Color: Color grade describes the position of the color of this diamond with respect to the color of a series of master stones. "D" is the highest color grade and best describes the absence of color. It is from this grade that the term "ice" is referred to.