Esperanza Diamond From Arkansas Dirt to Dazzling Pendant

[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”1. What makes the Crater of Diamonds State Park unique compared to other mines?” answer-0=”It is the only public place in the world where visitors can search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source and keep whatever they find. The park consists of a 37-acre field which is actually the eroded surface … Read more

Selling Lab Grown Diamonds

Selling lab grown diamonds - trying to sell your Lab-Grown Diamonds? Learn how with AGS Independent Gemologist Appraiser.

Selling Lab Grown Diamonds The conversation surrounding “selling lab grown diamonds” often presents a skewed view. Contrary to popular belief, selling lab grown diamonds is far from impossible. The current factory gate price, hovering below USD 300 per carat, indicates a viable market. A common misconception in the “selling lab grown diamonds” discourse is the … Read more

Diamond Damage and the # 1 best repair

Diamond Damage - A chip can render a piece uninsurable even if the ‘damage’ occurred 80 years ago. Even insured items can be denied

[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”1. If diamonds are the “hardest substance on earth,” how can they actually be damaged?” answer-0=”While diamonds are incredibly hard (resistant to scratching), they are not indestructible. They have a property called cleavage, meaning they can chip or crack if struck at the right angle or with enough force. Both natural and lab-grown … Read more

Who Keeps the Engagement Ring? A Lesson In Gift Taxes

Cover art for the article, depicting an illustrated engagement ring with ornate borders and styling.

[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”1. If an engagement is broken before the wedding, who typically keeps the ring?” answer-0=”Traditionally, the ring is returned to the person who purchased it. However, the legal reality is more complex. Courts may view the ring in one of two ways: As a gift: Ownership transferred completely the moment it was given. … Read more

How to Read a Diamond Grading Report

Contact American Gem Registry with your questions, and to schedule an appointment in Arvada or onsite at your location
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”Why is the date on a GIA grading report important to buyers?” answer-0=”The date is crucial because it indicates when the diamond was last inspected. Most shoppers look for a report issued within the last one to two years. An older report raises concerns about potential damage (like chips or scratches) that may have occurred since the inspection. Additionally, GIA report formats have changed over time; for example, reports issued before 2006 do not include a cut grade.” image-0=”” headline-1=”h2″ question-1=”2. Does GIA provide a “Cut Grade” for all diamond shapes?” answer-1=”No. GIA currently only provides an official cut grade for Modern Round Brilliant diamonds. For any other shape (like Pear, Princess, or Marquise), this line will be omitted from the report. If you need a cut grade for a non-round diamond, the article suggests consulting an independent appraiser or an alternative lab like IGI.” image-1=”” headline-2=”h2″ question-2=”3. What is the difference between the “Proportion Diagram” and the “Plotting Diagram”?” answer-2=”Proportion Diagram: Shows the physical measurements and angles of the diamond, such as crown and pavilion angles and culet size. Plotting Diagram: Acts as a “map” of the diamond from both the top and bottom views. It marks the specific clarity characteristics (inclusions or blemishes) used to determine the diamond’s grade and helps in identifying the specific stone.” image-2=”” headline-3=”h2″ question-3=”4. What should I look for in the “Comments” section of the report?” answer-3=”The comments section contains important notes from the grader that aren’t captured in the diagrams. This includes mentions of treatments (like laser drill holes), special phenomena like phosphorescence, or clarity characteristics that weren’t large enough to plot, such as “clouds not shown.”” image-3=”” headline-4=”h2″ question-4=”5. How can I verify that a GIA report is authentic and matches the diamond?” answer-4=”Every GIA report has a unique report number that can be looked up in the GIA online database. Most stones also have a QR code on the report that links directly to the digital record. Additionally, check the Inscription section; many diamonds have their report number laser-inscribed on the girdle, which can be matched to the physical document.” image-4=”” count=”5″ html=”false” css_class=””]

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Lab Grown Diamonds Price Drop 2024

The Lab Grown Diamonds Price Drop is here. Have you noticed that it’s getting harder and harder to sell lab grown diamonds? This is a tale about how Lab Grown and Natural Diamonds hold their value

[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”Why have lab-grown diamond prices dropped so significantly in 2024?” answer-0=”The price drop—often exceeding 50% in the last year—is primarily driven by technological advancement and increased supply. Unlike natural diamonds, which are finite, lab diamonds are a product of technology grown using electricity (CVD or HPHT methods). As the technology becomes more efficient … Read more

Are Lab Grown Diamonds More Ethical?

Are Lab Grown Diamonds More Ethical

[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”1. Is a lab-grown diamond legally considered a “real” diamond?” answer-0=”Yes. In 2016, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) updated its definition of a diamond by removing the word “natural.” A diamond is now defined by its chemical structure—pure carbon crystallized in the isometric system—rather than its origin. However, to avoid confusing consumers, the … Read more

The 4C’s: How to Use the Traditional GIA Grading Scale to Buy Diamonds

Cover art for the article "The 4C's: How To Use the Traditional GIA Grading Scale to Buy Diamonds" which depicts several decorative borders centered around a silver ring with a round-shape diamond center-piece.

[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”1. What is the most important tool for a diamond shopper to have?” answer-0=”The GIA Grading Report is the number one tool for any shopper. For any major diamond purchase (specifically those over a few thousand dollars), a lab report is essential. If a stone does not have a reputable lab report, the … Read more

What is Jewelry?

Cover art for the article "What is Jewelry" featuring a piece of jewelry that looks rather like a sea enema.

Jew·el·ry /ˈjo͞o(ə)lrē/ noun This may seem like a terribly stupid question, especially in a jewelry blog, but it turns out to be important. The issue has to do with insurance. Jewelry vs. Diamonds and Other Loose Gemstones Much modern jewelry, especially engagement rings, are usually made up of a single primary diamond with a ring … Read more

Why Do I Need an Appraiser: Quality Control

Cover art for the article "quality control" depicting a necklace with an ornate victorian style border.

One of the key reasons to get an independent appraisal on a new item is quality control.  Sure, you’ve got a GIA report with a bunch of the relevant data, and you’ve got a good idea of the price since you’ve been shopping for months to find exactly the right item, and the seller will … Read more