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Education
FAQ
About

Diamonds, Gems & Engagement Rings Education Center

FAQ

+ - Are any of your diamonds laser treated or modified in any way?
JamesAllen only sells diamonds that are 100% natural and untreated. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the American Gem Society Laboratory (AGSL), and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) will not issue grading reports on diamonds that have been treated or enhanced, so purchasing our diamonds - which are GIA, AGS or IGI certified - is another guarantee that your diamond is natural.
+ - What are conflict-free diamonds?
Conflict-free diamonds are gems that were not obtained due to human rights abuses, child labor, violence, or environmental degradation. At James Allen, we make sure that our customers receive conflict-free diamonds. Our internal guidelines exceed government requirements. When you shop at James Allen, you can be certain that your diamonds are coming from the most reputable providers.
+ - What are the Four C's?
The Four C's - Carat (size), Color, Clarity and Cut - are the industry grade standard from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Every diamond is specifically graded on these features.
+ - What are GIA, AGS and IGI diamond certificates?
A GIA, AGS and IGI diamond certificate assures the value and quality of your diamond. GIA, AGS and IGI are the gold standard in diamond grading. Their reports detail key characteristics of each diamond.
+ - What does the term "eye clean" mean?
"Eye-Clean" is a term used to describe a diamond that is clean to an unaided eye in a face-up position from a distance of 8 to 10 inches. Diamonds of VS2 or higher in quality will always be eye-clean. Diamonds of Si1, Si2 and I1 need to be visually inspected to determine whether any inclusions are visible from the top. We can inspect any diamond at no charge.
+ - What is "Cut"?
A diamond's cut determines how effectively it returns light to the viewer's eye: a well-cut diamond appears brilliant and fiery, while poorly cut stones look dark and lifeless. Well-cut diamonds often appear larger than stones of the same carat weight.
+ - What kind of diamonds do you use for accent stones?
Smaller diamonds (often called melee) are cut in factories around the world and are available in a variety of qualities. The lowest quality goods are usually labeled as "commercial" and consist of I/J/K color and I1 clarity. "Promotional" goods are higher in both color and clarity, but are still cut for maximum weight. The highest quality diamonds are often referred to as "Collection". Collection diamonds are finer in both color and clarity. They're precisely cut to maximize fire and brilliance. Collection quality goods are only available from specialty dealers. We pride ourselves on using collection diamond melee in all of our engagement designs.
+ - Are any of the gemstones used in your jewelry heat-treated?
Yes. It is very common for natural gemstones to be heated. Heating the stone can intensify color and clarity, making the gemstone more beautiful and valuable. In addition, emeralds are commonly infused with a colorless oil, wax or resin to improve their appearance and luster. Nearly all rubies and emeralds on the jewelry market today are heated or treated in some fashion.

Loose Diamonds | James Allen Diamond Education

It's important and advisable to learn about diamonds before you purchase one. Diamonds are complex, with many attributes that affect their overall beauty and quality. At James Allen’s Education Center, you go beyond the “Four C’s” (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight) and learn about everything that gives a diamond both its beauty and its value.

Diamond Shape

Diamonds come in many different shapes. Each diamond shape possesses its own unique qualities, so exploring and learning about the various shapes is worth your while. James Allen offers the highest quality certified diamonds to satisfy all tastes.

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Diamond Cut

A diamond's cut not only refers to its shape, but also how effectively the stone can return light back to the viewer's eye. A well-cut diamond will appear very brilliant and fiery, while a poorly cut stone can appear dark and lifeless, regardless of its color or clarity.

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Diamond Color

When shopping for a diamond, it is generally preferred to choose a stone with the least amount of color possible. Diamond color is divided into five broad categories.

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Diamond Clarity

Clarity refers to the presence (or absence) of impurities, blemishes or other identifying characteristics within a diamond. Clarity characteristics are what make each diamond unique, since there are no two diamonds that will have the same exact inclusions in the same location(s).

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Symmetry

Symmetry refers to the exactness of the shape and arrangement of facets in a diamond. Although to the naked eye finish features only have a tiny effect on appearance, symmetry is an significant aspect.

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Carat Weight

Carat is a term that refers to the weight of a diamond. Prior to the twentieth century, diamonds were measured using carob seeds, which were small and uniform and served as a perfect counter weight to the diamond. The word "carob” is the origin of the word "carat" that we use today.

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What Is Diamond Polish?

Polish is the overall condition of the surfaces of a finished diamond. Polish is rated Good (GD), Very Good (VG), Excellent (EX), and Ideal (ID).

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What Is Diamond Certification?

A certificate is a blue print of a loose diamond. Wholesalers, retailers and consumers know a certificate as either a diamond grading report or a diamond dossier. A certificate reports a diamond's exact measurements, weight, cut and overall quality.

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What Is Diamond Fluorescence?

Certain high-quality diamonds display a visible light when they are exposed to ultraviolet light. This is known as fluorescence. Under most lighting conditions, a diamond's fluorescence is not visible to the naked eye.

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James Allen's Conflict-Free Diamond Policy

At James Allen, every diamond we sell is certified conflict–free, assuring you that our inventory was procured through legal sources. In compliance with the Patriot Act, the Kimberly Process and various United Nations resolutions, the diamonds we sell have been obtained using legitimate means.

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Diamond Care

Depending on the setting you choose, you can soak your diamond engagement and/or wedding rings for up to 30 minutes in a solution of dishwashing liquid and water. This is best suited to prong and cathedral settings. In pave and basket settings, however, soaking the rings can increase the likelihood of the gems coming loose.

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Diamond Grading

A diamond's cost depends upon characteristics known as the 4C's: Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat. The relationship between these four characteristics determines the value of a diamond. Our diamond grading charts will help you visualize the relationship between rareness and cost.

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How to Choose the Perfect Diamond?

Nothing is more perfect than a diamond ring to mark an engagement, wedding, or an anniversary. Diamonds remain the most precious of all gemstones, the right sparkler for that special moment. A diamond represents love, commitment, and endurance—three aspects of every successful relationship. To find the perfect diamond engagement ring, check out the following shopping tips.

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Diamonds, Gems & Engagement Rings Education Center

Loose Diamonds | James Allen Diamond Education

Diamond Shape

Diamond Cut

Diamond Color

Diamond Clarity

Symmetry

Carat Weight

What Is Diamond Polish?

What Is Diamond Certification?

What Is Diamond Fluorescence?

James Allen's Conflict-Free Diamond Policy

Diamond Care

Diamond Grading

How to Choose the Perfect Diamond?

What Are Eye Clean Diamonds?

What is Your Ring Size?

Ring Manufacturing

Experience James Allen

Why James Allen?

About James Allen

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Fine Jewelry

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Loose Diamonds | James Allen Diamond Education

What is Your Ring Size?

Ring Manufacturing

Experience James Allen

Why James Allen?

About James Allen

Tax and Shipping Calculator

Sign Up for Exclusive Deals

Diamonds & Engagement

Fine Jewelry

Design Your Own

Policies & Education

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