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When shopping for diamonds, remember...

It pays to be as educated as possible when shopping for a diamond. But with so much information out there, shopping around becomes very confusing, very fast. So to simplify it and make your diamond shopping a more educated experience for you, the buyer, Stardust Jewelers presents the information you need to know into a summary of :
"The Five Cs": Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat-Weight and Certificate.

CUT

Many people confuse cut with the shape of a diamond. Whatever the shape, however, a well cut diamond is the work of a master diamond cutter.  When cut to good proportions, the diamond is better able to handle light, creating more scintillation, more sparkle. And that's a great reflection on you.

It is the cut that enables the diamond to make the best use of light.

•When a diamond is cut to good proportions, light is reflected from one facet to another and then dispersed through the top of the stone. •If the cut of the diamond is too deep, some light escapes through the opposite side of the pavilion. •If the cut is too shallow, light escapes through the pavilion before it can be reflected.

COLOR

Diamonds are found with a range of color, from faint yellow or brown through to the very rare pinks, blues, greens and other colors known as "fancies." However, the best color for a diamond is no color. It is a totally colorless diamond that allows white light to pass effortlessly through it and be dispersed as rainbows of color. And to give a woman such a diamond is to show your true colors, as well.

Color grading scale from totally colorless to light yellow. The differences between one grade and another are very subtle, as can be seen by the number of grades within any one category.

CLARITY

To determine a diamond's clarity, it is viewed under 10-power magnification by a trained eye. Most diamonds contain very tiny birthmarks known as inclusions. However, the fewer and smaller the inclusions are, the less likely it is that they will interfere with the passage of light through the diamond, and the more beautiful the diamond will be. Diamonds, more than any other gemstone, have the capability to produce the maximum amount of brilliance. A diamond that is free of both inclusions and surface blemishes is very rare and therefore very valuable. So, the clearer the diamond, the clearer your choice.

CARAT-WEIGHT

This is the weight of the diamond measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 "points," so that a diamond of 75 points weights .75 carats. Carat-weight is the easiest of the 5C's to determine. But two diamonds of equal weight can have very unequal value, depending on their cut, color and clarity. Fine quality can be found in diamonds of all shapes and sizes. And a fine quality diamond is a little extra weight she'd be pleased to put on.

CERTIFICATES

Your new diamond should be accompanied by an independent diamond certificate.  This certificate ensures that your diamond is graded accurately.  There are three diamond grading laboratories that are respected worldwide. The G.I.A. (Gemological Institute of America), A.G.S (American Gem Society) and the E.G.L. (European Gem Laboratory). No other gem lab has the same integrity or trust.  At Stardust Jewelers, most all of our .75 and larger diamonds are accompanied with a certificate issued by one of the above named laboratories.

SHAPE

Although it is not one of the 5C's, shape is also a very important
factor in choosing a diamond.

Round diamonds produce the most brilliance and are the most popular.

Marquise, pear and oval still have plenty of brilliance,
but allow for a longer, more unique cut.

Emerald and princess cuts offer 2 options for a square/rectangle shape.  Emerald cut has a traditional look while the princess cut offers a more modern brilliance.

Heart shaped diamonds, well, you know the story....