What’s the difference between Ideal Cut, Premium Cut, etc. grades?

The terms "Premium Cut", "Tolkowsky Ideal Cut", and "Excellent Ideal Cut" apply only to round diamonds. Stones receive these grades according to certain angle and percentage standards. For example, Premium Cuts have a table percentage from 58.0% to 61.0%, Tolkowsky Ideal Cuts have a table percentage from 53.0% to 58.0%, and Excellent Ideal Cuts have a table percentage from 52.5% to 58.4%. Depth percentages on any of them should not be below 58.0% or above 63.8%.

Does the cut of the diamond have any effect on the price?

At Marquis Jewelers we only sell the finest cuts of diamonds and the price does not change according to cut.

Can I see the difference from one color or clarity grade to the next?

The brilliance of a diamond is determined by the quality of its cut -- not its color or clarity. When cut properly it is very difficult to see the difference between two-color grades, F-G, G-H, etc., if the stones are faced up. In clarity, from the grade of SI2 and up, normally one can not see anything in the diamond with the naked eye. Therefore clarity has to be determined by the use of a 10x loupe. 

What is fluorescence, and how does it affect a diamond?

Fluorescence is an emission of light from within a diamond and can occur naturally. To detect it a "black" or UV (ultraviolet) light must be used. Yellow fluorescence and in some cases strong blue fluorescence may make a diamond appear cloudy or milky, even under daylight. In "lower" colors (I and below) some blue fluorescence may help the diamond to appear whiter than it technically is. Fluorescence information is always available on the certificate.

Why are there no A,B,or C color grades?

In order to avoid confusion with a multitude of differing, previously existing grading systems, the GIA / EGL system was created, and "D" was designated the highest color grade. This system is now recognized world-wide.

Do you have mountings available?

We have standard ring, earring and pendant mountings. Additionally, we have a line of mountings in both 14 karat yellow and white gold, along with platinum settings. Other mountings are available upon request.

How do I know I’m getting what I bought?

All the diamonds we sell that are .5 carat and above are certified by either a GIA or EGL laboratory. Therefore, each diamonds has been graded, registered and plotted. By comparing the diamond against the original certificate that is shipped with the diamond, any reputable diamond appraiser can verify that the diamond is the one identified by the certificate.

What is the difference between GIA & EGL certifications?

GIA is a regional lab operating only in the United States. EGL is a worldwide lab, having offices in major cities around the world. The certification process, basically is the same, both using the most modern measuring techniques. The major difference between the two is that EGL has a SI3 grade, along with giving additional measurements such as crown height and pavilion depth % and EGL also states on the certificate that the stone is Ideal Cut or Premium Cut. GIA does not give this additional information nor do they have the grade of SI3.

What kind of guarantee do you offer?

Since all diamonds are certified, the guarantee is in the certification. If the diamond is mounted in a ring, earring, etc., and since we have no control over how it is handled once it leaves our office, we highly recommend that the item be insured through your personal insurance company.

Does Marquis Jewelers maintain its own inventory?

Yes! We sell diamonds from our own inventory. We do not list "virtual" stones, or act as an intermediary between you and another diamond company. Our inventory is always changing, and this is the reason for our "Request a Diamond" system. You tell us what you would like, and we will respond with information about the diamonds we have which most closely match your request.

Where do you get your diamonds?

The rough comes mostly from Africa and Russia. Once we receive it, it is cut at the factory and then imported and made available to sell.

What’s a Certified Diamond?

A certified diamond is a diamond that has been weighed, measured, color graded and its cut determined at a major laboratory by individuals trained only in diamonds. Many of them hold degrees in appropriate areas. These individuals grade and certify daily as a profession.

What’s an Appraisal?

Once the diamond is certified, knowing the weight, color, cut and clarity, the stone can be "appraised". An appraisal gives the diamond a retail value or replacement value. An Appraiser does this. Some GIA appraisers also certify diamonds "to GIA standards". This is done when the diamond has not been certified at a major laboratory. We recommend that you purchase only laboratory-certified diamonds, certified by full-time professional graders.

What type of Payment do you Accept?

We accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card, Cashier Checks and Money Orders.

How can I judge clarity?

During the process of a diamond's growth in the earth several factors, such as pressure, temperature, and cooling, may change. When these changes occur it may cause imperfections or inclusions in the diamond. These imperfections may range from barely perceptible growth lines which may not even be visible under a 10 x microscope to major dark spots under the table, deep scratches, broken culets and many other types of inclusions that are visible to the naked eye. Again, as in the grading of color, there are no natural divisions along these grades but organizations like the GIA have attempted to provide a set of standards to be used when grading the clarity of diamonds. However, the grades may vary from one diamond dealer to the next. For instance, a spot under the table should be graded lower than a spot near the edge. But what if the sport was between the table and edge? It is important for the customer to be aware of some of these subtleties and to understand the process of grading for clarity.

Clean the Stone

Specks of dirt and dust, or tiny hairs can seem to be inclusions. It is important to wipe the stone clean before grading for clarity. This can be done by wiping the stone with a piece of clean chamois leather and afterwards the diamond should not be touched by fingers. Stone thongs should be used for touching the diamond.

Get a Microscope

Not too powerful however. Clarity is judged for commercial reasons and a microscope that is too powerful will see inclusions that are not really relevant in judging the clarity of the stone. It is internationally accepted that a 10x magnification is good for determining clarity.

Position

What angle should you look at the stone? First, by looking at it from the pavillion side is easier to determine if there are any inclusions since the inclusions may be reflected many times by the facets. Then, a more systematic approach, i.e. look at the surface of the stone, all around the girdle, table, etc. will uncover more inclusions. It is important to rotate and turn around the stone many times in order to avoid the possibility that the tongs or surface of the microscope are concealing any of the inclusions. Check out the Clarity Table.

Flawless, IF	Flawless	Internal growth lines that show no colour from the front of the stone. Minor natural on girdle. Very small extra facet not visible from front which does not flatten girdle.
	IF	The same as above, with the addition of minor nicks or pits not in the table, girdle roughness, and slight facet abrasion. All can be removed by simple diamond polishing.

VVSI, VVS2	VVSI	External faults must be minimal. Internal very tiny spot or group of externally small spots outside the table. Tiny feather. Very difficut to find with a 10X lens.
	VVS2	Only smallest external defects allowed. Difficult to find with a 10X lens.

VS	VSI	Internal growth lines that show slight color from the front. Small cleavages. Surface scratches. Slightly larger extra facet.
	VS2	Smallest external defects.

SI	SI1	Small internal faults. Some definite external features. Slight cloudy areas. Small cleavages. Slightly larger extra facet.
	SI2	Small easily discernable inclusions. Some definite external features.

I	I1	Inclusion easily recognizable with loupe. Definite external faults.
	I2	Large and numerous inclusions, just visible with naked eye.
	I3	Large and numerous inclusions, easily visible with naked eye, diminishing the brilliance.