Diamond Guide

EXPLORE AND LEARN ABOUT DIAMONDS
  • Lab-Grown Diamonds


    Lab-grown diamonds are atomically and chemically identical to earth mined diamonds. The general consensus about lab grown diamonds is that they’re considerably cheaper and more "ethical" than a modern mined diamond. However the conditions in which these diamonds are created or cut are unclear. For the most part we know they are developed using "socially and environmentally sustainable" methods but as much as that may sound like the best option to purchase, the flip side is knowing and being able to trace whether these labs have a positive carbon footprint and contain zero emissions e.g. energy and water consumption in order to be completely sustainable.

    Furthermore, there are labs growing diamonds in the U.S. but a lot of the diamond rough is sent overseas for the material to be cut just like a newly mined natural diamond. With that in mind, do we know what are the labor practices in countries where these diamonds are cut? Do they follow guidelines that pay fair wages to the workers? Are children part of their labor force? Are there international certifications behind their work practices? These are all questions that need to be addressed in order to classify lab-grown diamonds as an eco-friendly and true sustainable option.

    At the moment, there is no third-party certification for lab-grown diamonds that can assure sustainability claims and environmental stewardship.

  • Newly Mined Diamonds


    In contrast, newly mined diamonds and their supply chain can be somewhat vague. Certifications such as the Kimberly process are unsuccessful in achieving full accountability and transparency. Although the Kimberly process has significantly reduced the flow of conflict diamonds, it has failed to live up to its promise. The most concerning issue has been attributed to its narrow terms of certification, which focus mainly on the mining and distribution of diamonds, leaving broader problems like exploitative labor policies, child labor, poor working conditions and the displacement of entire communities.

    Shopping for newly mined diamonds can ultimately become a disappointing experience, hence the reason why many consumers are preferring and choosing a lab-grown route.

  • Post-Consumer Recycled Diamonds


    Last but not least, what is a post-consumer recycled diamond? Precious gems and precious metals are materials that can be forever recycled. Metals can be re-worked and re-shaped with almost no material loss. Gems in the entire hardness spectrum can be re-cut and re-polished bringing them back into a new life.

    These recycling qualities challenge the need to source these materials from new mining. Recycled diamonds reduce their environmental impact since they’re re-entered in the supply chain from previous owners or estate jewelry auction pieces, making them a true sustainable option and one worth bragging about. Antique diamonds are highlighted with unique personality due to the fact that most were cut prior to 1950s which back then diamonds were intended to perform best during candle, low-lit and natural light conditions. When you see one in person, their unique romance and character is unalike.

    At DM Studio, we work with a local vendor in NYC that uses third-party certification (SCS Global Services) for post-consumer diamonds and recycled gemstones.

  • The Four Cs

    LEARN HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR DIAMOND

Color

The color evaluation is a measure to determine the absence of color in a diamond. The closer the stone is to being colorless the rarer and more valuable it is. GIA's color grading system measures color from letters D to Z, D representing a colorless diamond and Z equivalent to light yellow or brown diamond.

Color distinctions between one letter grade to another are very precise and almost invisible to an untrained eye but these subtle characteristics determine a diamond's quality and price. Natural fancy color diamonds are graded on a different grade, one that examines true visible color. 

Cut

The cut of a diamond determines how it interacts with the presence of light and it is no easy feat since it is the most complex quality to analyze. The cut assessment includes a gemstone's brightness, fire and scintillation which set the way a diamond transmits light and sparkle.

Precise craft and skill are required in order to maximize a diamond's beauty, meaning its final proportions, symmetry and polish.

Clarity

The growth process of diamonds often contain particular characteristics that can affect the appearance of each stone. Clarity refers to the absence of inclusions (internal markings) and blemishes (external markings) in a diamond. It is important to highlight that no diamond is perfectly pure but without the presence from some of these characteristics the better the clarity of each diamond; hence a higher value.

Be sure to check out GIA's grading system to learn more on how a diamond's clarity is evaluated. Click here for more info

Carat

Diamonds are measured in carats. One metric carat is defined as 200 milligrams. A diamond's value is not only determined by its size but by the overall evaluation of the 4Cs.

  • Color

    The color evaluation is a measure to determine the absence of color in a diamond. The closer the stone is to being colorless the rarer and more valuable it is. GIA's color grading system measures color from letters D to Z, D representing a colorless diamond and Z equivalent to light yellow or brown diamond.

    Color distinctions between one letter grade to another are very precise and almost invisible to an untrained eye but these subtle characteristics determine a diamond's quality and price. Natural fancy color diamonds are graded on a different grade, one that examines true visible color. 

  • Cut

    The cut of a diamond determines how it interacts with the presence of light and it is no easy feat since it is the most complex quality to analyze. The cut assessment includes a gemstone's brightness, fire and scintillation which set the way a diamond transmits light and sparkle.

    Precise craft and skill are required in order to maximize a diamond's beauty, meaning its final proportions, symmetry and polish.

  • Clarity

    The growth process of diamonds often contain particular characteristics that can affect the appearance of each stone. Clarity refers to the absence of inclusions (internal markings) and blemishes (external markings) in a diamond. It is important to highlight that no diamond is perfectly pure but without the presence from some of these characteristics the better the clarity of each diamond; hence a higher value.

    Be sure to check out GIA's grading system to learn more on how a diamond's clarity is evaluated. Click here for more info

  • Carat

    Diamonds are measured in carats. One metric carat is defined as 200 milligrams. A diamond's value is not only determined by its size but by the overall evaluation of the 4Cs.

  • The Four Cs

    LEARN HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR DIAMOND

CUT

The cut of a diamond determines how it interacts with the presence of light and it is no easy feat since it is the most complex quality to analyze. The cut assessment includes a gemstone's brightness, fire and scintillation which set the way a diamond transmits light and sparkle.

Precise craft and skill are required in order to maximize a diamond's beauty, meaning its final proportions, symmetry and polish.

CLARITY

The growth process of diamonds often contain particular characteristics that can affect the appearance of each stone. Clarity refers to the absence of inclusions (internal markings) and blemishes (external markings) in a diamond. It is important to highlight that no diamond is perfectly pure but without the presence from some of these characteristics the better the clarity of each diamond; hence a higher value.

Be sure to check out GIA's grading system to learn more on how a diamond's clarity is evaluated. Click here for more info.

COLOR

The color evaluation is a measure to determine the absence of color in a diamond. The closer the stone is to being colorless the rarer and more valuable it is. GIA's color grading system measures color from letters D to Z, D representing a colorless diamond and Z equivalent to light yellow or brown diamond.

Color distinctions between one letter grade to another are very precise and almost invisible to an untrained eye but these subtle characteristics determine a diamond's quality and price. Natural fancy color diamonds are graded on a different grade, one that examines true visible color.

CARAT

Diamonds are measured in carats. One metric carat is defined as 200 milligrams. A diamond's value is not only determined by its size but by the overall evaluation of the 4Cs.

A JEWELRY DESIGN CONSULTANCY BASED IN NYC. WE SPECIALIZE IN BESPOKE JEWELRY OFFERING ANY INDIVIDUAL AND COUPLES LOOKING TO CREATE THEIR UNIQUE AND ONE-OF-A-KIND ENGAGEMENT RING, WEDDING JEWELRY AND ANY SPECIAL CUSTOM PROJECT IN MIND.
 
MADE IN NYC.

© 2021 DM STUDIO, DIEGO MONCADA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED