Malcolm Jewelers Maintenance Recommendations

Definitions

4 Cs of diamonds
Cut - The cut of a diamond refers to the proportions (i.e., height, width) and facets. A well-cut stone is better able to reflect light, creating more sparkle. Don't confuse cut with the diamond's shape, such as round brilliant, pear or marquise. (See below)

Color - Diamonds come in a range of colors, from colorless to faint yellow, brown, pink, blue, and green. A colorless diamond allows white light to pass through it and be dispersed as rainbows of color.

Clarity - Most diamonds contain very tiny natural inclusions, which are minerals trapped inside the stone. The fewer inclusions, the more light can pass through the stone.

Carat-weight - This is the weight of the diamond measured in carats. Each carat is divided into 100 points. A diamond that is 50 points weighs .50 carats.

Types of gemstone shapes
Brilliant or round - A faceted cut that produces the greatest brilliance in a diamond. It has 58 facets--33 are above the girdle and 25 are below.

Single - A round diamond cut with 18 facets, used mostly for smaller stones.

Fancy - Any diamond cut other than a round brilliant or single cut, such as marquise, pear and emerald.

Marquise - Resembles an oval that tapers to points at both ends.

Pear - A pear or teardrop with a point at one end.

Emerald - Usually rectangular, but sometimes square cut. The stone is cut with rows of facets along the edges and corners that resemble steps.

Princess - A modified brilliant square-cut diamond.