Here's a link to the 0.806ct HVS2 A Cut Above that I will be analyzing. If you wish you can have the diamond details, images, video, and lab reports open so you can follow along with my analysis. Brightness First let's open up the AGSL lab report and take a look at the proportions diagram. This diamond has a 34.6 degree crown angle which is very close to what's considered … [Read more...]
Hand Fabrication and Die Striking
Jewelry quality and form is inextricably linked to the manufacturing process so it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each option, especially if you’re intending to pay a premium for a more labor intensive manufacturing process. In two previous articles, Is your custom CAD work done by a CAD artist? and Casting Defects to Watch For, I discussed CAD-casting as one … [Read more...]
Durability Considerations in Pavé Design
Pavé (pah-veh) is a type of jewelry setting where very small 'melee' diamonds are set very close to each other, as if they are paving or cobble stones. Micro-pavé specifically refers to a type of pavé that can only be done under magnification and is distinguished by the use of melee diamonds that are 0.005ct or smaller. Micro-pavé settings are an extremely popular choice for … [Read more...]
Diamond Review Request: Find me a 1.7ct+ I+ SI1+ diamond!
Steven: "I would like help to find the best diamond for the price on James Allen at around 15k or less. I plan on making a custom band from C.D Peacock. So I really want that amazing diamond since my gf loves the solitaire six prong ring. Any help is much appreciated. I am looking for a diamond up to $15k and the best overall wow factor I can get with the minimum … [Read more...]
What you don’t know about diamond grading can cost you
The first thing most consumers learn about diamonds is that diamond quality and prices are dependent on the 4Cs: color, cut, carat and clarity. But even though this is at the core of how we value diamonds, it's all to easy for us to just accept what a jeweler tells us about a diamond. So today I'm going to discuss how diamond grading can be subjective and help you understand … [Read more...]