DIAMOND SHAPE & THE FOUR C'S

Shopping for diamonds can be an exhilarating experience. But, if you don't know just a few of the basics, it can also be an intimidating one. At the Diamond & Jewelry Gallery, we want to make your diamond shopping experience an unforgettable one - and for all the right reasons.

We'll start by introducing you to a few things you should know about diamonds. Most jewelers refer to the basics as "the Four C's" – Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat.

At the Diamond & Jewelry Gallery, our Diamond Education is a cut above the rest. We'd like to introduce you to the Five C's. We add one more category to the traditional list above - maybe the most important one - "Cost".

We offer one of the largest selection of certified loose diamonds in Los Angeles, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Beverly Hills, Tarzana, Valley Village and surrounding areas. Our EGL & GIA diamonds are guaranteed conflict free and offered to you at better prices than Downtown Los Angeles marts – often at 50-75% below retail.

At the Diamond & Jewelry Gallery, no matter what your budget, we'll help you select a diamond worthy of showcasing, one you'll be proud of for a lifetime.

Visit our stunning showroom – voted “Favorite Jewelry Store” by the Los Angeles Daily News – at 12456 Ventura Boulevard in Studio City, CA. Or call us at 818.982.4444 with questions or to schedule an appointment.

THE FIVE C'S

Diamonds are prized for their fire and brilliance, but what makes a diamond truly special is it's sparkle. The sparkle and rarity of an individual diamond is determined by a combination of factors – typically referred to as "the Four C's" – Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat.

CUT

The cut of diamond is perhaps the most important factor to the pedigree of a diamond. That's because cut refers to - not to the shape of the diamond - but to how the diamond is trimmed and formed from within its original shape. The cut determines the dazzle and brilliance your diamond. If the cut is improperly done, the diamond cannot perform to its utmost potential. But, when cut properly, your diamond will sparkle and shine for a lifetime.

IDEAL CUT

FINE CUT

SHALLOW CUT

DEEP CUT

There are many traditional cut diamonds, with round brilliant most popular one. It is polished with 58 total facets, 33 on the crown or upper part, and 25 on the pavilion or the lower part. Other basic cuts are Pear, Princess, Heart, Oval, Marquise, and Emerald.

DIAMOND SHAPES

Round Brilliant Cut
The ultimate classic! The round brilliant-cut was developed by Marcel Tolkowsky in 1919.

Princess Cut
The Princess cut is a modified square or rectangular cut, with many variations.

Emerald Cut
The Emerald cut is a square or rectangular cut with the corners cut diagonally.

Asscher Cut
The Asscher cut diamond is a stepped square cut diamond similar to an emerald cut.

Cushion Cut
Cushion-cut diamonds have rounded corners and feature larger facets to increase their fiery brilliance.

Radiant Cut
Trimmed corners are the signature of the radiant cut diamonds, making it a popular and versatile choice for jewelry.

Oval Cut
The Oval cut is oval in shape and is covered with rectangular facets. Rounded on both sides.

Marquise Cut
The Marquise cut originated in the 1700s and may have been named after the Marquise de Pompdor, a mistress of King Henry XV.

Heart Shape
The romantic Heart shape is shaped like a heart . If this cut has a flat center (shield shaped cutlet), then it usually has 32 facets on the crown.

Pear Shape
The Pear cut looks like a rain or tear drop, pointed at one end. It may or may not have a large flat or table facet in the center of the stone.

COLOR

Diamond "color" refers to the actual tint within the color of the diamond. Colors come in a range of beautiful options, from "colorless" and "near colorless" to what are termed as "fancy color" diamonds. Color is determined along a "D" to "Z" tint range. The often sought after "colorless" diamonds start the scale at "D;" and "Z" diamonds indicate a pale yellow or brown tint. Colorless diamonds are often the most desired and are on the higher end of the price scale. Fancy color diamonds are considered beyond "Z" grade and come in almost any color, blue, pink, purple, yellow, orange or red. They are the most expensive on the diamond price tier.

CLARITY

Nature forms diamonds over thousands of years. Because of this natural process, diamonds can exhibit flaws and imperfections that, while normal, can make the diamond less desirable. A diamond with a lesser degree of flaws will be more valuable than one with more obvious imperfections. Our on-site experts will guide you through the process of determining clarity, but the final decision is yours alone. After all, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. If the flaws which is also called inclusions are difficult to locate, the stones are graded VS , which stands for very slight inclusions, if there are easy to locate under magnification, the stone is graded SI clarity or slight inclusions , and more visible inclusions are graded.

CARAT

Diamond "size" is perhaps the most discussed, and easily understood determinant of a diamond's value. The "carat" refers to the actual weight and dimensions of an individual diamond. Simply put, a carat speaks to how "big" the diamond is. And, while size does matter, not all diamonds will have the same price for the same weight. Each individual diamond, depending on its cut, color, and clarity, will be priced differently per carat. For example, a smaller stone of higher quality may cost the same as a bigger stone of lesser quality.

A carat is exactly .20 grams, which makes 5 carats equal to 1 gram, and there are 100 points per carat.

At the Diamond & Jewelry Gallery, our on-site jewelers have an unrivalled understanding of what makes a diamond truly extraordinary. Stop in, and let our consultants guide you through the process of choosing a stone that achieves the best balance of size and quality.

THE FIFTH C - COST!

Here's where the Diamond & Jewelry Gallery takes the Four C's to the next level. Because the joy of shopping for a diamond can be outweighed by the fear of going over budget – we've added a fifth "C' – cost.

Voted #1 Jewelry Store by the Los Angeles Daily News, our relationships with global diamond clubs allow us to offer you the best prices – often fifty to seventy percent off retail!

And we back it up! With our "Best In the Industry Guarantee," we offer you this assurance: If you find the same diamond anywhere else for less – we'll give you double the difference back! *

The Diamond & Jewelry Gallery has been providing the highest quality GIA and EGL diamonds to the public for more than 40 years. You won't find an offer like that anywhere else! And that's our "Best In the Industry Guarantee."

Shop With Rock Solid Confidence

At the Diamond & Jewelry Gallery, we are direct diamond importers, sourcing one-of-a-kind diamonds and gems from trusted factories in Israel, Antwerp and other cutting factories around the world. That means that if you don't see the diamond you want, we can find it for you – quickly.

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Remember, there are two ways to shop for diamonds. You can shop according to budget; or you can focus purely on quality. At the Diamond & Jewelry Gallery, our on-site experts will help you choose a diamond that displays unforgettable sparkle and shine while staying within your desired budget -- the best of both worlds!

Matchless Collections. Affordable Museum Quality Pieces.

[*To qualify for double-the-difference back from the Diamond & Jewelry Gallery, your purchase must have been made within one month from a reputable establishment with a verified "same item" advertisement; must be receipted; and must display the same cut, color, clarity and quality.]