Diamond Information

Selecting a Diamond

Questions most often asked by those selecting a diamond are: “Why do some diamonds vary so much in price? What, other than size, are the factors that determine this sometimes great price variance?”

We hope this little booklet will help answer those and other questions one may have about diamonds.

Please know we at James Avery hold to the highest standards for our selection of diamonds.  Each diamond we offer is selected by our gemologists according to the exacting standards described herein.

In our representation and presentation of diamonds, as in all things we say or do, integrity and quality are the principles that have guided us for more than fifty years.

We will not sell diamonds that support violence, and we salute all those jeweler’s around the world who share our commitment.

Many people do not know the history of “Conflict Diamonds” or “Blood Diamonds” from Sierra Leone being used to fund violent rebel movements in Africa.  Fortunately, in 2002 the United Nations established the Kimberly Process Certification System, a process that has virtually eliminated the world’s trade in conflict diamonds.

Today over 90% of the world’s supply of diamonds comes from conflict-free sources.  But until that number reaches 100%, we must all remain vigilant.  At James Avery, we only use diamonds from sources that comply completely with the Kimberly Process Certification System.

What Characteristics Make a Diamond Valuable?

The diamond is often considered the finest among gemstones and is unmatched in its durability and brilliance.  Diamonds are almost pure carbon and are the hardest substance known to man.

A diamonds value is determined by four factors, called the four “C’s”: Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat (weight).  Understanding the rating system of diamonds can help you be sure you are getting the best quality diamond for your money.

Color

Even though a diamond may seem colorless to the naked eye, many contain various tints of yellow or brown.  Therefore, the more colorless a diamond, the more rare and valuable it becomes.  Color is most critical because a single increase in color grade can mean the cost of a diamond could rise by hundreds of dollars per carat.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has developed a color grading scale that rates diamonds from D (colorless) to Z (yellow).  At James Avery, we only use diamonds in the G-H range of this scale.  We feel that color is the most important factor in the selection of your diamond, because neither the cut, clarity or size can totally offset any color tint that is present.

Diamonds can also come in shades of pink, blue, red, green, and intense yellow.  These diamonds are rare and have their own grading standards.  James Avery does not sell colored diamonds.