Top 5 Diamond Myths
When it comes time to purchasing a diamond, knowledge is power. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation on the internet that can confuse the average consumer. Read on to learn five of the most common diamond myths, so you can make an intelligent, informed purchasing decision.
1. It doesn’t matter where you get your diamond.
When it comes to choosing a diamond, cut, cost and quality all come into play. That said, there’s another important factor that should influence where you choose to buy your diamond.
Depending on where and how a diamond is mined, various human rights, environmental and social issues come into play. In some unfortunate circumstances, the diamond trade has been used to fund immoral activities, including violent wars and forced labor. Known as “blood diamonds,” these unethically sourced gemstones are sold at countless jewelry stores throughout America.
Conflict-free diamonds, on the other hand, are mined without any connection to rebel or terror groups that engage in these unethical activities. The truth is, however, that very few jewelers maintain John Atencio’s unyielding adherence to strict ethical and social standards. While John has worked hard to establish long-standing relationships with like-minded diamond suppliers; many jewelers do not. With this in mind, it’s important to vet your jeweler before you spend money on a diamond.
2. Lab-grown diamonds aren’t as good as traditionally mined diamonds.
Although they are man-made, lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical and optical properties as mined diamonds. One of the biggest advantages of a lab-made diamond is that it is indistinguishable from a traditionally mined diamond.
Even the most skilled, experienced expert will not be able to identify a lab-grown diamond because they are essentially the same as natural diamonds found within the earth. The only difference is that lab-grown diamonds have microscopic inscriptions that can only be seen using highly specialized equipment. This means your friends, family and co-workers will never know whether your diamond is mined from the earth or expertly grown in a dedicated facility.
3. Diamonds cannot break.
While diamonds are considered the world’s hardest naturally occurring substance, they are not impervious to damage. Why? It all has to do with the meaning of the term “hardness.” In gemology, this word is used to describe a gem’s resistance to scratching. To describe a gem’s resistance to breakage, jewelers use the word “toughness.”
While diamonds are very tough, they can break. This is especially true if the gem has several inclusions or is improperly cut. This is why it’s important to buy your diamonds from a reputable jeweler who will stand behind the quality of the gemstone. It’s also important to get your diamond insured in case of damage or loss.
4. Size is the most important quality.
While many people fixate on the size of a diamond, this is actually only one of several key characteristics that determine beauty and value. With any diamond, regardless of its size or shape, the 4Cs — Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat weight — work to determine clarity and quality.
Cut describes the polish, finish and proportion of the diamond. Clarity describes the clearness and purity of the gem. Color describes the existence or absence of color, whether it’s tinges of yellow or other noticeable hues. Carat refers to the actual weight of the diamond gemstone.
The GIA International Diamond Grading System assigns values for each of these characteristics. When you purchase a diamond, it’s important to make sure it comes with a certificate that includes values for every one of the all-important 4Cs.
5. The diamond makes the ring.
When choosing an engagement ring, most people focus entirely on the diamond itself. This is understandable since the diamond tends to get most of the attention. In reality, however, whatever its size and quality, the diamond only plays a partial role in determining the beauty of a ring.
The ring design is also a crucial part of the overall aesthetic. This is why it’s so important to work with a jeweler who approaches ring design like a work of art.
John Atencio takes a unique approach to ring settings, designing every piece around the center diamond, scaling up the whole ring to maintain ideal dimensions and optimal aesthetic. The result is a flawlessly balanced design that sets the diamond and ring in a glorious union based on the distinctive taste and lifestyle of the bride-to-be.
Since most of his designs are customized, John Atencio’s rings can accommodate virtually any size center stone. Use our helpful diamond search and then make an appointment at one of our locations, where our experts can guide you toward the perfect diamond for your love story.
Listen to our podcast episode on Lab Grown Diamonds.
