Diamond Education & Information:
At Pounder’s our extensive inventory of diamonds and diamond jewelry is selected, created or custom designed with uniqueness, superior quality and value as our criteria.
Our commitment to provide you with the highest level of professional, thorough and knowledgeable service ensures that you can make a confident and informed decision about your diamond or diamond jewelry purchase.
The value of a diamond differs widely from one diamond to another. Experts evaluate diamonds for rarity and beauty using four primary guidelines. These guidelines, called the 4Cs, represent Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight. Diamonds with the combination of the highest 4C ratings are more rare and, consequently, more expensive. It is important to note that each of the 4Cs will not diminish in value over time.
When you think of the cut, you probably think of shape of the diamond. You are partially correct. While cut does refer to shape it also refers to the proportions of how the diamond is actually cut. A diamond’s overall proportions, as well as the size and placement of its many reflective surfaces or facets, also play a large part in “cut”.
Cut is the single most important determinant of a diamond's beauty, and the one element that is directly affected by human skill and expertise. More than any other quality, cut determines the fire and brilliance of a diamond. The consistency and balance of these can greatly affect how the stone captures light and reflects it back to the eye.
The size of a diamond is measured not by its dimensions, but by its weight. One carat, the traditional unit of measurement for diamonds, is equal to approximately 0.2grams. You may also hear the weight of diamond referred to in points. A point is equal to 1/100 of a carat; therefore, a 75-point diamond equals 0.75 carats or ¾ of a carat.
Diamonds of equal weight may appear slightly different in size, depending on their proportions. Because they are quite rare, larger diamonds of gem quality are much more valuable.
A diamond’s clarity is measured by the existence, or absence of inclusions or blemishes under 10 x magnifications. To view inclusions, jewelers use a microscope or magnifying eye loupe. Most diamonds contain natural inclusions which were formed during the crystallization process. The type, size, position and quantity of these inclusions determine the clarity of the diamond. Truly flawless diamonds are exceptionally rare.
Inclusions are ranked on a scale of perfection, which was established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The clarity scale, ranging from F (Flawless) to Included (I), is based on the visibility of inclusions at a magnification of 10 x.
As long as these inclusions do not affect the passage of light through the diamond they will not substantially affect the diamond's beauty. Each diamond is as unique as the individual who wears it.
With the exception of some fancy colored diamonds, the most valuable diamonds are those with the least amount of color. The color scale for transparent diamonds run from D-F (colorless), G-J (near colorless), K-M (faint yellow), to Z (light yellow). Completely colorless diamonds are rare.
Rare and beautiful colors result in diamonds that form with traces of other minerals, these fancy colors range from blue and brilliant yellow to red, brown, pale green, pink and violet. Because of their rarity, colored diamonds are highly desirable and may be quite valuable.
At Pounder’s our extensive inventory of diamonds and diamond jewelry is selected, created or custom designed with uniqueness, superior quality and value as our criteria.
Our commitment to provide you with the highest level of professional, thorough and knowledgeable service ensures that you can make a confident and informed decision about your diamond or diamond jewelry purchase.
Our Sense of Social Responsibility and Practices
with Regard to Conflict Diamonds.
You have the full assurance and commitment of Pounder’s Jewelry that we provide the very best in fine jewelry values with care and concern for people in our communities and in the world where we live and work.
Conflict diamonds are rough or un-cut diamonds that have used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate governments. It is very important to Pounders Jewelry that we do not deal in any way with this practice. We are in total support of the diamond industry as it has enacted reforms and new practices against such corruption.
As a Pounders customer you can be confident that comprehensive measures have been taken to assure that the diamonds we sell are conflict- free. We require all vendors to sign an agreement pledging that they will not knowingly buy or sell conflict diamonds. We are supporters of the Kimberley Process and the System of Warranties, an industry program of self-regulation.
For more information, go to http://www.kimberleyprocess.com/