There are several terms out there that are
meant to indicate the level of experience of
a stores jeweler...they are:
Jeweler:
Anybody can call themselves a jeweler.
Gemologist:
This is an uncontrolled title which
can be used by anyone with a desire to
set up shop and sell stones.
Graduate Gemologist (GG):
This title is awarded by the GIA to
individuals who have completed a basic
course in diamonds and colored stones.
Once awarded, this diploma is good for
life, which is an awfully long time.
Registered
Jeweler:
This title is awarded by the AGS to
individuals who have extensive
gemological knowledge and adhere to
AGS's rigid ethical code. It must be
renewed each year based on continuing
education and ethical business
practice.
*Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA):
AGS title for one who is annually
tested on his/her ability to appraise
gems. Unlike a Registered Jeweler, A
CGA has mastered sophisticated testing
procedures.
*Master Gemologist Appraiser (MGA):
Essentially gods of the gem world.
Similar to a CGA, but to a higher
degree. They only number in the
hundreds in the states.
* If you deal with either of these
types, you should feel confident with
their ratings and ultimately with
your purchase.
A loupe is a magnifying glass used for
inspecting diamonds. Good ones have 3 lenses
in them and magnify 10x. To use a loupe,
hold it about 1 inch from your eye and hold
the diamond about 1 inch in front that. To
focus, move the diamond forward of
backwards. Keep both eyes open to reduce
eyestrain. Once you are comfortable using
the loupe, here’s what to look for. Read our
Diamond Anatomy
page for more details.
1.
Facet...any of the flat "sides" of the
diamond.
2.
Table...On a brilliant cut (bc)
stone...the top octagonal facet
3.
Girdle...The (typically ) frosty white
ring at the widest part.
4.
Culet...The bottom point (actually a
facet) on a brilliant cut stone
5.
Pavilion...The portion of the stone
below the girdle
6.
Crown...The portion of the stone above
the girdle
7.
Fire...The quality of the diamond that
breaks reflected light into a colorful
array.
8.
Brilliance...The quality of the diamond
that reflects light without changing it
(sometimes called sparkle).
9.
Fluorescence...The characteristic of
some diamonds to fluoresce certain
colors under some light.
10.
Natural...Usually found on the girdle.
It is a small section that was on the
side of the raw diamond. It appears as a
slightly rough flat spot on the girdle.
11.
Feather...A jeweler’s way of saying
"crack". It often appears as a white
feather within the diamond.
