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Diamond Secrets

The 4 C's are easy enough, but is that really all there is to know about diamonds?  Then what's the big deal?  With our years of experience in the diamond industry, we know that there is so much more you can learn to find that perfect diamond (and really impress your fiance!)  Here are a few secrets that The Wedding Ring Shop crew is sharing especially for you.  But don't tell anyone we told you...it's a secret!

Secret #1   The Myth of the 4th 'C'

Ask anyone what cut their diamond is and they will invariably reply "round" or "princess."  This is a common misconception that goes to the heart of one of the diamond business's most important secrets.  Most people believe that the fourth C, "cut," refers to the shape or style of the diamond's cutting.  Actually, the fourth C refers to the diamond's cutting quality, not its shape.  The "Cut" is how perfectly proportioned and polished the diamond is.  It is here, in a diamond's cutting quality and dazzling beauty, that we find a diamond's true value.

Secret #2   Why 'Cut' Equals Price

The cutting quality not only determines a diamond's beauty and quality, it also greatly affects a diamond's price.  A diamond's value is affected by each of the 4 C's.  What most jewelers fail to explain is that cutting quality alone affects price by as much as 40%!  The true value of a diamond is determined by its "Cut Quotient" or the value that indicates the diamond's geometrical deviation from the long-established, ideal geometric cutting standards.  A formula developed long ago determined the exact angles a diamond must be cut at to achieve maximum brilliance.  Unfortunately, in the sales game, most of the focus is still on size, color and clarity.  A diamond's cutting quality is rarely explained.  The result is often a poorly cut diamond that is no deal at all.

Secret #3 The Online Diamond Quest (Why Pros Never Buy on the Internet)

Professional jewelers never buy diamonds over the Internet.  Here's why: diamond certificates can be unreliable, statistically equal diamonds can still look different; pro's only purchase loose diamonds.  Don't get me wrong, the Internet is an awesome tool.  Communication and educational facts are boundless, but you are blindly trusting the honesty of the website when making an actual purchase.  Here is how the diamond business really works.  As soon as a new production of diamonds hits the market, the larger, finer quality buyers have first pick.  Diamond buyers from these firms actually sit down with the sellers and sort through the most outstanding diamonds.  At The Wedding Ring Shop, we are first tier buyers of new factory production.  We only buy the best diamonds at the earliest possible point in the diamond distribution chain - ensuring the finest diamond at the lowest possible price.

Secret #4   Table & Girdle Test (To quickly spot a winner)

Years ago our President, Michael Han, learned an old trick to quickly spot finely cut diamonds without any special tools or even a diamond loupe.  It's called the Table and Girdle test: look closely at the diamond's Table (the flat, top surface of the diamond) and the Girdle (where the crown or top facets and the pavillion or bottom facets come together around the middle of the diamond).  Simply put - a smaller table and thinner girdle are signs of a more finely cut diamond.

These are just a few pieces of insider knowledge that our staff is happy to share.  The best way to make an informed purchasing decision is to make an appointment with one of our trained sales associates.  They are honest, caring, and will always think of your best interests.