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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Ans: |
There are several terms out there that are meant to
indicate the level of experience of a stores
jeweler...they are:
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Jeweler: |
Anybody can call themselves a jeweler. |
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Gemologist: |
This is an uncontrolled title which can be used by
anyone with a desire to set up shop and sell
stones. |
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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. |
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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. |
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*Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA):
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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. |
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*Master Gemologist Appraiser (MGA):
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Essentially gods of the gem world. Similar to a
CGA, but to a higher degree. They only number in
the hundreds in the states. |
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* If you deal with either of these types, you should
feel confident with their ratings and
ultimately with your purchase. |
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Ans: |
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.
A loupe can also be used to inspect the jewelry also.
With a loupe, it is easier to inspect the polish, any
stray tools marks on the jewelry and the prongs holding
down any stones.
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1. |
Facet...any of the flat "sides" of the diamond. |
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2. |
Table...On a brilliant cut (bc) stone...the top
octagonal facet |
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3. |
Girdle...The (typically ) frosty white ring at the
widest part. |
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4. |
Culet...The bottom point (actually a facet) on a
brilliant cut stone |
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5. |
Pavilion...The portion of the stone below the girdle |
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6. |
Crown...The portion of the stone above the girdle |
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7. |
Fire...The quality of the diamond that breaks
reflected light into a colorful array. |
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8. |
Brilliance...The quality of the diamond that reflects
light without changing it (sometimes called sparkle). |
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9. |
Fluorescence...The characteristic of some diamonds to
fluoresce certain colors under some light. |
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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. |
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11. |
Feather...A jeweler’s way of saying "crack". It often
appears as a white feather within the diamond. |
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