About Diamond Weights

August 24th, 2008

Diamonds are measured in Carat Weight.
One carat weighs 200 milligrams. If a
diamond is referred to as four grains, this
also means that it is a one carat diamond.
The word Carat comes from the word carob.
A carob is a bean that grows on a tree in the
Mediterranean. In times past, if a diamond
weighed the same as a carob bean, it was
one carob, or one carat.

However, in the far east, where Carob trees
do not grow, rice was used to measure the
weight of a diamond. If a diamond weighed
as much as four grains of rice, it was four
grains ? or one carat as we know it to be
now. The majority of diamond purchases
are for diamonds that are 1/3 of a carat.

Beware when shopping for diamonds that
are already set or mounted. If more than one
diamond is used in the piece, the tag on the
jewelry will give the CTW or Carat Total
Weight ? it does not tell you the carat weight
of each stone in the piece. You need to ask
the jeweler for the total carat weight of the
largest diamond in the piece to truly
understand what you are buying.

Man Made Diamonds

August 20th, 2008

As the world’s premier High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) diamond processing company, Sundance Diamonds offers uncompromised commitment to constant innovation, outstanding quality and superior customer service, providing the highest performance standards in the diamond industry. Sundance adds beauty and value to your stones through an innovative process that relies on natural chemistry to bring out your stone’s hidden beauty and brilliance. Every diamond transformed with Sundance receives a detailed analysis, risk assessment and careful preparation.

Diamond Care

March 18th, 2007

Ways to Clean your Diamond

There are a few different ways that you can provide diamond care for your precious jewelry, in particular, there are different cleaning processes you can use to keep it looking as brilliant and sparkling as the day you brought it home from the jeweler!

While there are many cleaning procedures that can be done from your own home, don’t forget that you can almost always return to the jeweler where you purchased your diamond and ask for a professional cleaning.  Sometimes cleanings are included in a warranty agreement, so check your paperwork to see if this form of diamond care is provided in your agreement.

 

Detergent Bath: The most commonly used method of diamond care is cleaning your diamond in a mild, warm water detergent bath.  Fill a bowl with warm water, and add in a mild detergent that you have in the house.  Some people use a dish detergent, while others will use a gentle bathroom cleaner.  Using a toothbrush or eyebrow brush, gently brush your diamond with the sudsy water to loosen any dirt and oil that have found their way to your diamond.  Afterwards, rinse your diamond by placing it into a strainer (careful to select a strainer with holes smaller than your diamond!) and running it under warm water to remove all soap.  Never use chlorine bleach to clean your jewelry, the cleanser is much too harsh. Quick-Dip

There are many cleaners on the market for diamond care.  Select one and follow it’s instructions carefully for dipping your diamond into the cleanser.  Once you’ve dipped your jewelry into the cleanser, you don’t want to touch the diamonds, because oils from your fingers can be easily transferred to your diamond.  Allow it to dry completely and then wear or return to storage.

 

Cold Water SoakDiamond care also includes a process called a water soak.  Fill a bowl with a solution of half cold water and half household ammonia.  Place your diamond into the cleanser and allow it to soak for at least 30 minutes.  When you take it out, tap the jewelry around the mounting brackets and then swish it around in your cold water solution again as a final rinsing.  You can set it out to dry on a piece of tissue paper.

Ultrasonic Cleansing

You can provide diamond care by purchasing an ultrasonic cleansing machine.  These machines have a little cup that you fill with water and cleanser, and a place to insert your jewelry.  Once you turn on the ultrasonic cleansing unit, it uses high speed motion to clean dirt and oils off your piece of jewelry. 

Storing Diamonds

Another important consideration of diamond care is how to store your diamonds when you are not wearing them.  Diamonds are gemstones that can scratch other diamonds or other jewelry, so it is recommended that you never place them into a jewelry box or case with other pieces of  jewelry unless you individual wrap the diamonds with tissue paper.  The best way to properly provide diamond care and store your diamond however, is to place the jewelry piece into a fabric lined jewelry box, or a larger case that has individual dividers that are each lined with fabric to protect each piece of jewelry.