They are by far the most sought after element in all of jewellery. Why?

Diamonds symbolize such elusive objects such as stars. They are extremely resilient. They symbolize the everlasting love and longevity of matrimony. Also, they are sparkly. Who doesn’t like sparkly?

Expensive? You bet. We’re often reminded of the Bride Price system. It’s almost as if the price of the diamond represents the sacrifice diamonds of several cows to the brides family in days of old. We would never suggest how much you should spend. It is all relative to your personal priorities and where you are in life. Newly-weds often shoulder the most debt. They are usually young and have a long time to pay it off. This can be offset by the inflationary power of future wages. Some often have money set aside for such a treat. We love seeing the look of joy on our client’s faces when they walk out of Ferguson’s Jewellery with a brand new family heirloom.

Mined Diamonds

Also known as “natural Diamonds are thought to have been created deep in the earth millions or even billions of years ago. Gases from ancient volcanoes created kimberlite magma pipes forming to the surface. Inside these hollows flowed superheated carbon plasma that formed diamond crystals on the sides of the pipe as they traved up. This process can now be replicated in a LAB enviroment known as CVD or Chemical Vapor Deposition.

Synthetic LAB Diamonds vs Simulated Diamonds

Moissanite – Simulated – Hardness 9.3

Cubic Zirconia – Simulated – Hardness 8

White Sapphire – Natural – Hardness 9

Cut Glass – Simulated – Hardness 5.5

Lab Diamond – Synthetic – Hardness 10

LAB Created “Synthetic” Diamonds

Some of my clients have told me that feel they’ve been tricked into buying what they believe is a synthetic lab diamond, when in fact it is a simulated diamond. Synthetic lab diamonds are real diamonds that have been created in a lab through CVD (chemical vapour deposition) or HPHT (high pressure high temperature) – vapor deposition being the prefered method as this most closely mimics the natural processes of the earth. . They are also composed of pure carbon and nothing else. They are virtually indestructible with a “moh’s scale” hardness of 10.

“Simulated “diamond”

is in fact not diamond at all, it does not shine the same, nor do they have the same hardness of diamond(often less hard than even sapphire). Moissanite is slightly harder than a sapphire and are the best and least expensive option other than Diamond or Lab diamonds. Cubic Zirconia is extreemly inexpensive but very soft and easily breakable.

4-C’s

Cut

This is in reference to the diamond’s proportion(the angles and ratios),symetry(the shape of the facets) and overall polish, , and the polish of the diamond – A perfect cut would be considered EX EX EX or triple Excellent.

Color

The clearness of a diamond starts at “D” oand ends in “Z”(very dark brown/yellow – which in many cases is highly treasured). Most retail diamonds are from D-J in color.

Clarity

The amount of internal or external imperfections or blemishes. The scale starts with internally flawless, then VVS1 VVS2 VS1 VS2 SI1 SI2 SI3 I1 I2 I3…

Carat Weight

1 carat equals 100 points. Diamonds are cut to perfection from 1/3 of a point to up to 530 carats(King of England’s scepter).

Also Known as “certs”. These are the report cards of an individual diamond. Up until recently they have tended to only be as reliable as the Gemologicial expert who personally graded the diamond, and have thus been very subjective – even being prone to biases as well as often misleading. Now, new technology seeks to change this. AI computer scanning of diamonds has created a very level playing field. Some examples of Gemological diamond certification companies include GIA, IGI, and many others. Individual diamonds are now overwhelmingly laser incribed with serial numbers, brand logos, or even adding personal engraving for an extra fee.

Internet Diamonds

Are you considering buying your Diamond on the net or here in Calgary? We will still be happy to provide you with the ring setting. Your diamond can be set for an extra fee. What happens if chipping damage of the diamond occurs? Ethically and morally the jeweler should reimburse you. Buyer beware! Legally it is generally not the responsibility of the jeweller. Jewelers may or may not carry the insurance to cover this expense. Ask them. It is much safer to buy diamonds directly from the jeweller who is also selling you the ring. You will feel safer even if this turns out to be more expensive. Many will decide to go the Internet route anyway. It may be prudent to insure your diamonds before a jeweler works on them.

There are several serious hazards when buying online diamonds. This can be a problem for the jeweler setting these stones. Many diamonds are “enhanced artificially” to increase their shine, fire, and color. Most of the time this must be disclosed on the certificate. This is not always the case. Some diamonds are “whitened” by using water or acid soluble films. The process is similar to the magnesium fluoride coating on camera lenses. Other diamonds are HPHT(high pressure, heat treated). Brownish or yellowish heavily included stones can be made to appear white. They are almost free of inclusions. It is important to be made aware of radiation treatments. Radiation can drastically increase the vividness of a colored diamond like a Blue, Yellow, or Pink. These diamond treatments are very difficult to detect. They are considered fraudulent unless the treatment is disclosed.

Canadian Diamonds

There are multiple diamond mines all across Canada. Canadian diamonds are arguably some of the most ethically sourced and sustainable industries in the world. Ferguson Jewellery sells ArcticMark Diamonds from the Ekati and Diavek Mines in the Northwest Territories.

Ethical Considerations

Today’s potential ring shoppers tend to gravitate towards Canadian Diamonds as well as Lab Grown. The Labs, not only for the amazing cost savings, but because of the fear that a natural diamond might be from an area where “blood diamonds” are traded. This might be to finance war, or possibly slave labor or indentured seritude was used, or even the possibility that the environment was harmed while extracting diamonds. In response to these concerns, the world diamond council came together and established the KIMBERLY PROCESS. Simply put, this process established extremely rigid rules as well as has lobbied governments to control the import/export of rough diamond from various countries.

Wholesale

What really is wholesale? We can read the definition in the websters dictionary. “Wholesale is the sale of products often in large quantities to retailers or other merchants.” Is it possible for the average consumer to REALLY buy wholesale goods? Not by this definition at all. We may find something less expensive at one establishment from another, but it is very likely that they have sacrificed some profit to gain you as a client. The term “wholesale to the public” is a bit tricky. Many shops continue to use the term to remain competitive,

Sean Ferguson