Avoid Buying These Diamonds

Tables That Appear Very Dark

If purchasing a modern round brilliant cut diamond be on the lookout for a table that appears very dark. This is a result of the pavilion or lower section of the diamond being cut too deep.

Ask your independent gemologist to make sure you don't receive a diamond cut too deep.

Tables That Appear Glassy and Show the 'Fisheye' Effect

If purchasing a modern round brilliant cut diamond be on the lookout for 'glassy', 'hollow-looking' diamonds that show a circular rim similar to a 'fisheye' appearance just
within the table of the diamond. The diamond will show this effect as a result of the pavilion being cut too shallow.

Ask your independent gemologist to be sure you don't receive a diamond cut too shallow.

Cautionary notes on the girdles of diamonds

The ideal girdle on a diamond should be one of medium thickness. The girdle refers to the circular narrow section between the crown and the pavilion. The girdle is that portion of the diamond which is usually grasped by the claws or the mount in order that it is firmly held in place. Avoid a very thin girdle, referred to as a 'knife-edged' girdle as this may result in a diamond that can easily break and chip around the girdle. A very thick to extremely thick girdle is unsightly and does not at all add to he beauty of the diamond. All that a very thick to extremely thick girdle does is add to the weight of the diamond. The girdle usually has a whitish-grey color and a waxy type texture. The girdle may also be polished and may even have facets polished on. Avoid diamonds with excessive bearding. Bearding refers to numerous small fractures that extend into the diamond from the girdle. This is a result of the diamond cutter 'rounding' the girdle up too quickly.

A Cautionary note concerning the Culet of the diamond

The culet or the tip of the diamond should come to a small point. A large culet is known as a well and is unsightly. Avoid diamonds with a large culet. Ask your gemologist
about the size of the culet. The culet should appear as a tiny polished facet at the tip of the pavilion. Should the culet be chipped or abraded, this will detract from the diamond's appearance.