14 karat gold consists of 14 parts pure gold (58.3%) and 10 parts other
alloys. The karat count reflects the ratio of gold to other alloys. 100% gold is too soft to
use for jewelry, so we use other metal alloys to strengthen the gold and determine its
color.
18 karat gold consists of 18 parts pure gold (75%) and 6 parts other alloys. The karat count
reflects the ratio of gold to other alloys. 100% gold is too soft to use for jewelry, so we use
other metal alloys to strengthen the gold and determine its color.
The American Gem Society Laboratories is one of the world’s foremost diamond grading
institutions. The laboratory issues a thorough diamond quality report assessing color, clarity,
carat weight and cut for each diamond graded. Your AGS certificate is useful in evaluating your
diamond’s unique qualities and characteristics.
The baguette cut is a long, rectangular or tapered shape, used frequently in eternity bands and
earrings, or as side stones to complement a different center stone cut. “Baguette” means “rod”
or “stick” in French.
Bezel settings consist of metal wrapped around the gem’s girdle, leaving on the crown and table
visible. This setting is a great choice for security and protection, and its ability to mask
certain inclusions.
Brilliance is the total amount of white light returned to the eye from a diamond or colored
stone as a function of internal and external reflections. A gem’s brilliance is determined
primarily by its refractive index, proportions, polish and symmetry.
CAD or Computer Aided Design incorporates cutting-edge technology to design Jewelry in a
computerized 3D environment. Every diamond or colored stone used has to be gauged to a 0.01mm
tolerance to assure perfect fit in the setting. We then implement a program that actually builds
a wax-mold in slices from the ground up. The results are, as you see on our site, quite
spectacular.
Carat weight is one of the four Cs
determining a diamond’s quality and value. The carat is the metric unit of measurement
for diamonds and gemstones. A single carat (ct.) equals 100 points, 200 milligrams or
1/5 of a gram. It should be noted that two diamonds of the same carat weight may appear
to be very different in size, depending on the given cut and proportions.
A cathedral setting is a simple band with arches visible from the sides. dimend SCAASI offers
several variations of the cathedral setting, from the classical style to contemporary
variations, including tension settings.
Certification protects the buyer by providing an objective, unbiased description of a diamond’s
unique qualities and characteristics that determine its value and worth. dimend SCAASI deals
exclusively with GIA and AGS certified diamonds in order to assure the very best quality for our
customers. When you purchase your jewelry you will receive your certificate for your records.
The channel setting features multiple diamonds or colored stones resting against each other and
held in place by a thin rim which runs along the edges of the channel.
Clarity is one of the four Cs determining a diamond’s quality and value. Clarity refers to a
diamond’s internal characteristics and the perfection of its crystalline structure. Diamonds are
ranked on a scale from flawless to included. dimend SCAASI only works with diamonds graded SI1-2
(slightly included) or better.
Color is one of the four Cs
determining a diamond’s quality and value. The color of a diamond’s body is graded on a
scale from D (completely colorless) to Z (light yellow) as part of the certification
process. All other factors being equal, a diamond’s value increases as its color
decreases, fancy colors not withstanding.
Crown angle is the angle where the diamond’s bezel facets intersect with the girdle plane. The
positioning of these facets is critical in determining the amount of light dispersion and fire
in a diamond. Optimal crown angle varies for each diamond shape.
The culet is the bottommost facet at the tip of a diamond or colored stone’s pavilion. It is cut
to prevent breakage at the tip. We prefer a None size culet to eliminate light leakage.
Cushion cut diamonds feature rounded corners and larger facets to increase
brilliance. Depending on the length-to-width ratio cushion cuts are available in a range of
square and rectangular shapes.
Cut is one of the four Cs determining a diamond’s quality and value. Cut refers to the
proportions, symmetry and polish of a diamond. A diamond’s cut is the most significant
factor contributing to its sparkle, fire and brilliance. Our Cut Grades are very helpful
in determining the beauty of your new diamond and range from SIGNATURE cut, representing
the best we offer, through Ideal, Very-Good then Good cut.
Depth
The depth of a diamond or gemstone is measured from the table to the culet and it is a major
factor determining beauty and proportions. Excessively deep or shallow diamonds may exhibit
light leakage, resulting in diminished sparkle and brilliance. An overly deep cut will result in
a smaller looking diamond.
Diamond Dossier®
The GIA Diamond Dossier® is the grading and inscription registry service provided by the GIA for
diamonds weighing less than one carat. For a fraction of their standard grading and inscription
fees, the GIA Diamond Dossier® includes a grading report and laser inscription of your unique
GIA report number on the girdle of your diamond.
The EightStar™ is a rare and exclusive
round diamond that draws exceptional beauty from its cut, created for perfect light
return. EightStar™ diamonds are not listed in our online inventory, please call us at
888-502-1700 (International dial +1.312-857-1700) or email for more information.
Emerald cut diamonds feature rectangular facets cut into the pavilion, resulting in a unique
optical appearance. With its large open table, beveled corners and step cut, the emerald shape
highlights a diamond’s clarity.
Eternity Band
An eternity band is a ring set with a continuous row of diamonds and/or colored stones.
Traditionally given to mark an anniversary or the birth of a child, the eternity band is an
increasingly popular wedding band choice.
Facet
A facet is one of the small, flat surface that is cut and polished on a diamond or colored stone
to maximize brilliance and beauty. More facets create more sparkle, as seen in radiant and
princess cut diamonds.
Extremely rare, fancy colored diamonds are prized for their deep red, blue, green, pink, brown
or yellow hue. Red is the least common and most valuable of all fancy colored diamonds. Fancy
colored diamonds are graded on a different system than other diamonds, assessed for both the
presence of color and its characteristics.
Feather
A feather is a fracture or break in a diamond or colored stone, so called for its feathery white
appearance. While most feathers are internal, a feather that reaches the surface of a diamond
runs the risk of further opening in the event of a blow to the area, potentially fracturing the
diamond.
Filigree
Filigree is the result of precious metal wire worked into patterns then soldered into place. The
intricate, lacy look of filigree is featured on many vintage styles offered by dimend SCAASI.
Fluorescence
Fluorescence is the emission of visible light by a diamond when exposed to ultraviolet light.
Diamonds exhibiting fluorescence will emit a blue glow when viewed under black lighting. A
diamond’s fluorescence intensity is measured during the laboratory grading process ranging from
None, Faint, Medium, Strong and Very-Strong; some that emit a Very-Strong Blue fluorescence may
appear cloudy or hazy – dimend SCAASI does not sell these type diamonds.
French pave’ is a specialized setting method originated in France where a diamond is held
individually by 4 prongs and is raised while a U shaped openning is dug underneath. This setting
style requires a Microscope to set each diamond and results in unparalleled sparkle and beauty.
GIA
The Gemological Institute of America is the world’s foremost authority on diamond grading and
identification. A nonprofit institute devoted to gemological research and learning, the GIA has
graded some of the world’s most famous diamonds, including the Hope diamond and the Centenary
diamond.
Girdle
The girdle is the narrow band around the widest part of a diamond or colored stone, dividing the
crown and pavilion facets. An even Girdle is a great indication for higher grade of Symmetry in
the diamond.
Google Checkout
dimend SCAASI has partnered with Google Checkout™ in order to allow our customers a variety of
purchasing options.
Using Google Checkout™ can simplify ordering online in the following ways:
You can save $50 off your order of $2,500 or more.
You can quickly & easily buy from stores across the web using one account.
You are able to track all your orders and shipping in one place.
Your debit or credit card information is stored in one secure place.
Halo
A halo setting features small diamonds and/or colored stones surrounding a larger center stone.
Halos may be used in conjunction with bezel or prong settings. The classic style has come into
vogue in recent years, and it is a great way to maximize the appearance of a center stone’s
size.
“Hearts & Arrows” diamonds are precision cut Round diamonds exhibiting kaleidoscopic
patterns of Hearts and Arrows when placed under a reflective viewer. It takes an extreme degree
of symmetry to achieve such perfection and dimend SCAASI is proud to offer these extraordinary
diamonds. We also provide a special reflective H&A viewer as a gift with the purchase of any
“Hearts & Arrows” diamond.
Inclusion
Inclusions are the naturally occurring characteristics present in diamonds and gemstones. Some
inclusions typical to diamonds are feathers, fractures, graining, pinpoints and cavities.
Infinity is located in Antwerp, the world’s capital of fine diamonds. They are
an elite cutting boutique, crafting only 1000 diamonds per year! The single goal of
designer-cutter Paul Selegers is achieving the world’s best possible light performance and
cut precision in each diamond produced. The requirements are so demanding that every
Infinity easily earns the highest grades in the world’s strictest performance grading
systems and go much farther in terms of cutting perfection (also known as “Hearts &
Arrows” in rounds).
THE CUTTING EDGE
Infinity is on The Cutting Edge of technology, providing not only the AGS Ideal
light performance grade, but also AGS ASET® and Ideal-Scope® images, Hearts & Arrows
photos, full measurements and 3D scan files. These technologies were developed by diamond
cutters, analysts, researchers and colleges of science in the USA, Europe, Asia, Australia
and Russia. All Infinity Diamonds are graded by the American Gem Society (AGS). Founded
along with the GIA by Robert Shipley; the American Gem Society is the “Ivy League” of cut
grading. The AGS has the only cut grading system recognized by the science community and
published by SPIE, the international society for optical engineering.
SELECT INVENTORY
Every Infinity Diamond is mapped & planned by one man. A small family of
masters takes any hand in the crafting. This is completely different than standard
assembly-line productions turning out thousands of stones. The most unique result is that
every finished diamond is a geometric twin to the others, regardless of size, color or
clarity. Every Infinity performs like the next, sizzling with the same white-hot brightness,
sparkling from edge to edge, and blazing in a rainbow of dazzling, spectral colors.
GUARANTEEES
Infinity provides manufacturers guarantees which truly impress us beyond what
you receive from dimend SCAASI. We are not aware of any other supplier who matches Infinity
in customer care direct from the factory to the buyer. Whether it’s your lifetime trade-up
option or the ability to introduce your lady to the man who cut her diamond, Infinity owners
become part of a synergy of something that is very special.
Conflict-Free Guarantee: Infinity Diamonds are produced in accordance
with the United Nations Kimberley Process, Belgian Federal AML compliance, the United States
Clean Diamonds Act and the voluntary JVC-USA Patriot Act Compliance Program in cooperation
with legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict. Infinity Diamonds are guaranteed
to be conflict-free based on personal knowledge and/or written guarantees with partners who
share a kindred commitment to humanitarian rights and “green” practices.
Lifetime Trade-Up: Infinity credits 100% of your diamond’s purchase
price, less applicable tax and shipping, toward a more expensive Infinity through the
original authorized Infinity dealer. Diamond and grading report must be in original
undamaged condition. Setting and other charges may apply.
“Fully Covered” Insurance: Infinity covers one year of true replacement
insurance for your “Crafted By Infinity” diamond through the Touchstone Insurance Agency. At
the end of one year you may be eligible to renew this policy at a competitive rate upon
inspection of the article. Ask us for details; it’s all included in your purchase.
Invitation to Meet The Cutter: Infinity owners are invited to annual
reception-roundtables featuring founder and diamond designer Paul Slegers of Infinity
Diamonds in Antwerp, Belgium. “Meet The Cutter” presentations are hosted by dealers in
cities around the USA and Europe. dimend SCAASI is one of the selected locations for these
events. Ask us about the next scheduled reception and come and meet your diamond’s cutter!
At dimend SCAASI we are proud to have been selected as a select Infinity Diamonds Dealer
and have complete access to every one of the 1000 diamonds they will craft this
year.
Karat
The karat is the standard measurement of gold. Pure gold is 24 karats, which is too soft for
jewelry. dimend SCAASI works with 14k and 18k, which consists of pure gold mixed with other
alloys.
Knife-edge
Knife-edge rings are named for their resemblance to a knife blade, thick at the base and
tapering up to a point. Knife-edge rings are a beautiful option for both engagement rings and
wedding bands. The six-prong solitaire with a tapered knife-edge band is an iconic engagement
ring.
Leakage
Leakage occurs when light leaves a diamond through its pavilion instead of returning towards the
viewer’s eye. Leakage is a result of poor cut, resulting in a dull appearance when placed in a
setting.
The length-to-width ratio is a comparison of the length and the width of a fancy shape diamond.
This ratio expresses how relatively long or wide a diamond appears when viewed from the top.
Each of the fancy shapes (Princess, Asscher, Emerald, Radiant, Cushion, Oval, Pear, Heart) has a
certain length-to-width ratio that is considered most appealing for that shape, however,
personal preference prevails, and some may prefer a shorter, wider outline; or longer, thinner
shape.
MarquiseThe marquise shape is elongated and pointed at both ends. According to
legend, France’s Louis XIV, the Sun King, was so taken by the smile of his mistress, the
Marquise de Pompadour, that he commissioned a diamond that echoed the shape of her
mouth.
Pavé consists of multiple small diamonds set close together in a surface and held in place by
tiny prongs, created by hand from the surrounding metal with the use of a special tool. In a
pavé setting all of the diamonds’ tables are level with the surface of the setting, producing an
antique look. Also, see French Pave’.
Pavilion Depth
Pavilion depth is a significant factor in a diamond’s proportions, affecting brilliance.
Pavilion depth percentage is calculated by dividing a diamond’s crown height by its average
girdle diameter.
Platinum
Of the precious metals (silver, gold and platinum), platinum is the most durable. It is the
hardest and has the highest melting point. The standard for platinum jewelry is 90% purity (Plat
900), and it is most commonly combined with 10% iridium, palladium or ruthenium. 95% pure
Plat950 is available from dimend SCAASI on request. Platinum is an optimal setting for diamond
jewelry because its color amplifies brilliance and sparkle, while its strength assures an
extremely secure setting. Platinum is usually the best metal choice for allergy sufferers.
Plot
A plot is a color-coded diagram of a diamond’s important clarity characteristics marking the
location of each inclusion, included with each certificate (with the exception of the GIA
Diamond Dossier®).
Polish
Polish is the condition of a diamond’s surface. While the condition of individual facets is not
visible to the naked eye, the cumulative effects of each facet’s polish significantly effect a
diamond’s overall appearance.
Princess CutThe princess cut is a square diamond with pointed corners. This shape was
designed in the 1960s to get maximum fire and brilliance from a square cut.
Round CutThe round diamond is by far the most popular and common of all diamond
shapes, consisting of a total of 58 facets designed for maximum brilliance.
Diamonds come in many different shapes, what’s your favorite? Here are links to some of the most
popular diamond shapes:
qqqqqRound, Princess, Radiant, Cushion, Asscher, Oval, Marquise.
Solitaire refers to a ring, earrings or necklace containing a single diamond or colored stone.
Solitaires may be bezel or half-bezel set, tension set or prong set, using three, four or six
prongs.
Symmetry grade is the determination of facets alignment in the diamond. Perfect facets alignment
and high symmetry grade results in minimal loss of light. In some cases, low symmetry grade is
an indication of off-center tables, unequal facets, and the inconsistency of the girdle
thickness.
A diamond’s Table, which is the flat facet at the uppermost part of the diamond, is crucial to
it’s brilliance. As the Table size (%) gets smaller, the Crown size and height increase and so
is the diamond’s ability to collect light from a 45 degree angle, resulting in maximum fire and
brilliance.
First invented in 1970 in
Germany, Tension Rings are an excellent way to display your new diamond. dimend SCAASI’s
Tension Rings are made by Gelin Abaci, the largest of only 4 companies worldwide, and
are made by combining special alloys with Gold or Platinum while incorporating
proprietary technique which enables the metal to retain its ‘memory’ and maintain up to
95lbs of pressure on the center diamond (Ruby, Sapphire, CZ and Moissanite can be set as
well, call us at 888.502.1700 for details). To date, no known diamond losses reported
due to the design or craftsmanship of tension set rings. Every tension ring is closely
inspected to ensure it meets Gelin Abaci’s high standards and every Tension Ring is
custom made for a specific diamond size and finger size.
The trellis setting is a classic four prong setting in which the prongs sweep upward and cross
over from the band, just like the latticework in an English garden. It is a particularly
beautiful option for three stone rings.
