Glossary of terms
the 4Cs of diamonds
In the 1940s, the international GIA laboratory created the 4C diamond grading system, thereby setting a global standard in diamond quality assessment that other international laboratories have followed and built upon ever since. More >>
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the CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) method
The Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) method is one of the main processes used to make diamonds in a laboratory. More >>
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Diamond dispersion
Diamond dispersion is an optical quality that refers to the breakdown of white light into components of different colors as it passes through a diamond. This phenomenon is also known as light scattering. More >>
Diamond inclusions
Inclusions are small impurities or internal defects in a diamond’s structure. These inclusions are created as a result of natural processes when a diamond forms in the earth’s crust and they can affect its appearance and value. More >>
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Fancy diamonds
Fancy diamonds are diamonds with a distinct color. The color is generally caused by an additional chemical element which has entered the diamond during its formation. More >>
Faceting
The most sophisticated way to alter raw gemstones is to cut the surface into many flat areas called facets. These have the important function of reflecting and transmitting light, always based on the angle at which the light strikes them. More >>
the First synthetic diamond
The first synthetic diamond was produced in 1954 in the laboratories of General Electric (GE) in the United States. This groundbreaking research led to the first large scale, industrially viable process for making synthetic diamonds. More >>
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Gemologist
A gemologist is an expert specializing in the identification, appraisal, classification and valuation of gemstones. Gemologists have in depth knowledge of various types of gemstones, including diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires and many others. More >>
Gold oxidation
Jewelry oxidation or corrosion manifests itself as dull maps, the blackening of gold or discolouration of the surface. Pure gold is resistant to oxidation, but other metals present in the alloys used in jewelry making (silver, zinc, copper, etc.) are not. More >>
the GIA
The GIA (Gemological Institute of America), is a renowned independent gemological laboratory based in the USA. Founded in 1931, it is considered one of the most respected institutions in the field of gemstone appraisal and certification. More >>
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the Hardness of lab grown diamonds
The hardness of a diamond is measured using the Mohs scale of hardness, with diamonds rated as a maximum of 10, meaning they are the hardest known mineral. More >>
the HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) method
The High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) method is one of the main techniques used to create synthetic diamonds in a laboratory. This method simulates the natural conditions that lead to the formation of diamonds in the Earth’s crust. More >>
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Chevron rings
In the jewelry world, rings that are shaped into a letter V are known as chevron rings. They are also sometimes referred to as “wishbone” rings because their shape is strikingly reminiscent of a bird’s wishbone. More >>
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the IGI
IGI stands for the International Gemological Institute which is another major gemological laboratory, this time based in Belgium. It was founded in 1975 and has since become one of the leading providers of gemstone valuation and certification services. More >>
International laboratory certificates
The certificates of international gemological laboratories are important documents that provide information about the quality and individual properties of gemstones. These certificates are issued by independent institutions and provide customers with certainty and confidence when purchasing gemstones. More >>
Investment value, investing in diamonds
The investment value of diamonds is largely influenced by several factors, including their quality, size, certification, market demand and overall trends in the diamond industry. Diamond quality – the quality of a diamond, such as its color, clarity, cut and carat weight plays a key role in determining its investment value. More >>
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Jewelry casting
Casting is a process in which molten gold or other metal is poured into a mold and allowed to cool and harden to form a specific jewelry shape. Metal jewelry is cast using the lost wax method. More >>
Jewelry etching and engraving
Etching and engraving are techniques in goldsmithing and jewelry making that involve creating text or symbols on the surface of a piece of jewelry. More >>
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Lab diamond cuts
Diamond faceting is one method by which rough diamonds are processed. A diamond cut refers collectively to the proportions, symmetry and brilliance of a diamond. More >>
Lab grown diamond
A lab grown diamond (or lab diamond, synthetic diamond, lab-created diamond) is a diamond created in a laboratory instead of being mined from the earth. These diamonds are produced using modern technologies such as Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) or High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT). More >>
Lab grown diamond carats
When it comes to diamonds, carat refers to their weight, with one carat equal to 0.2 grams. The carat weight of a diamond is one of the factors that influence its value and price. More >>
the Laboratory synthesis of diamonds
The laboratory synthesis of diamonds is the process of creating diamonds in controlled laboratory conditions. This process simulates the natural conditions under which diamonds form in the Earth’s crust, but it is much faster. More >>
the Largest lab diamond
The largest laboratory diamond known is “The Centaurus II”. This diamond was produced by WD Lab Grown Diamonds and was unveiled in 2021. The Centaurus II weighs 11.03 carats and is the first lab diamond to exceed 10 carats. More >>
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Matt
A ‘matt’ (or mat) finish means that the surface of the ring is not shiny. This type of finish is often used to create an understated and sophisticated look that does not reflect as much light as glossy surfaces. More >>
the Mohs scale of hardness
The Mohs scale of hardness is a measure used to determine the scratch resistance of minerals. It was created by German geologist Friedrich Mohs in 1812 and is one of the most widely used and well known scales of mineral hardness. More >>
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the Price of laboratory diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are often cheaper than natural diamonds due to several factors. The process of creating diamonds in a laboratory is usually cheaper and faster than the mining and processing of natural diamonds. More >>
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the Refractive index of diamonds
The refractive index of diamonds is an optical property that describes how fast light moves compared to light in an empty space (vacuum). In the case of a diamond, the refractive index is usually around 2.42. More >>
a Ring sizer
Ring sizer tools are used to determine a correct ring size. They are made up of rings of various sizes, usually metal or plastic, which have a fixed diameter and are marked with numbers or letters corresponding to standard ring sizes. More >>
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Satin
A satin finish is a technique used in the gold and jewelry making industries to create a matt, fine and silky look on the surface of a piece of jewelry. This finish gives the jewelry a sophisticated and elegant look that differs from the glossy finish that is more common. More >>
a Solitaire diamond
A solitaire diamond is a type of jewelry with one central diamond, usually referred to as a solitaire. More >>
Stardust
A “stardust” finish is a special technique that gives the impression that the surface of the ring is covered with fine, sparkling stars or stardust. More >>
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a Treated diamond
A diamond whose color or clarity has been enhanced through specific methods. More >>