When it comes to diamonds and gemstones, Stuller means serious business. If our calculations are correct, we travelled over 260,772 miles around the globe to source the highest quality diamonds available. Then, once they're in the building, we're busy sorting and screening (42 diamonds an hour, to be exact). And with over 425 years of combined experience in our diamond department, we're happy to help answer any and all inquires that arise.
Let us answer your 7 most common Diamond and Gemstone FAQs:
1
QUESTION:
What is the difference between Diamond-cut and Faceted-cut gemstones?
ANSWER:
Unlike diamonds, most gemstones are cut to save weight and enhance color. This means you can have bulging bellies and other symmetry and make issues in gemstones that you wouldn’t see in diamonds.
Diamond cut means the gemstone is cut closer to the standard proportions we see on Round Brilliant Diamonds. This can make setting gemstones much easier.
2
QUESTION:
Are your Swarovski branded gemstones stones made from crystals?
ANSWER:
Our Swarovski branded gemstones are not crystals. They are genuine gemstones and Cubic Zirconia. Swarovski does supply crystals but it has a genuine gemstone collection as well.
3
QUESTION:
What is a lab-grown diamond?
ANSWER:
Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds. They are not simulants like CZ. Instead of forming over millions of years in the earth’s mantle, they are created in rough crystal form by scientists. They are optically, visually, and chemically identical to natural diamonds.
4
QUESTION:
How can Moissanite be distinguished from other colorless gemstones?
ANSWER:
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Determine if doubling of facet junctions is visible through magnification.
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Use a jeweler’s loupe to examine the girdle of the stone. Forever One™ moissanite stones approximately 4.0mm and larger are engraved on the girdle for easy identification.
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Examine for needle-like inclusions, typically perpendicular to the table facet, which are visible in moissanite under 10x loupe magnification.
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Examine for specific refractive and gravity indices.
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Have a trained gemologist or jeweler use a testing device specifically designed to distinguish moissanite from diamond.
5
QUESTION:
What is the difference between synthetic vs lab-grown vs imitation stones?
ANSWER:
Synthetic gem is a laboratory creation with essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and properties as its natural counterpart. Other terms that are often used to describe synthetic gems are lab-created, man-made, created, and cultured. An imitation gem is any material that looks like a natural gem and is used in its place.
6
QUESTION:
What are clarity enhanced diamonds?
ANSWER:
Clarity enhanced diamonds are diamonds that have had additional treatments that make their visual clarity better. The two main techniques used are laser drilling and fracture filling. Laser drilling is used to burn away an inclusion or to create a channel where bleaching agent can be used to improve an inclusion’s appearance.
Fracture-filling involves injecting a feather with a glass-like substance to improve the stone’s apparent clarity. Stuller does not carry fracture filled diamonds.
7
QUESTION:
What are color enhanced diamonds?
ANSWER:
Just like all diamonds, color-enhanced diamonds are known for beauty, hardness, and durability. They require no special attention in daily use. By using either Irradiation or High Pressure/High Temperature (HPHT) methods, fancy colors can be achieved.
Some colors require both methods. These are considered permanent treatments as it would take extreme temperatures to alter the color. Stuller’s color-enhanced diamonds use the following methods:
