Adam's Jewelers

Category: Blog

  • The 4 Cs of Diamond Quality from GIA

    The 4 Cs of Diamond Quality from GIA

    Origin of the Diamond 4Cs

    4Cs of Diamond QualityEvery diamond is a miracle of time and place and chance. Like snowflakes, no two are exactly alike.Until the middle of the twentieth century, there was no agreed-upon standard by which diamonds could be judged. GIA created the first, and now globally accepted standard for describing diamonds: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight. Today, the 4Cs of Diamond Quality is the universal method for assessing the quality of any diamond, anywhere in the world.The creation of the Diamond 4Cs meant two very important things: diamond quality could be communicated in a universal language, and diamond customers could now know exactly what they were about to purchase.

     

    Diamond Color Actually Means Lack of Color

    The diamond color evaluation of most gem-quality diamonds is based on the absence of color. A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue, like a drop of pure water, and consequently, a higher value. GIA’s D-to-Z diamond color-grading system measures the degree of colorlessness by comparing a stone under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions to masterstones stones of established color value.

     

    GIA’s diamond D-to-Z color-grading scale is the industry’s most widely accepted grading system. The scale begins with the letter D, representing colorless, and continues, with increasing presence of color, to the letter Z.

    Many of these color distinctions are so subtle that they are invisible to the untrained eye; however, these distinctions make a very big difference in diamond quality and price.

     

    Diamond Clarity Refers to the Absence of Inclusions and Blemishes

    Natural diamonds are the result of carbon exposed to tremendous heat and pressure deep in the earth. This process can result in a variety of internal characteristics called ‘inclusions‘ and external characteristics called ‘blemishes.’

    Evaluating diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and position of these characteristics, as well as how these affect the overall appearance of the stone. While no diamond is perfectly pure, the closer it comes, the higher its value.

     

    The GIA Diamond Clarity Scale has 6 categories, some of which are divided, for a total of 11 specific grades.

    • Flawless (FL)
      No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification
    • Internally Flawless (IF)
      No inclusions visible under 10x magnification
    • Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)
      Inclusions so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification
    • Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)
      Inclusions are observed with effort under 10x magnification, but can be characterized as minor
    • Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)
      Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification
    • Included (I1, I2, and I3)
      Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification which may affect transparency and brilliance

    Many inclusions and blemishes are too tiny to be seen by anyone other than a trained diamond grader. To the naked eye, a VS1 and an SI2 diamond may look exactly the same, but these diamonds are quite different in terms of overall quality. This is why expert and accurate assessment of diamond clarity is extremely important.

    A Diamond’s Cut Unleashes Its Light

    Diamonds are renowned for their ability to transmit light and sparkle so intensely. We often think of a diamond’s cut as shape (round, emerald, pear), but a diamond’s cut grade is really about how well a diamond’s facets interact with light.

    Precise artistry and workmanship are required to fashion a stone so its proportions, symmetry, and polish deliver the magnificent return of light only possible in a diamond.

     

    A diamond’s cut is crucial to the stone’s final beauty and value. And of all the diamond 4Cs, it is the most complex and technically difficult to analyze.

     

    To determine the cut grade of the standard round brilliant diamond – the shape that dominates the majority of diamond jewelry – GIA calculates the proportions of those facets that influence the diamond’s face-up appearance. These proportions allow GIA to evaluate how successfully a diamond interacts with light to create desirable visual effects such as:

    Brightness: Internal and external white light reflected from a diamond

    Fire: The scattering of white light into all the colors of the rainbow

    Scintillation: The amount of sparkle a diamond produces, and the pattern of light and dark areas caused by reflections within the diamond

    GIA’s diamond cut grade also takes into account the design and craftsmanship of the diamond, including its weight relative to its diameter, its girdle thickness (which affects its durability), the symmetry of its facet arrangement, and the quality of polish on those facets.

    The GIA Diamond Cut Scale for standard round brilliant diamonds in the D-to-Z diamond color range contains 5 grades ranging from Excellent to Poor.

    Diamond Carat Weight

    Diamond carat weight is the measurement of how much a diamond weighs. A metric “carat” is defined as 200 milligrams.

    Each carat can be subdivided into 100 ‘points.’ This allows very precise measurements to the hundredth decimal place. A jeweler may describe the weight of a diamond below one carat by its ‘points’ alone. For instance, the jeweler may refer to a diamond that weighs 0.25 carats as a ‘twenty-five pointer.’ Diamond weights greater than one carat are expressed in carats and decimals. A 1.08 carat stone would be described as ‘one point oh eight carats.’

     

    All else being equal, diamond price increases with diamond carat weight, because larger diamonds are more rare and more desirable. But two diamonds of equal carat weight can have very different values (and prices) depending on three other factors of the diamond 4Cs: Clarity, Color, and Cut.

    It’s important to remember that a diamond’s value is determined using all of the 4Cs, not just carat weight.

  • Engagement Ring Tips

    Engagement Ring Tips

    engagement ring

    How to Choose the Right Engagement Ring

    Shopping for an engagement ring doesn’t have to be a dreaded experience. With the right amount of knowledge about what to look for in a ring, coupled with your excitement about asking the girl of your dreams to marry you, this can be an enjoyable exercise matching your newly discovered ring expertise with the money you’ve got available to spend. In this article, you’ll learn some important things to consider when choosing the perfect ring for your beloved.

    Spy on her style, the trend these days is for couples to ring-shop together, but if you’re more of a traditionalist and looking to surprise her with a ring she’ll love, be sure to do some reconnaissance. You can ask her best friend or sibling for help and swear them to secrecy. But if you are set on not telling anyone, pay attention to the jewelry she wears. Watch her for a couple of weeks and take mental notes to size up her style. There are the four big C’s you need to remember which is, cut, color, clarity, and carat, but even before that you should also know what shape your future fiancé loves. Shape indicates the actual geometry of the stone, as opposed to cut, which relates to the angles of the facets in the stone.

    One of the most important things is to work your budget well; you should look for the best engagement ring you can without going into major debt. If she’s a size queen and your budget isn’t super-sized, go for a ring with a slightly larger table or surface, area. You won’t get as much sparkle, but a one-carat ring will look much larger if the stone isn’t as deep. And make sure you shop safe! Always start your jeweler search with recommendations from friends and family. And always find out what a store’s return policy is. You want to be able to at least exchange the stone if it’s not the one she wants.

    For more information on how to start the process of choosing an engagement ring for your fiancé contact Adams Jewelers today! We have countless styles of diamonds and bands to choose from that will fit into any budget and into any personal style. So give us a call or stop by today!

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  • Moissanite Engagement Rings

    Moissanite Engagement Rings

    moissanite engagement rings

    Moissanite Engagement Rings: An Exquisite and Affordable Alternative

    Moissanite engagement rings are becoming more and more popular as the second option of center stone, behind diamond of course. It is a beautiful option for those looking for a spectacular engagement ring at the fraction of the cost of diamonds and other gems.

    What is Moissanite? Moissanite is one of the rarest natural occurring minerals on earth. It was discovered by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Henri Moissan while he was exploring a massive crater in Arizona caused by a meteorite strike. He found that the mineral was made of silicon carbide. Because of its rarity, the moissanite you will see today is almost exclusively laboratory-made. Though it is created in a lab, moissanite has a unique internal beauty that makes a spectacular statement that is a great affordable alternative to diamonds.

    How durable is moissanite? The Mohs Scale of Hardness measures material on the idea that the harder a material, the more difficult it is to scratch. Moissanite scores a 9.25 on the scale which makes it one of the hardest minerals on earth. To put it in perspective, diamond is the hardest known mineral on Earth and it scores a 10 on the Mohs scale, while sapphire sits below moissanite at a 9 on the scale. This makes moissanite engagement rings excellently suitable for everyday wear.

    How brilliant is moissanite? Brilliance refers to a stones ability to reflect white light or, in other words, how much it will “sparkle”. This can be measured using a refraction index. Based on the numbers, moissanite actually exhibits more brilliance than a diamond. It has a refractive index of 2.65 while diamonds have an index of 2.42. People are most intrigued by how moissanite sparkles in the light. The stone in moissanite engagement rings bend light into alluring rainbow flashes, which emulate the image of a fire flickering that creates a grand statement of opulence.

    Does moissanite have color? Though most moissanite is referred to ‘colorless’, it can give off a yellow, green, or grayish hue depending on the lighting. The larger the stone is, the more noticeable the hue. If a colorless look is preferred, color-enhanced moissanite (such as Forever Brilliant moissanite) is available that has a noticeably less amount of color hue.

    How expensive is moissanite? Moissanite comes at a fraction of a cost of diamond. While moissanite does not replicate the look of a diamond exactly, its brilliance, unique beauty, and charm make moissanite engagement rings a perfectly viable and affordable alternative to the diamond.  For great moissanite jewelry and much more, see Adam Jewelers for the best quality and the right price!

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  • Loose Diamonds

    Loose Diamonds

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    The Four C’s and Loose Diamonds

    Everyone knows diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but what is it about diamonds that make a girl fall in love and a man open up his wallet? Not only is it because they are beautiful, but because of the rarity. These gorgeous stones can be so meaningful and symbolizing that they grasp the eye of anyone. This is why it can be stressful when picking out the perfect ring, especially if you cannot find what you want. But thankfully jewelry makers are starting to design custom jewelry for individuals, making loose diamonds much more popular.

    Loose diamonds are diamonds that have not yet been set into a piece of jewelry. With having the option of buying the diamond by itself, you can pick and choose the color, cut, clarity, and carat with your own personal style and desire. This not only makes diamond shopping more enjoyable, it also takes away the stress of not being able to find the perfect piece of jewelry. So when shopping for diamonds, the four C’s should be closely examined.

    Starting with the cut, which is different than the shape of the diamond. The cut focuses on how the facets in a diamond reflect and refract light. It also focuses on how it sparkles to the naked eye. The color of a diamond refers to how much yellow tinge is present. When determining the color for a diamond there is a D-to-Z color grading system that measures the degree of colorlessness by comparing a stone under controlled lighting. The H-to-J range may appear almost colorless but warmer than diamonds with less color, which are typically cheaper. The clarity refers to any “blemishes” or “inclusions” in the diamond. The size, number, color, location, and visibility can affect the overall clarity of the diamond. And last but not least for the four C’s is carat, which is also mistaken to mean the size, but is actually the weight of the diamond.  A metric carat is 200 milligrams and can be subdivided into ‘100’ points. This allows extremely precise measurements because all else being equal, diamond price increases with diamond carat weight.

    The good thing about buying a diamond by itself without the setting is that they are very easy to check the four C’s. This really gives you the opportunity to examine and choose the perfect diamond for yourself or that special someone. At Adam’s Jewelers, we carry a huge amount of loose diamonds with either E.G.L.  or G.I.A. certified stones. We have the best prices in the Sacramento region. Here at Adams Jewelers we offer a spectacular selection of loose diamonds that are guaranteed to leave you in awe! Remember Adam is the King of Diamonds and he knows that Diamonds are for everyone!

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  • We Buy Gold

    We Buy Gold

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    We Buy Gold So You Can Profit

    They say one man’s trash can be another man’s treasure. However, what is considered trash and what is valued to be treasure can be very opposing things. Distinguishing the difference and value or lack thereof can be tricky at times. So we attend garage sales on Sundays in hopes of bargaining for a piece of treasure and put our curbside pickup out a day early hoping a neighbor will take our garbage off our hands. This process and routine despite being successful requires a lot of work, time and effort that many of us simply don’t have. So instead of discovering treasure or getting rid of trash, it continues to pile up in our house collecting dust. A common item many people experience this with is Gold and other precious metals. We often are unaware of its monetary value that we are too cautious to sell it and too hesitant to throw it. Thankfully at Adam’s Jewelers we understand your circumstances and the dilemma many of us face which is why we buy gold so you can profit.

    We, at Adam’s Jewelers know that finding reputable and helpful services to sell your precious metals cannot only be hard to find, but also feel like a daunting process. Taking your items to be appraised can seem like a trick or a scam, but with our genuine, knowledgeable and experienced jewelry experts we can assure that it will be a positive experience leaving you with positive results.  We buy gold in the most honest and forthcoming ways treating our customers like family. Making sure they are supplied with the proper information to assess their precious metals monetary value and the profitable value they are receiving in exchange.

    Being able to sell your unwanted metals allows you to focus your work, time, and efforts on things that are at the top of your priority. For us at Adam’s Jewelers we buy gold, because it is our priority. We pride ourselves in serving our customers with the best services and intentions in mind. So next time you come across one of these metals and start debating on selling it at a garage sale think of Adam’s Jewelers. We don’t see your gold or other precious metals as our trash or our profitable treasure, we see it as an opportunity to make our customers happy and continue our legacy as the best jeweler in town.

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  • Engagement Rings for Men

    Engagement Rings for Men

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    Share the Moment with Engagement Rings for Men

    The moment you know you are willing and dedicated to spend the rest of your life with someone can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking time. It can recreate the sweaty palms you had when you just met or the butterflies you had when you started dating. It’s as if becoming engaged has turned you into a giddy little girl or boy again. However, the moment that follows the big proposal can at times create more pressure then we can handle despite our eagerness to share the big news. However at Adam’s Jewelers we promise that not only will the ring you’re showing off be unique and exceptional in its appearance and quality, but the experiences following it will be amazing. By utilizing our services of customizing and choosing the perfect engagement rings for men you can assure the focus will be shared and enjoyed by both of you. Each of you having a beautiful ring of unity can lighten the pressure by being able to share the moment with him.

    Whether or not it’s planned following the proposal or spur of the moment, why not create and customize matching rings. At Adam’s Jewelers we have countless designs to choose from for both him and her. We have simple designs to customization options. We guarantee the gem, setting, and design you both choose will be perfectly suited to your unique taste and love you both share. So instead of pilling the pressure on just one of you or depriving your special one from the attention and praises they deserve share the moment now with engagement rings for men.

    Each of you having a ring can signify a revolution of how much more meaningful and special the sanction of marriage has become. From the initial stages of engagement by each of you having a ring can reveal that the love and devotion you have for each other is limitless. It exemplifies that the commitment and bond you share has started long before marriage and “I do’s” but grown through happy tears and laughter of engagement and “yes’s”.

    So instead of stressing about possible pressure or feeling guilty that everyone is surrounding only one of you, re-focus the moment on what’s important: the love you both share. And what better way to do that than by sharing your story, your moment and your rings. So come pick and create one of Adams Jewelers handsome engagement rings for men.

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  • Claddagh Rings: Origin and Meaning

    claddagh rings

    The History and Rules of the Claddagh Rings

    Claddagh rings originated in a small Irish fishing village in the late 1600’s, and from there, the popularity of these rings skyrocketed.  A goldsmith forged the first known ring of this type in order to obtain his maid’s hand in marriage.  The smith included two hands, representing friendship; these hands hold a heart that is meant to symbolize love, and on top of the heart is a crown, known to represent loyalty.  With these three aspects of life and relationships all tied together, these rings are some of the most sought after designs for engagement or wedding rings.  The Claddagh design was also used as an identification device for local ships, as those without the crest would be removed from the well-established local fishing spots.

    The timeless design of these rings is not easily overlooked, as the simple yet very meaningful beauty can be understood by all.  For those of Irish decent, these rings most likely hold some place in their heart, as these rings were often handed down generationally through years of engagements and weddings.  Although the design became popular for engagements, it is also a very powerful symbol of friendship.  The Claddagh design is one of the few rings that can be worn by both me and women with the same meaning and style.  This universal acceptance has added to the popularity of this unique design.

    Perhaps the only aspect of these Claddagh rings more interesting than their design is the way they are meant to be worn.  Worn on the right hand with the heart pointing outwards is said to mean that the wearer has yet to have somebody win their heart.  Worn on the right hand with the heart pointing inward is supposed to identify when somebody has the wearer’s heart.  Worn on the left with the heart pointing inwards is cause to believe that the person that the wearer loves has admitted to loving them in return.  With such a simple change in appearance meaning a world of change symbolically, it is no wonder that this design has been popular for so long.  The depth of physical and emotional beauty captured within Claddagh Rings is why Adam’s Jewelers carry a collection of such lovely rings.  With a variety of colors and styles, there is a ring for everybody; whether they are attempting to convey friendship, loyalty, love, or any combination of the three.

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  • Custom Jewelry Designs

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    The Perfect Custom Jewelry Designs

    Being on the receiving end of a thoughtful gift or next in line to have your great grandmother’s passed down treasure can for many of us be an undesirable position to be in. It’s not that receiving these gifts signify a lack of gratitude or awareness to the significance and privilege it is to be gifted these items, it’s just that the ever so popular question eventually surfaces in your mind, what would you do with it? As reality quickly reminds you that it’s not exactly what you were expecting or on top of your latest must have list it’s soon tucked away on a shelf or in a drawer waiting to be re-gifted, sold or thrown out. However, for an emerging group of people who are familiar with being on the receiving end of these items in particular jewelry it appears they have found pleasure in these gifting encounters seeing opportunity and fortune in the seemingly undesirable or unsalvageable items. These people look at the jewelry not for what it was or what it is, but what it could be. They have seen and experienced the possibilities of creating the perfect custom jewelry designs with Adams Jewelers who have restored pride, joy and character into these specially gifted items.

    Being able to create custom jewelry designs at Adams Jewelers allows you to turn an undesirable necklace into a charming must show ring at your next party. It can also provide an opportunity to restore that once fragile bracelet your great grandma passed down that you were just too afraid to wear. You can choose from a wide array of settings that can be personalized to your liking or we can help you find the perfect way to restore and recreate that special piece to compliment your fitting and personality. Either way you can be sure that the treasure you are being gifted or passed down will receive the attention it deserves.

    With such beauty, significance, and often history that lies in these special treasures it’s no wonder why it’s so difficult to find that one special gem and design that represents you. Don’t let the idea of a treasure hunt discourage you from discovering the most special of jewels, far too often it seems we keep the treasure map hidden from ourselves. Discover the treasure and let Adams Jewelers be the x marks the spot in making your gem come to life in custom jewelry designs by Adam’s Jewelers.

    Now with the new era in jewelry design, we can create anything you like! With the technology we have, we can use CAD to take your ideas and transform them into reality! Come to Adam’s Jewelers.

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  • Sterling Silver: Keeping the Luster

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    How to Clean Sterling Silver

    We all know sterling silver can lose its shine and luster overtime but don’t worry it’s not gone forever. There is an absolute easy step by step process to get your silver back to brand new. All it needs is an easy baking soda bath and your jewelry is good to go. The underlying reason silver becomes dull and grey overtime is that it reacts with moisture to create a thin layer of tarnish. And no one wants to see this ugly coating on their favorite piece of jewelry. But luckily, with the combination of boiling water, aluminum foil, and baking soda it’s easy to wipe out the unpleasant spots and leave the jewelry as clean as a whistle. This is an extremely simple way to clean and polish your rings, bracelets, necklaces, or earrings, you name it!

    In order to get started, you’ll need a few items:

    Saucepan

    Aluminum foil

    1 teaspoon of baking soda

    1 teaspoon of table salt

    Spoon

    Tongs

    2 Soft cloths

     

    Step 1: First, you will need to line the bottom of the saucepan with the aluminum foil. After doing so, add about 3-4 inches of water, depending on the size of the pan.

     

    Step 2: Secondly, pour 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of table salt into the water. Make sure the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed in the water. Use the spoon to stir them into the water.

     

    Step 3: Next, place the saucepan onto the stove and bring the water to a boil. Add the sterling silver to the boiling water and let it sit for around 2-3 minutes. Make sure there is plenty of water covering all parts of the jewelry.

     

    Step 4: Remove the silver from the water with tongs and rinse under cool water. Lay the jewelry on a flat cloth and carefully wipe down the jewelry with another soft cloth to remove any excess water. Let air dry and your jewelry is good to go!

     

    Step 5:  Take your lovely jewelry into Adam’s Jewelers and purchase their Jewelry Cleaning Products and or have Adam clean it for you!

     

    This easy step by step process makes it easy to keep your old and new jewelry glowing. So no more throwing away old silver because you think it is ruined forever. Here at Adam’s Jewelers we offer an incredible selection of gorgeous jewelry, including sterling silver. So don’t be scared to drop by our shop and find your next stunning piece of sterling silver jewelry for your wardrobe, which will last forever with your new strategies on cleaning silver!

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