Guidetodiamonds | Bixlers®

IntroductionDeep within the earth, immense heat and pressure bear down on carbon atoms. Much like water becoming a snowflake, the carbon crystalizes over billions of years to become these remarkable buried treasures waiting to be discovered. But in nature's forge, not all diamonds are created equal. We offer the following guide to assist you in selecting the perfect diamond.

The 4 C's of Diamond Selection

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Cut

The cut of a diamond refers to the design and craftsmanship utilized to transform a “raw” diamond found in the earth into a precious gemstone. When designing a stone, our master artisans take great care to measure how light interacts with the stone, grading it by its brightness, fire, and sparkle.

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BrightnessBrightness or brilliance refers to the level of light that radiates from within the diamond and reflects off its surface. Light can escape through the diamond’s sides and bottom, which can rob it of some of its brightness. To unlock its full potential, the master craftsperson can slice away as much of the diamond as needed to prevent the light from escaping and steer it in the right direction.

FireFire or dispersion refers to a diamond's unique ability to bend light and produce brief inner flashes of reds, blues, and greens in a kaleidoscope fashion. But this dazzling display can only be appreciated at over three feet. So, take a few steps back and watch the beautiful dance of color when selecting your piece.

SparkleSparkle or scintillation describes the twinkling effect given off as the diamond is moved. Multiple mini flashes of light evenly spread out like a field of stars are considered more beautiful than a blotchy array.

ConclusionChoosing which of these characteristics of brightness, fire, and sparkle is most pleasing to you is a matter of your taste and style. The best way to distinguish these characteristics of how light interacts with your diamond is to view them in person, side by side with another stone of high quality. Shoot for the stars and get a cut with a grade of Very Good or even Excellent. Good, Fair, and Poor grades are just that.

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Color

Diamonds form in nature in different colors. But these differences are subtle. Some form crystal clear and icy white while others look like they’ve been dipped in lemonade. A more saturated diamond mutes the breathtaking inner blaze of light.

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Clarity

The clarity of a diamond describes the natural “birthmarks” that formed during the crystalization process. A diamond’s clarity is like its fingerprint.

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Carat

The weight of a diamond is measured in Carats. A diamond 1/5th of a gram in weight equals one carat. Unleashing the true beauty from within a diamond requires cutting away weight from the bottom of the raw stone.

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Diamond Shapes

Raw diamonds mined from the earth can be cut and polished into various shapes. Shape in this context refers to the view from the top of the diamond.

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Our commitment to you

Nearly as old as America itself, the Bixlers legacy has endured for centuries, thanks in no small part to our commitment to you, dear customer. Our professional and courteous staff stand at the ready to assist you in selecting the perfect expressions of your love.

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