Bahdos Blog

Author: Christina

  • How to Tell if a Diamond is Real

    Have you ever spotted a giant rock on someone’s left-hand ring finger and wondered if it was real? Well, if it’s a good fake, you may never be able to tell – unless you get up close and personal. There are a few ways you can tell if a diamond is real, but you need access to the stone. You’ll have to get the diamond in your hands to be able to perform any of these tests, but they should be able to help you tell if a diamond is real.

    So these tips aren’t the best for checking up on someone else (unless you’re a super sleuth), but they are great for evaluating a stone you bought second-hand or through an antique dealer. And they may work to help you ensure that your diamond matches its certificate.

    Here are a few ways you can tell if a diamond is real.

    The Fog Test

    Here’s a quick and easy way to tell if the diamond you’re looking at is a fake. Fog it up with your breath. If it stays fogged up for 3 seconds or more, it’s likely a fake. Real diamonds clear up quickly because they disperse heat instantly. This makes it almost impossible for them to fog up.

    So, going back to that massive rock – If you can tell from across the room that it’s fogged, it’s definitely not a diamond.

    The Scratch Test

    You may have heard of this one before. It’s popular because diamonds are well-known for being among the hardest substances on earth. They can even cut through glass. Yup, those spy movies were right.

    If you can scratch a plate of glass with your diamond, you can bet it’s real. But don’t rush out to get a piece of glass just yet. Although this is a good way to know whether your diamond is real, you can very easily damage the diamond by scratching it along glass.

    The Transparency Test

    Grab an old piece of newspaper and place your loose diamond face down with the pavilion facing up on a word. If you can read that word through the newspaper, your diamond probably isn’t real. This trick only really works with larger diamonds of 1-carat or higher. And you’ll also want to make sure you’re starting with a clean stone.

    The Fire Test

    Have you ever poured hot liquid into a cold glass? It shattered, didn’t it? Well, the same thing happens to most fake diamonds. This method puts stones to the hot-cold test. Use a lighter to heat up the diamond for about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn your fingers. Then, drop it into a glass of cold water. If the stone shatters, it’s not a diamond. Don’t perform this test unless you’re willing to put a lesser stone up for sacrifice.

    The Float Test

    This one won’t give you a conclusive answer in every case, but if your stone floats in water, it’s definitely not a diamond. Diamonds are extremely dense gemstones, which is part of the reason why their hardness rating is so high. But a diamond wouldn’t sink. With that said, some fake diamonds will also sink, so this test doesn’t exactly hold water in every case.

    Use a Diamond Scale (advanced)

    For this one, you may need to enlist the help of a jeweler (who should be able to tell if it’s a diamond right away). But if you happen to have a scale and a real diamond of the same size lying around, you can tell if your diamond is real. You can tell if a diamond is real because it will weigh less than a cubic zirconia of the same size. In fact, cubic zirconia weighs about 55 percent more than a diamond.

    Also, if you want to check to see whether the diamond in your hand is really the one from your grading report, measuring weight is a great test. If the diamond’s actual weight matches the certificate, it’s legit.

    Black Light Test

    Some diamonds have what we call fluorescence. This means that it shows a fluorescent blue color under a black light. This accounts for only about 1/3 of all diamonds on the market. But if your stone is showing fluorescence, you can bet it’s a diamond.

    On the flip side, the absence of fluorescence doesn’t mean it’s a fake. So this test is only really helpful for about one-third of all diamonds.

    If you really want to tell if a diamond is real, the best thing you can do is take it to your local jeweler. He or she will be able to tell right away, and may even be able to give you an idea of your diamond’s value.

    At Bahdos, we offer GIA certified diamonds and appraisals on select pieces to ensure trust with our clients and guaranteed quality of our diamonds.

  • How to Make a Ring Smaller

    Brian Schneider for Pexels

    Everyone knows that you can go to a jeweler to have your ring resized. But that’s not always a viable option. Some people want a temporary option while others are looking for something cost effective. It may be a stop-gap solution, but there are a few DIY ways you can make a ring smaller.

    If you’re on the fence, first let’s cover a few situations where you won’t want a permanent resizing solution.

    When Not to Resize Your Ring

    Everyone faces a moment when they wonder whether they should get their ring resized. Maybe you’re swimming in the pool and feel like your ring is going to slide right off your finger. Or maybe you’re sitting in your chilly office spinning your ring around your finger when you notice how much space there is.

    Interestingly enough, it’s not the ring that changes. It’s your finger. Your finger may swell or shrink due to weather or weight loss.

    It’s to be expected for a ring to become snug during pregnancy. This isn’t a time to have it resized. It will pass. The same holds true for a snug fit after an especially salty meal.

    Some people are very sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and may notice that their rings get very loose in cold weather and snug in warmer weather. But as long as your ring fits well most of the time, all you need is temporary ring adjuster.

    How a Jeweler Can Make a Ring Smaller (Without Resizing)

    Oftentimes, the best solution for an engagement ring is the professional one. It’s best to have the jeweler help you come up with an appropriate solution, if possible.

    Here are a few ways the jeweler can help make a ring smaller without resizing:

    • Sizing beads – These are tiny metal beads that your jeweler can add to the inside back of your ring to help make it smaller. These are the perfect solution for people whose rings are one-half size too large. If this is the case for you, sizing beads will help keep that ring upright on your finger.
    • Spring insert – The spring insert is a horseshoe-shaped insert that goes on the inside of your ring to make it temporarily smaller. It actually offers a better fit than even a well-sized ring because it springs open to fit around your knuckle, and then it springs back into place. This creates the snuggest possible fit around your finger. This will be a bit more expensive than sizing beads, but it’s still cheaper than resizing.
    • Sizing bar – This is a u-shaped bar that goes across the bottom of your ring. It latches closed when the ring is in place. Think of it as a way to cinch your ring to the appropriate size. This solution works well for anyone who has to take a ring down by a few sizes.

    DIY Ways to Make a Ring Smaller

    If you want to DIY without a visit to the jeweler, you can buy a plastic guard to secure your ring in place. This is like a little silicon sleeve that helps your ring fit more snugly.

    You may find other DIY options on the web, like tape or liquid guard, but we recommend steering clear of these. If your ring is alloyed with anything other than gold or platinum, it may react to the adhesive and cause some problems. Since we’re looking for a quick and inexpensive fix here, we don’t want to risk ruining the ring or creating a need for expensive repairs.

    If your ring is fitting a bit too loosely these days, take the steps outlined in this post to fix it fast. If it continues, you may want to consider having your ring resized.

    At Bahdos, we offer one free ring resizing with your purchase to make sure the ring you’ve selected fits perfectly to you. If you ever have any additional questions about sizing or your ring from Bahdos.com please don’t hesitate to chat with us!

  • Which of the 4Cs is Most Important?

    You spend your entire school career learning about things like algebra and art history, and you think you know enough to get by. And then you’re faced with buying a diamond engagement ring and you feel like you need to go back to school. What gives?

    Whether it’s a 2-carat engagement ring or a 0.20 carat diamond stud, most people will buy at least one diamond in their lifetime. So why does it feel like you need a specialized degree to successfully buy a diamond? Diamond buying shouldn’t be so complicated.

    In truth, it doesn’t have to be complicated. With a small amount of the right knowledge, you can confidently buy the best diamond for your budget.

    Did you know that not all of the 4Cs carry the same weight? You’ve heard about the 4Cs of diamond buying, right? Okay, let’s start there.

    What Are the 4Cs of Diamond Buying?

    You may already know a bit about the 4Cs, so we’ll keep this section brief. Here’s a basic overview:

    • Cut – a diamond’s cut is more about the facets and light distribution than it is about shape. In fact, when we talk about diamond cut, we’re not talking about shape at all.
    • Color – Since a diamond is a natural stone, it comes in many variations. Diamonds do come in designer colors (like pink, yellow and black), but the 4Cs refer to the color found within white diamonds. White diamonds can range from completely colorless to having a warm yellow/brown hue. Colorless diamonds are most valuable, but some of your choice here may be subjective.
    • Carat – Some people mistakenly think that carat refers to a diamond’s visible size, but that’s not quite true. Carat is a measure of weight alone, and a diamond’s cut and shape can impact the appearance of size. Bottom line: Carat will give you an idea of size, but surface area is the best measure of how large a diamond appears.
    • Clarity – Virtually every diamond has some imperfections. Diamonds with fewer visible imperfections are rarer and more valuable than those with more visible imperfections.

    Which Diamond Has the Most Sparkle?

    When it comes to choosing the best diamond for your budget, what most people want to know is which diamond gives the most sparkle?

    Hands down, the “C” that has the most impact on a diamond’s sparkle is CUT.

    A Diamond may have the best possible color and clarity, but if it is poorly cut, the diamond will appear dull.

    What is Diamond Cutting?

    We’ve mentioned that sparkle is mostly attributed to cut, but these two are so closely related that we can’t stress it enough. A diamond cutter’s entire goal when cutting a diamond is to maximize sparkle. As such, he’ll cut the diamond to allow optimal light to enter the diamond’s table, bounce from one of its pavilions and exit straight back through the table. Essentially, a diamond cutter’s goal is for all the light that enters the diamond to reflect back to the person looking at it. This isn’t always possible for a variety of reasons, but that’s the goal.

    A diamond with a Super Ideal or Excellent cut has the most light reflecting back to the eye.

    Diamonds with shallow cuts allow light to exit through the bottom and deep cuts allow light to escape from the diamond’s sides.

    Every cut diamond falls into one of five cut grades:

    Super Ideal Cut

    These are the top 1% of all diamonds cut, so they are the crème of the crop. As such, they allow the most light to enter and exit the diamond through its table. If you can afford a Super Ideal Cut diamond, you’ll get the most sparkle money can buy.

    Ideal Cut

    This cut represents the top 3% of all cut diamonds, and they reflect a great deal of the light that enters them. This is the sweet spot where you should try to focus your budget. If you can skimp on any of the other Cs and spend a little more here, you’ll likely get a better-looking diamond.

    Very Good Cut

    Very Good Cut diamonds represent the top 15% of all cut diamonds. They are more budget-friendly but they don’t reflect quite as much light as Ideal or Super Ideal Cuts. You can still get a great looking diamond in this cut, but if you have room in your budget, consider upgrading.

    Good Cut

    Good Cut diamonds make up the top 25% of cut diamonds. They do still reflect most light back out of the diamond, but not quite as much as the Very Good Cut. You can get a good looking diamond in this cut quality, but you may want to consider upgrading to a better cut – even if you have to sacrifice carat to fit it into your budget.

    Poor or Fair Cut

    Poor or Fair cut diamonds represent the top 35% of diamond cut quality. These diamonds will have a dull or glassy appearance.

    Low Cut

    Low cut diamonds represent the lowest possible cut quality. These diamonds will certainly have a dull appearance. Bahdos does not sell low cut quality diamonds.

    How to Prioritize the 4Cs for Your Budget

    When you’re thinking about what kind of diamond you’d like, carat is typically top-of-mind. Many people have their heart’s set on a 1-carat diamond engagement ring. If this is the case, see if you can play around with the other Cs to create a diamond that fits into your budget.

    Start with a 1-carat diamond that has a Super Ideal Cut. If this is out of your budget, step it down to Ideal Cut. If this still seems to pricey, you have a few options.

    1. Consider a simpler setting – If your overall budget includes an expensive setting, think about whether you’d be happier with a larger stone and a simpler setting.
    2. Rethink carat size – Especially if you’re looking at a 1-carat or 2-carat diamond, you can save a substantial amount by accepting a slightly smaller stone. Because diamonds that hit that carat mark are in such high demand, there’s an upcharge for them. Try reducing the carat size to 0.95 to see how much better the diamond fits your budget. No one will notice the difference when they see your ring in person.

    To build the perfect ring for your budget, try all these tips with our Create Your Own Ring feature.

  • How to Buy a Diamond with the Most Sparkle

    Shine bright like a diamond…

    But what if your diamond doesn’t shine as bright as it could? Or worse, what if your frenemy has a ring that’s clearly more reflective than yours?

    Things like carat size still carry weight (pun intended), but these days, savvy brides are paying a lot more attention to the bling.

    Today, sparkle might be the most important characteristic of a Diamond Engagement Ring. After all, sparkle is what sets a diamond apart from most other gemstones.

    It may sound simple to click your heels and ask for a diamond that sparkles, but if you want the best, you’ll need to learn a thing or two about diamonds.

    In this post, we’ll cover:

    • Why diamonds sparkle
    • How to choose a sparkling diamond
    • How to maximize your diamond’s sparkle

    Why Do Diamonds Sparkle?

    Want the simple answer? It’s light and cut. There is no sparkle without light. As the light interacts with the diamond’s cut, you get sparkle. The angles and relative measurements of a diamonds facets, combined with other proportions, impact how light reflects from a diamond.

    But let’s dig a little deeper.

    When most of us think of sparkle, it’s a very general term. Glitter sparkles and so does water. But when we’re talking about diamonds, sparkle is a bit more technical.

    What is Diamond Sparkle?

    Light enters a diamond, reflecting off its interior surfaces (facets) as it travels through. Then it leaves the diamond as white light (brightness) or divides into the colors of the rainbow (fire).

    As the diamond moves, you see something we call scintillation. You’ll see scintillation as alternating flashes of light contrasting with dark shadows that move around the diamond. Scintillation is all about dynamic contrast. Essentially, this is what we see as sparkle.

    How to Choose a Sparkling Diamond

    We’ve already covered how sparkle is all about how light interacts with your diamond. So where and how you look at the diamond matter. Some diamonds may seem to sparkle more than others under the lights at a jewelry store, but they lose their sparkle when you get them outside.

    You should know that this is not an accident. Jewelry stores are designed to have optimal lighting to enhance a diamond’s sparkle. These practices aren’t deception, but they’re more like highlighting a diamond’s best features.

    But at a jewelry store, it can be difficult to evaluate whether one diamond sparkles more than another. So here are some tips for getting the most sparkle from your purchase (whether you’re buying online or in-store).

    1. Examine the diamond under 4 light sources.
      1. Spot lighting – As long as the spot light isn’t too bright, you should be able to get a good view of the diamond’s sparkle. If you’re seeing a lot of glare, there are either too many lights or the light is too bright. Choose an area where the light isn’t overwhelming.
      2. Diffused lighting – Look for fluorescent lighting that bounces light off a white ceiling. This should be easy in a retail location.
      3. Mixed lighting – If you can get a spot light and diffused lighting together, this is ideal.
      4. Natural daylight – You’ll want to know how your diamond sparkles in natural daylight. So if you have the opportunity, try to look at the diamond outside.
    2. Choose an appropriate shape.

    If you’re like most people, you might be a bit confused by the words “cut” and “shape.” They are often used interchangeably (by people inside and outside of the industry), but they are quite different.

    It’s okay to call a diamond a round cut or princess cut. You’re not wrong. But you should know that we’re talking about very different things when we talk about “Diamond Cutting” and “Cut Grades.”

    A Diamond’s Cut Grade refers to the geometric proportions within a shape.

    But with all that said, both shape and cut can have an impact on sparkle.  It’s just important to know which we’re referring to. In this case, we’re separating cut and shape for the sake of clarity.

    There isn’t such thing as a bad diamond shape, but if you’re looking to maximize sparkle, you’re going to want to stick with a round brilliant cut diamond. These diamonds have 57 or 58 facets where single-cut diamonds only have 17 or 18. Round is the best for maximizing sparkle, but if you have your heart set on another shape, consider another brilliant cut. Such cuts include princess, radiant, pear, marquise, oval and heart.

    There’s nothing wrong with other cuts, including asscher or emerald, but they aren’t designed to maximize sparkle. It’s simply a matter of personal preference.

    1. Choose the best cut quality

    We always recommend that clients pay close attention to the cut quality of their diamond because this has the greatest impact on sparkle. You can tell a lot about a diamond’s sparkle from its GIA Diamond Grading Report. This independent grading lab will issue one of five cut grades for a round brilliant diamond.

    1. Excellent – These diamonds are very bright. They show even patterns with great contrast between light and dark. You’ll find crisp and well-balanced reflections in these diamonds. From a cut perspective, it doesn’t get any better than this.
    2. Very Good – These diamonds have bright areas that are evenly distributed with very few areas that are distracting to the eye.
    3. Good – Diamonds with a Good cut grade aren’t quite as bright. They have some reflection, but it isn’t as sharp, and you’ll see a bit of darkness within the diamond. Some diamonds with a Good cut grade may even appear dull.
    4. Fair – Fair diamonds will appear dark and/or dull in some areas, but they may also have some reflection.
    5. Poor – Poor cut diamonds have very obvious areas of darkness or dullness. If you’re looking for sparkle, you won’t find very much here.

    Evaluating Excellent Cut Diamonds

    The GIA’s cut grades are ranges of what’s acceptable. So within the Excellent cut, there’s a range. This means that one Excellent cut diamond may sparkle more than another. They will all sparkle more than any Very Good cut, but if you want the best, you’ll want to dig a little deeper.

    On our website, you can search for a diamond based on its characteristics. So you can specify that you’re only looking for Excellent cut diamonds. But if you want to narrow your search further, you can also specify that you want the best polish and symmetry. These things will also help enhance sparkle.

    We’ve added these settings within our search to help you find not just the best, but the best of the best.

    How to Maximize Diamond Sparkle

    So the quickest and easiest way to get a diamond with the most sparkle is to purchase the best possible Cut grade you can afford. But there are few other things you may want to keep in mind.

    1. Larger diamonds don’t sparkle brighter

    If all else is equal, a 2-carat diamond will not sparkle more than a 1-carat diamond. It may seem that way because of its larger surface area, but their relative light reflection would be the same (assuming everything is equal except the size.

    With that said, you may want a larger diamond to amplify the amount of light reflected. This would certainly make the ring more noticeable and add some bling, but it’s not the sparkle-factor that’s increasing when you up the size.

    1. Color and clarity matter too

    Although we always recommend splurging for the best cut you can afford, it’s not a good idea to completely ignore color and clarity. A diamond’s brightness will diminish with the more color it has, so color is also important. Clarity is the next factor to consider. At grade SI2 or lower, you may start to see issues with a diamond’s fire. This will reduce sparkle.

    If possible, go for an Excellent cut, the best Color Grade you can afford and clarity of VS2 or higher. These diamonds will have the most sparkle.

    1. Choose the right setting type

    If you’re looking to maximize light reflection (i.e. sparkle), you’ll want to choose a prong setting. Prong settings secure the diamond in place without covering its bottom half. This way, light can flow freely in and out of the stone.

    1. Add bling

    Just like with a larger diamond, more diamonds add sparkle to your ring overall. This is a great way to make your ring appear larger if you cannot afford the carat size you really want. Consider a ring with side accent stones. Three-stone engagement rings are great for adding sparkle to your ring. Pave and channel-set settings also work really well.

    But don’t think that you have to choose a diamond-studded setting to get the most sparkle. Sometimes, it’s best to choose the diamond with the most sparkle you can afford and set it in a simple solitaire setting. This way, the diamond (and its sparkle) stands out on its own.

    1. Keep your diamond clean

    You can follow all the guidelines from this post, but if you don’t keep your diamond clean, it won’t sparkle. Diamonds have a tendency to collect grease, so it’s important to clean your ring regularly. Invest in a good jewelry cleaner and try to clean your ring at least once or twice a month. This way, you’ll always have that freshly cleaned and sparkling look.

    Are Sparkly Diamonds More Expensive?

    The short answer to this question is yes. Rough diamonds aren’t sparkly. It’s the cutter that determines the sparkle of a diamond.

    You probably already know that weight (carat) has a lot to do with a diamond’s price. But rough diamonds are bought and sold by weight too. As the rough diamond is cut, as much as half might go to waste.

    When a cutter can preserve more of the diamond, it produces a higher yield and the price per carat will be better. Some diamonds are cut to maximize their carat size, but these typically aren’t the diamonds that sparkle most. Actually, they ted to be very deep or too shallow, which will inevitably reduce their sparkle factor.

    Cutters will produce diamonds like this because there is a market for them. Some people prefer to buy a larger diamond, even if it means sacrificing brilliance.

    So essentially, the best cut diamonds produce more waste. Or another way of saying it is that it takes a larger rough diamond to produce an Excellent cut than it does a Very Good cut, in most cases. This is why you can expect to pay more for the diamond that sparkles more.

    You don’t need an endless budget to buy a diamond with amazing sparkle. You just need to know what to look for. You may have to sacrifice in some areas, like carat size, but you may be able to make up for it with the setting. For example, halo settings always make a diamond appear larger, so this may be the best choice for your ring.

    Everyone can have the ring of their dreams. All it takes is a little know-how and some creative shopping.

    If you have any questions about how to get the most sparkle out of your ring, please feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to help anyone find the engagement ring of their dreams.

  • Rose Gold vs White Gold Engagement Rings

    It’s a question as old as time: Which to choose, rose gold vs white gold engagement rings?


    Okay, it’s not quite as old as time, but it may be a question prospective brides have been asking themselves since the retro era. That’s when rose gold saw it’s first popularity surge. This period spans from 1935 to about 1950.


    To be quite frank, the choice often comes down to personal preference, but there are a few things you should know about white and rose gold before you buy your ring.


    The Basics About Gold

    Before we can jump into the differences between white and rose gold, you must first understand the very basics about how gold is made. Gold is a metal that’s actually too soft for jewelry, so it has to be mixed with other metal alloys to increase its strength.


    These alloys can impact the color of the gold. For example, if you want to create white gold, you’d mix gold with a silver alloy like palladium or silver. To get rose gold, you’d need copper. Other alloys can be mixed in also, but copper is what creates the rosy hue.


    The number you see on gold jewelry indicates how much gold is in the piece. 24k is pure gold, and it’s too soft for most jewelry. That’s why you’ll commonly see 10k, 14k and even 18k gold in yellow, rose and white.


    A Rose of Any Other Color…


    Rose gold is interesting because jewelers can play around with the shades of red that show up in the final piece. If they are only using copper and gold, you’ll see a variation between 10k rose gold and 18k rose gold. The 10k rose gold would appear redder because it contains more copper and less gold.


    That’s a cut-and-dry example, but jewelers can also add different metal alloys with copper and gold to create a different look. If you had a piece of jewelry that contained 14k gold with copper and silver alloys, it would appear lighter than a 14k rose gold piece of just copper and gold.


    A Unique Characteristic of White Gold


    Have you ever owned silver jewelry? Most of us have. Over time, you’ll notice that it gets tarnished, especially if it’s an older piece of jewelry.


    When gold contains silver alloys, as it does with white gold, it becomes prone to tarnishing. That’s why almost all white gold jewelry is Rhodium plated. Rhodium is a metal in the platinum family that’s used as a layer of protection on the white gold.


    Rose Gold vs White Gold Engagement Rings


    As we said in the beginning, your personal preference will prevail in most cases. But if you’re really torn between rose gold and white gold, there are a few things that may sway your opinion.


    1. Trendiness – Rose gold is hot right now, but time tells us that it’s slightly more trendy than white gold. What we mean by this is that rose gold’s popularity is more fluid. It was all the rage in the 40s and 50s, made a splash in the 80s and is going strong today. White gold has also fallen in and out of trendiness, but it has been a bit more consistent throughout history.


    2. Allergens – Some people are hyper sensitive to the copper in rose gold. So, if you’re thinking about a rose gold engagement ring, you may way to test your sensitivity with a less expensive rose gold ring first. It’s also possible to be allergic to white gold, so keep this in mind.


    3. Maintenance – If you don’t want to worry about re-plating the rhodium on your white gold ring, you may want to opt for the rose gold engagement ring.


    Final Thoughts on Rose Gold vs White Gold Engagement Rings


    Rose gold engagement rings can have more of a romantic and vintage vibe. If that’s what you’re going for, you can join the ranks of celebs like Blake Lively who wear rose gold as their right-hand ring.


    White gold has more of a classic appeal that doesn’t go out of style. Because it is so similar looking to platinum, white gold will always have a place in engagement ring style.


    Ultimately, the choice is yours. As long as you don’t have an allergy, you can choose the ring that appeals most to your sense of style.

     

  • A Complete Guide to Diamond Inclusions

    Have you ever seen a diamond inclusion with your naked eye? There are definitely some diamonds out there that have visible and obvious inclusions. You may have even seen one in a friend’s or family member’s ring. But to be honest, there’s really no excuse for this.

    Your diamond will have inclusions, yes, but you shouldn’t be able to see them at a glance – regardless of your budget.

    In this complete guide to diamond inclusions, you’ll learn about what types of inclusions are more and less desirable than others. By the time you get to the end, you’ll know exactly how to buy a diamond that’s completely eye-clean – even to someone who knows exactly what to look for.

    What Are Diamond Inclusions?

    Diamond inclusions are imperfections, but they aren’t necessarily a bad thing. Think of inclusions like a diamond’s birthmark. You don’t necessarily want them to be obvious, but they do add character and give a stamp of individuality to your diamond.

    Completely flawless diamonds do exist, but they are so rare and expensive that you’ll probably never encounter one in real life. In fact, most jewelers haven’t even seen a flawless diamond.

    So let’s go ahead and get used to inclusions. They’re going to be a part of your diamond purchase, but the more you know, the better off you’ll be.

    There are different types of inclusions, and some are more appealing than others. It may seem odd to talk about an imperfection as appealing, but it’s like the lesser of all potential evils.

    When you’re evaluating the 4Cs of diamond buying, Clarity is the C that relates to inclusions. But it doesn’t give you the full picture. In order to make a sound decision, you need to know more about the diamond’s inclusions than its Clarity Grade.

    Types of Diamond Inclusions

    The first thing you should know about diamond inclusions is how they can vary. We’ve discussed this in a broad sense already, but now it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty. Let’s review the various types of diamond inclusions you may find in a stone.

    • Bearding

    These hair-like lines often come about as the diamond is being cut. They can extend from the diamond’s girdle to the stone’s center. If there is a lot of bearding in the girdle, the diamond will appear grey and fuzzy.

    • Cavity

    Just like cavities in your teeth, diamond cavities are large or deep openings in the diamond’s surface. Cavities usually occur during polishing when an internal inclusion gets dislodged and opens into the diamond’s surface. Cavities are quite undesirable because they can trap dirt, which darkens its appearance and makes the cavity more noticeable. Still cutters sometimes choose to keep cavities instead of polishing them out because they can get more money for a larger stone with a cavity than a smaller stone without. It’s simple economics.

    • Chip

    Chips are small, shallow openings that appear on the diamond’s surface. You’ll most often find chips near the girdle, culet or facet junctions. Unlike most other inclusions, chips typically happen after you buy the diamond during normal wear.

    • Cloud

    A cloud inclusion actually isn’t one inclusion, but a cluster of them. This term is used to identify a cluster of pinpoint or crystal inclusions that are close together. Some clouding can be okay, but it really depends on the intensity and location. If there’s a large cloud in the diamond’s center, it’ll appear hazy and interfere with light reflection. But if you have tiny diffused clouds, you probably won’t even notice them.

    • Crystal

    A crystal is an interesting inclusion because it can be like a diamond is embedded within a diamond. This is the case when the crystal is colorless, but crystals can also be colored. You may find crystals in black (from carbon), green (from peridots), reddish (from garnets), or other stones. Although it’s a cool concept, colored crystals are rather undesirable within a diamond because they impact the Diamond’s Clarity.

    • Feather

    A feather is like a fracture within the diamond. It may appear transparent or it may catch light and look like a white line. If you have a diamond with multiple feathers, it can cause the diamond to become unstable.

    • Graining

    When the crystal grows in an irregular manner, you may see some internal graining. In this case, the diamond may seem milky or hazy with lines or streaks. If the graining is severe, it may even reflect light.

    • Indented Natural

    This type of inclusion is usually found at the diamond’s girdle. It’s an indented area of the diamond that is left untouched during polishing because it dips further into the diamond.

    • Knot

    This is a transparent crystal that’s found at a polished diamond’s surface. Knots may appear raised.

    • Needle

    These long-thin inclusions can be white or transparent, and they’re only visible at 10x magnification. Generally, needling isn’t terrible, but if needles occur in clusters, it can cause the diamond to become cloudy.

    • Pinpoints

    Pinpoints are small black or white crystals that are found within the diamond and are visible at 10x magnification.

    • Twinning Wisps

    Twinning wisps are groups of pinpoint, cloud or crystal inclusions that form during the diamond’s growth. Typically, when a diamond stops growing for whatever reason and then resumes in a different direction, you’ll find twinning wisps in a chaotic pattern.

     

    Now that you know a bit more about the types of inclusions to look for, understand that a diamond’s clarity grade does take these into consideration.

    Clarity Grading and Diamond Inclusions

    Whenever we talk about standards, we typically look to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This is one of the most reputable independent grading labs, and so their standards are highly respected in the industry. Other grading labs may have other grading guidelines, but they should remain relatively similar to the standards GIA uses.
    With that said, the following should shed some light on how diamond inclusions equate to clarity grading.

    • Flawless (FL) – No inclusions or blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification
    • Internally Flawless (IF) – No inclusions and only blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification
    • Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) – Inclusions are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification
    • Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) – Inclusions are minor and range from difficult to somewhat easy for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification
    • Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) – Inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader under 10x magnification
    • Included (I1, I2, and I3) – Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance

    Where Diamond Inclusions Can Be Found on Diamonds

    As you can tell from the GIA guidelines, the location of diamond inclusions matter. But it’s important to understand that there are ranges, even within a specific grade. For example, if you compare two VS1 diamonds, one may still be more desirable than the other. Although they both made the cut for VS1, one can be closer to VVS2 and the other closer to VS2. Think of these grades as a sliding scale.

    So, if you have the opportunity to evaluate two diamonds within the same grade, look at the location of the diamond’s inclusions.

    Inclusions can be found virtually anywhere on or in the diamond, and some spots are worse than others.

    Pro Tips to Looking for Diamond Inclusions

    Now, we’d like to share some gemologists tips on how to save money by choosing a diamond with a more desirable inclusion.

    All other things being equal, two diamonds that are VVS2 in clarity (for example) may be priced very similarly. But if you can identify which of the two is more desirable, you can get a great value.

    Our brains are wired to look towards the center of objects, especially when those objects are round. This is why you want to avoid inclusions that are visible from any angle when you look at the center of the stone.

    Avoid inclusions that are located directly under the facet or under the diamond’s table, if at all possible. Inclusions that appear on the lower half of the girdle are more desirable because in many cases, the ring setting will cover them.

    If you’re purchasing a diamond that’s over a carat, your GIA certificate should include a diagram that illustrates where your diamond’s inclusions are located. This should also include the type of inclusion.

    Why It Is Important to Know What Type and Location of the Inclusion

    As we’ve learned, the type of inclusion matters: Some are more obvious than others, and some can impact the diamond’s structure and stability. Location also matters because it’s the difference between whether you see that inclusion or not.

    When you’re ready to make a diamond purchase, compare certificates to see where and what type of inclusions the diamonds have.

  • Why Do Some Diamonds Sparkle More Than Others?

    Have you ever noticed that some diamonds sparkle more than others? These are the diamond rings you can practically see from a mile away. And from a distance, all that sparkle gives the impression that you’re looking at a giant rock. But that’s not always the case.

    Sparkle definitely helps your diamond stand out, and this may be the most important feature to you. Forget about the 4C’s… just give me a diamond that sparkles brighter than any other!

    Well, if sparkle is what you’re after, you’re going to have to pay attention to at least one of the 4Cs.

    How Cut Affects Sparkle

    At Bahdos, we always recommend that our clients focus on cut above all other characteristics. We do this because cut has the biggest impact on a diamond’s sparkle.

    When people don’t know a lot about diamonds, they’ll often attempt to get the best clarity in hopes that the diamond will sparkle brighter. And although we understand why some people may think this way, it’s actually misguided.

    You see, sparkle is all about light reflection. And the way a diamond is cut affects how light goes in and out of the diamond. Poorly cut diamonds don’t reflect as much light, and so they have a duller sparkle.

    How to Ensure Your Diamonds Sparkle More Than Others

    So we’ve established that cut is the most important factor in a diamond’s sparkle. When you’re looking for a diamond, opt for the best cut grade you can afford. This may mean downgrading color or clarity, but that’s okay. The better cut will make up for it.

    Diamonds that exhibit more radiance appear brighter and show inclusions less than duller, poorly cut diamonds.

    How Diamond Shape Impacts Sparkle

    Diamond shape can also impact the diamond’s ability to sparkle. For example, an emerald cut diamond is meant to exhibit a glass-like clarity. Sparkle isn’t a main selling point for the emerald cut.

    The emerald is still a beautiful shape, and you can maximize the sparkle it does have by getting the best cut. But if you want a diamond with the most sparkle possible, opt for a round or radiant cut. These have been designed to reflect the optimal amount of light to maximize brilliance.

    When all is said and done, the best diamond for your money is the one that you fall in love with. Although there’s definitely an appeal to diamonds that sparkle more, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are better for you. Choose the diamond that speaks to you. Browse our Diamond Catalog today to start the first step of creating your dream engagement ring!

  • How to Take the Perfect Engagement Ring Selfie

    You’ve been enviously creeping on your friends’ and high school rival’s #engagementringselfie posts, patiently waiting for your turn. And then, it happens. Bae tells you to look up from your phone, and there he is on bended knee. Before you know it, you’re engaged!

    First things first, it’s time to plan your own wedding…  oh wait… not yet. Actually, it’s time to plan your own engagement ring selfie.

    The engagement ring selfie is the perfect way to announce your engagement to the world while showing off your ring. But if you’ve been following the hashtag, you probably already know that there are right and wrong ways to go about this. You may have plenty of opportunities to get that ring into a shot, but this moment only happens once. You only get one #engagementringselfie chance to make a good impression.

    You’ve seen those poorly-lit atrocities and the ones that show off a hangnail or chipped polish. That may be okay for some people, but not you. You are after the perfect engagement ring selfie, and that’s exactly what you’ll get.

    But first – let’s cover a little bit of etiquette.

    Engagement Ring Selfie Etiquette

    It’s super tempting to break out your phone in the minutes after you say yes. But you may want to consider taking a breath and enjoying this moment with your husband to be. After all, that’s what this is all about.

    Now that you’ve done that, you’ll want to put your trigger finger on ice once again. It’s okay to snap a shot right after you get engaged, but you aren’t going to want to post it just yet. Your mom and besties might band together and start a riot if they find out about your engagement on Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat along with everyone else.

    Call (don’t text) the most important people in your life. In today’s world, we would say FaceTiming is the best way to share this special moment with the ones you love most. This includes any potential maid-of-honor candidates. Their chances of saying yes will increase exponentially if they know about your engagement before anyone else. It’s up to you whether you want to wait and have a conversation or whether voicemail will suffice. You know your inner circle and how they’ll respond. And hey, your bestie may even want to help you take that perfect ring selfie.

    Now it’s time to snap and share that perfect engagement ring selfie.

    Clean Up Your Nails (at Minimum)

    If you’re concerned about getting the perfect shot, you’ll want perfect nails. This may mean getting a manicure or painting your nails yourself. If you’re lucky, you will have just gotten a manicure and you’ll be primped and ready for your big shot.

    Since this is an image you’ll likely look back on, try to keep your polish natural. Avoid trends or something over-the-top, unless that’s truly your personality.

    And be sure to exfoliate and moisturize to keep your hands looking their best. We don’t often think about our hands as the center of attention, but this is one time when they are in the spotlight.

    Some brides nowadays have been known to get injections or fillers to plump up their hands before the big announcement photo. Whether this is for you or not is a very personal choice. It’s definitely not necessary to get a great shot – unless you’re seriously self-conscious about your hands.

    We all like to look our best, but it’s a good idea to look like yourself. What if your hands look too plumped after the injections? Everyone will know what you did, and you’ll hate it anyway. For best results, work with what you’ve got.

    With that said, you can help plump up those digits naturally by drinking lots of water a day or so before you take your picture.

    Strike a Pose

    These photos are meant to be somewhat classy, so keep it simple. It should be your hand, the ring and the environment (and maybe your new fiancé). Since your hand will be the major focus, don’t do anything to make it look weird. We’ve all had those shots where it looks like there are about a million wrinkles between your thumb and index finger. Let’s not recreate that look.

    Instead, be sure to relax your fingers and rest them on a prop or your fiancé’s arm. Avoiding getting so close that you notice every pore or strand of hair on your hand. You want a good shot of the ring, but you don’t want people focusing on the extreme closeup of your hand. To avoid this, hold the camera back slightly and shoot from a small angle.

    Choose the Perfect Setting

    If you want your engagement ring selfie to stand out amongst the sea of selfies under that hashtag, you might have to get creative with your backdrop.

    This does NOT mean that you should do something gimmicky.

    Instead, think about something that’s uniquely you. If you’re a lefty, maybe you write Mrs. (insert future last name here) and get a shot holding the pencil. If you spend your days at a coffee shop, have the barista write Soon-to-Be Mrs. (future last name) and get a shot of you holding the cup. If you got engaged at the beach, the beach is a perfect backdrop for your shot.

    Start thinking outside of the box and try to come up with something that has meaning. It could mean something just to you, or it could mean something to you as a couple. Maybe your four-legged friend even makes an appearance. Photos with pets always get more likes (that’s probably science).

    Avoid things like props and cheesy poses. Keep it as natural as possible. If it’s too over the top, you know your engagement ring selfie will only prompt eye rolls.

    Remember Your Fiancé

    It’s a good idea to ask your fiancé if he wants to be involved in the selfie. After all, he did buy the ring. Taking a picture with your beau does more than just make him feel included. It helps reinforce your announcement as a soon-to-be married couple.

    Engagement ring selfies with both parts of the couple tug at the heartstrings a bit more than just some ring bling. We all know it’s about more than just the ring, so why not send that message right off the bat?

    Not every guy will be comfortable in the picture, but it’s something to consider.

    Get the Right Lighting

    You’re no stranger to selfies. This is not your first rodeo. You already know that lighting is everything. But since this is probably your first time showing off a diamond, let’s cover a few ground rules.

    • Get natural lighting – If possible, take your selfie outside. Natural lighting doesn’t always work wonders for your complexion, but it’s everything for your diamond engagement ring. If you can’t get outside (maybe it’s frigid out there), set up your shot near a window for some natural light. Whatever you do, avoid using flash.

    Fluorescent bulbs aren’t much better than low-lighting, so do your best to get the natural sunlight.

    • Watch for shadows – Experiment with angles and times of day to avoid ugly shadows. In some angles, you may get a dark shadow in a pristine ring, which may make it look inferior. You don’t want small shadows to look like inclusions either. You may have to take a few shots and examine them before you get the right one.

    • Highlight your ring’s assets – Again here, you’ll want to experiment with various angles to ensure you highlight your ring’s shape. If you have a princess or emerald shape, an overhead shot may work best. Play around with it to see what you like. Also, certain angles can make your stone appear larger, so there’s some more incentive to take your time with this.

    Avoid Filters

    There’s a time and a place for filters. Took the perfect selfie in bad lighting? Valencia to the rescue. Didn’t cover up that zit as well as you thought? Early Bird has got your back. But when it comes to engagement rings, #nofilter is the way to go.

    Your fiancé spent time and money to pick out the perfect ring. The least you can do is show it off in all its glory. Filters often change the lighting and can cast a different hue on the ring itself. Why would you want to make your diamond look pink if that’s not how it looks in real life?

    Also, the ring selfie (somewhat ironically) is meant to seem effortless. Adding a filter makes it seem somehow staged or pretentious. Even though it clearly is staged, you probably don’t want to send out that vibe.

    Take a Crisp Shot

    Most of us have to rely on our camera phones to get the perfect shot. Fortunately, camera phones have come a long way. But zoom is one feature that you should avoid like the plague. Zooming in to your ring will definitely make it appear pixelated. Get as close as you want, but don’t you use that zoom feature. You’ll regret it, for sure.

    Every phone has its own instructions for snapping a quick shot without shakiness. Use the best tips you have. This is the quickest and easiest way to get a crisp, professional-looking shot.

    Edit if Necessary

    When you’re going for the perfect engagement ring selfie, you’ll probably want to do some post-production edits. Thankfully, you don’t need to be a professional to get the job done.

    There are quite a few apps that can help you fix things like contrast, cropping, saturation and sharpness. Try Photoshop Express, Afterlight, Facetune or VSCO Cam.

    Time to Post!

    Now that you’ve got the perfect engagement ring selfie, it’s time to make it public. This is exciting for so many reasons. Just be careful not to overdo it. Here are some tips:

    • Choose ONE image – You may have taken about 1,000 ring selfies before you found the perfect one. But resist temptation to post it along with 5 runners up. This even goes for different angles. No one wants to see photos of your engagement ring from every angle, not even your mom. Don’t be one of those people who flood everyone’s feed with selfies.

    • Avoid collages – For the same reasons you are only posting one engagement ring image, you will want to avoid collages. Pick the one image that highlights your ring in the best way and roll with it. Collages will shift the focus away from the ring itself anyway.

    With all that said, remember that this is your experience. Take any of these tips or none at all. Do whatever makes you feel comfortable and proud of your new engagement ring.

  • Why Costume Jewelry Causes Skin Rashes and Green Color

    Image courtesy of @tinaflour via unsplash

    Have you ever had a bad reaction to cheap jewelry? If you have, you’re definitely not alone. Costume jewelry often causes skin rashes and adds green coloring to the skin. You may have also noticed that it seems to be more likely to happen with cheaper costume jewelry.

    Let’s explore why costume jewelry causes skin rashes and green color.

    There are two reasons why you’re getting this reaction:

    1. The metals used in the jewelry are reacting to your skin
    2. The metals used in the jewelry are reacting to something on your skin (maybe body lotion or soap).

    Costume Jewelry Metals that are Likely to Cause a Reaction

    Copper is one of the most common culprits, causing rashes and green coloring almost everywhere it goes. This inexpensive metal is often used as the base in costume jewelry with other metals plated over it.

    Silver alloy metals can also turn your skin green or dark brown or black. Alloy metals are often added to silver in plated jewelry. The alloys cause silver to oxidize and this is what tarnishes it. The tarnish comes off on your finger and that’s what causes the color.

    Nickel is another common metal used in costume jewelry, but many people are allergic. If your skin is sensitive to nickel, you’ll notice red inflamed skin where the jewelry was.

    Are Jewelry Reactions Dangerous?

    In most cases, jewelry reactions are harmless. If your skin turns green, brown or black, simply remove the jewelry, clean your skin and it should return to normal soon. Redness or inflammation may take longer to heal, but it should heal perfectly well once you’ve removed the jewelry.

    If you get a rash from your costume jewelry that seems particularly itchy or painful, talk to your doctor to see if he or she may recommend a treatment. Otherwise, it should go away on its own. If you don’t see any improvement in a day or two, talk to your doctor.

    How to Avoid Green Skin from Costume Jewelry

    The most obvious way to avoid green skin or rashes from costume jewelry would be to avoid wearing costume jewelry. But this isn’t always practical, and it’s not always the answer. For example, if your skin is very sensitive, you may even have trouble wearing sterling silver or gold.

    If this sounds like you, stick to stainless steel, platinum or rhodium-plated jewelry.

    Also, try to keep your hands away from lotions, soap and chemicals while you’re wearing costume jewelry. Take your rings off when you wash your hands and keep your bracelets out of the way of the soap and water.

    Some people have a lot of success with the clear nail polish trick. That is, coating your jewelry with clear nail polish to create a barrier between the metal and your skin. You may only want to do this on very inexpensive jewelry, and only if you’re not sensitive to nail polish.

    Fortunately, most people don’t have any issues wearing genuine silver and gold. So if you have a problem whereby costume jewelry causes skin rashes or green coloring, don’t assume it will be the same with something that’s higher end.

  • Blake Lively’s Engagement Ring

    Does anyone not love Blake Lively? And when she’s with her cheeky heartthrob husband, there’s no stopping this pair. We’re about as obsessed with their Twitter battles as we are with Blake Lively’s engagement ring. And by the way, have you seen that thing?

    Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are notoriously private about their personal lives, and understandably so. But if you’ve had a look at this engagement ring, you have our permission to drool.

    Celebrity engagement rings give us some great inspiration for our own. And if you’ve seen Blake Lively’s engagement ring, you won’t be surprised to learn that hers is one of the most sought after designs.

    More people ask to reproduce Blake Lively’s ring than any other celebrity engagement ring, and that’s saying a lot.

    All About Blake Lively’s Engagement Ring

    One of the thing that sets this ring apart from the rest is its intricate details. Most celeb engagement rings stand out based on their massive size, but this one is a bit different.

    Blake’s ring was designed by Lorraine Schwartz and has an estimated worth of $2 million. It is a stunning 12-carat oval-shaped diamond with rose-gold accents.

    Blake is known for her fashion on the red carpet and her hand jewels don’t disappoint. From her most recent movie premiere, A Simple Favor, she styled her engagement ring with other jaw-dropping gems. And yes, she’s her own personal stylist. I mean, would you expect anything less from our Gossip Girl? You know you love her, xoxo.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm3qVfZj6oL/?taken-by=blakelively

    Blake and Ryan’s Engagement

    Ryan Reynold’s divorce from Scarlett Johansson was finalized in July of 2011, and dating rumors began to swirl around Ryan and Blake. Ryan took Blake to meet his family in Vancouver over the holidays, and the Ryan spent time with Blake’s fam 7 months later. By September of 2012, the two were married. The wedding bands were also designed by Lorraine Schwarz.

    How to Get Your Own Blake-Lively-Inspired Engagement Ring

    Not everyone has a $2 million budget for an engagement ring, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have something just as spectacular.

    Use our “Create Your Own Wedding Ring” feature to build an engagement ring that’s inspired by Blake Lively’s. Start with an oval diamond of at least one carat for the best effect.

    Next, choose one of our handcrafted pave diamond settings in rose gold. If you want to get even closer to Blake Lively’s ring, choose a hidden halo style with pave-set diamonds. Select our classic pave diamond wedding bands in rose gold to complete your perfect bridal set just like Blake’s.