Understanding the Prismatic Properties of Diamonds

If you're trying to find the perfect diamonds engagement ring, or are looking to buy diamonds online, it's important you understand how diamonds are graded.
A big part of understanding diamond cuts is to understand how light works within the diamond that gives it his legendary sparkle. When light enters a diamond or any other material it bends or refracts.  How it much it bends is referred to as the refractive index. The refractive index of diamond is 2.41, the highest of any natural transparent gem, which is why they’re so beautiful to look at when they catch light. In diamonds the maximum amount they can refract is 24.5 degrees, also known as the critical angle. Light that passes through the diamond is reflected if it makes contact with a surface outside the critical angle. Light striking a surface inside the critical angle will be refracted out of a diamond.

How to Make Sure Your Jeweler is Reputable

When you’re shopping for the best diamonds engagement rings, you’re really at the mercy of the jeweler, unless you know how to spot the intricacies of a good diamond. But many times, finding a reputable jeweler is as hard as finding the perfect diamond—you’re not sure what makes it perfect, but you’re hoping you’ll know it when you see it.
According to findmyjeweler.com, there are 7 signs of a less-than reputable jeweler:
1.    They only sell IGI certified diamonds (Generally, it’s best to stick with GIA, AGS, or EGL)
2.    They sell laser drilled stones (GIA always labels their stones that are lazer drilled)
3.    They sell clarity-enhanced diamonds
4.    They won’t show you a diamond under a scope. (This is a huge red-flag that would rub any shopper the wrong way. What are they trying to hide?)
5.    They sell poorly cut, cloudy stones.
6.    They push you to buy right away, instead of truly educating you to make the right purchase.
7.    Their salespeople are part-time or seasonal instead of full-time experienced employees who truly know what they’re talking about.


ID Jewelry is a member of the New York Diamond Dealers Club, the Better Business Bureau, and GIA, to name a few.

All About The Cushette

As we mentioned a few posts back, the cut of a diamond is crucial in the diamond engagement rings selection. If you’d like to buy diamonds online but are unsure of the cut you’d like, it can be a little hard to get a good gauge of the actual ring through photos online, especially if you’re inexperienced in diamond shopping. If you’re looking for a ring that is sleek and modern, while still maintaining classic proportions and characteristics, the Cushette is what you’re looking for.

It is a totally unique cut that breaks away from the traditional rules of diamond cutting. It has rounded edges, but the diamond itself isn’t round or oval. It has four sides, but isn’t square or rectangular. It’s a totally original, special shape. So special that it got it’s own shape name, Cushette. Cushette diamonds are cut using the Rosetta process, which allows the diamond to have more light and radiance than has ever been attempted with any other cut. The Rosetta process is unique because it allows 8 portals of light to be cut into the pavilion of the diamond, making it sparkle and glimmer like no other.

History of the Diamond District NY

Last week, we touched briefly on the Diamond District NY. If you were wondering what the background was on the district and how it became the revered diamond capital of the U.S., here is some interesting history that explains how and why this area became a hotbed of reputable jewelers and diamonds engagement rings.

According to The Encyclopedia of New York City by the New York Historical Society, the district was created when dealers moved north from a previous district created between Bowery and Canal that was established in the 20s. In 1931, the diamond district moved to the Financial District near the intersection of Fulton and Nassau streets. The move to midtown started in 1941. The area grew in numbers and prominence when the Netherlands and Belgium were invaded by Nazi Germany, forcing many Orthodox Jews in the diamond industry to flee Antwerp and Amsterdam and settle in New York City. Today, the area is one of the primary centers of the worldwide diamond industry. It has been said that a one day total of the sales made on the block average to about $400 million.