Laser drilled diamonds are those that have had their clarity improved by drilling to an unsightly inclusion followed by immersion in a powerful acid solution to dissolve out the imperfection. This used to be a technique a seller had to inform the buyer about. Presently, the buyer need not be informed under Federal Trade regulations. Laser drilling is now considered part of the cutting process. Note: Not all diamond people feel this is a proper interpretation.
What's the best way to identify my diamond?
There are several methods that can be used. The marking of the girdle with a laser inscription is excellent. Exact measurements combined with certain physical properties is another. Nature and location of inclusions is yet another. Learning these methods is not as difficult as many people think. A good 10X (ten power) loupe is necessary, however.
How is a single cut diamond different from a full cut?
A single cut diamond has far fewer facets than a full cut and costs less to produce. These diamonds are erroneously called "chips" which they are not. In small stones of equal quality, single cuts are 25-30% less expensive than full cuts.
I have an old white gold ring and the inside is stamped
Your ring is not white gold, it is palladium, a very durable metal that sees some limited usage to this day. Palladium is another noble metal like gold and platinum.
A counter person at a secondhand shop told me my diamond was an
While there is an Old Mine cutting style, most of these diamonds are actually Old European cuts. These diamonds have a round outline (rather than square for the Old Mine) and are reasonably abundant in comparison to their predecessor the Old Mine. To the contrary, these diamonds are certainly not worthless and are frequently re-cut to beautiful stones or left in their original form as a beautiful token of an age gone by.
Why is platinum so much more expensive than gold?
Platinum is used in jewelry at 90-100% pure, so it is nearly all precious metal. Gold is used at 42% (10K) to 75% (18K) so there is a nearly 2:1 ratio of amount of precious metal. Second, platinum is more expensive than gold by about 2 times. Third, platinum is much denser than gold (about 1.6 times the density of 14k) which means the same size piece in platinum weighs 1.6 times the identical piece in 14k. Combined, this accounts for platinum being over 5 times the cost of 14k gold on the metal side alone (without consideration of labor).
Is Italian gold better than American gold?
No, they are the same. Gold (symbol Au) is a naturally occurring metal that is atomic number 79 on the Periodic Table. Gold is gold no matter where it is mined. Various karats (dilutions) such as 10K, 14K and 18K are made through the use of alloying metals like copper and silver.
Is a carat the same as a karat?
No. The word carat refers to a unit of weight (.2g) traditionally used for diamonds and gemstones. The word karat refers to the fineness or purity of gold. Example …the 1.2ct (carat) diamond was set in a 14k (karat) white gold lady's ring.
What is a pennyweight?
One twentieth of a Troy ounce (abbreviated dwt.).
What is a point?
A point is one hundredth of a carat (.01ct). Think of points like percentages. A 25-point diamond is 25% or a carat or a quarter carat. A 1ct diamond is a one hundred point diamond.
What is a loupe?
A magnifier. In jewelry, frequently a 10X (read ten power) lens used for the grading of diamonds. There are lower power loupes such as 2X and 4X that are used by watchmakers.
What is a Troy ounce?
It is the ounce used in the precious metal industry and about 10% heavier that the Avoirdupois ounce which is the ounce we know as the unit of weight for commercial foodstuffs.
Is a carat the same as a karat?
No. The word carat refers to a unit of weight (.2g) traditionally used for diamonds and gemstones. The word karat refers to the fineness or purity of gold. Example …the 1.2ct (carat) diamond was set in a 14k (karat) white gold lady's ring.
Is Italian gold better than American gold?
No, they are the same. Gold (symbol Au) is a naturally occurring metal that is atomic number 79 on the Periodic Table. Gold is gold no matter where it is mined. Various karats (dilutions) such as 10K, 14K and 18K are made through the use of alloying metals like copper and silver.
What is annealing of gems?
The process of heating them. In most cases done to deepen or enhance color or drive off an undesirable color.
Do you offer financing?
Not at the moment. We do accept most major credit cards.
How long will it take to get my order?
We normally ship domestic shipments FedEx next day. International deliveries are usually second day, via carrier of our choice.
Do you ever have specials or sales?
Yes and if you elect to be on our e-mail mailing list, we will notifiy you of them. But, we only send out true specials when we have them. You won't be bombarded by advertising or trivial e-mails.
What is your return policy?
One week unless other arrangements have been made.
What will come with my order?
A receipt, certificate and all documentation and complimentary appraisal, if finished jewelry.
Testimonial
I recently bought an engagement ring and wedding band at IGS Inc in Vienna and had a great experience. Ed Jr found and helped me decide on a loose cushion cut diamond and then IGS custom made a setting for me based on a photo from a designer ring company. The ring is stunning and the price came in well below what the designer ring would have cost. My fiance absolutely loves it and constantly gets compliments on it. A big THANK YOU to Ed Jr and IGS!!! -Kevin
- Highly recommended
I recently bought a wedding ring for my fiance, as of last week, and I can't tell you how thankful I was to be referred to IGS to buy my ring. Having been around for over 30 years, they knew all the answers to my questions. They didn't push into a sale, and they custom designed a beautiful 1.2carat cushion-cut with a 14 white gold shank and platinum setting head diamond ring. each shank side has full cut diamonds weighing .12ct for a total of 8. .
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- Wedding ring
I just bought an engagement ring there after shopping at Jared and Mervis and let me tell you for what I paid I was able to get a better quality ring and also a bigger diamond then what I would have paid at the aforementioned other places. I would highly recommend taking the time to go visit this store before you make a very important choice as I know I could not be happier.
- Engagement ring
I have been going to IGS in Vienna for about 8 years. I have found Ed to be fabulous, very knowledgeable, and his on-site jewelry repair and manufacturing is spectacular. I have a 40 year old West Point 18K class ring that need to be enlarged; IGS did a wonderful, flawless job. When my daughter got engaged, IGS custom made both wedding bands, matching my daughter's beautiful engagement ring perfectly! And they are about half the cost of the BIG, IMPERSONAL jewelry stores. Could not recommend IGS...
- IGS did a wonderful, flawless job
I was impressed enough that I knew it would be my first and last stop when I was in the market. Five years later, that was the case. After I did my research online, I went in with my specs and they were able to exceed my requirements on the 4 C's at a really good price. The process was painless, to boot. I will continue to shop there personally and have been recommending them as "my jewelry guys" to friends.
- Excellent service and prices
My experience with IGS has been excellent. Both Ed Sr. and Ed Jr. are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and friendly. They are straight talkers that do everything they can to make you happy so that you become a repeat customer. I recommend them to all of my friends and would recommend them to anyone. I would never buy jewelry anywhere else.
- Very Professional, Excellent Service
I would highly recommend IGS. They only deal with the best GIA certified diamonds. You won't find any of those shady certifications other local and chain jewelers try to push on you. I would especially recommend them if you are looking for something custom. Their jewelry maker Felix is top notch. He made the perfect ring and we'll be getting our bands made by him to match. Great job guys!
- I wouldn't go anywhere else for a diamond!
I worked with Eddy to get my fiance a ring for engagement. Eddy and the rest of the staff were incredible helpful, available and fielded a wide variety of all of my questions. I would recommend them to anyone!
- I would recommend them to anyone!
Ed and Ed Sr. Run the jewelry store. They are top notch. They designed a custom weeding band for my fianc that is amazing. Everyone at the wedding was awed by its uniqueness. Go with these guys!
- UNIQUE
IGS made the engagement ring and matching wedding bands for my wife. From the beginning, where we determined the size and the C's of the diamond, to designing the setting, to the final product, IGS' expertise was evident. Beyond the dealing with experts, the craftsmanship in the rings is incredible. Absolutely beautiful work and superb quality. Subsequently, I had IGS make some earrings for my wife, which were just a beautiful as the rings. In the future, anytime I am looking for anything with...
- Great for Diamonds
I recently purchased a diamond engagement ring from Ed Jr. at IGS, based on an enthusiastic referral from a friend at work, and I couldn??t be more pleased with the outcome. Ed found a great selection of loose stones based on the initial criteria I gave him. He helped me pick out a fantastic diamond and platinum setting that were at a better price and of a higher quality than anything I saw in my extensive research on internet sites like Blue Nile and James Allen. The word ??stunning? is what my...
- Great Experience
Wonderful people, service, and products. Ed was so personable, understanding, and helpful - something you will not get at a chain store. You can't go wrong with IGS.
- WONDERFUL Service and Product
If you are looking for a large shop full of jewelry to try on...hit the mall. But if you know what you want and are ready to buy, visit IGS and they will take care of you. Their service is unsurpassed and they deliver what they say they deliver - on time. The jewelry I've purchased there has been exactly as promised and in the vein of 'trust but verify' the independent appraisals I've had done confirm that I got exactly what I paid for. The customer service here is wonderful...not like the...
- Look elsewhere, but buy here
I went to IGS as a recommendation from a friend and I will never go anywhere else for jewelry again. I highly recommend them for engagement and wedding rings, as well as any other custom jewelry needs you may have. Great prices and outstanding quality!
- Amazing place for diamond jewelry!
Thanks again to you and Ed Jr. for all you have done. Karyn absolutely loves it. You guys helped me look like a star!
- Karyn loves it
The diamond is beautiful. Thanks for all your help. I know I was probably more picky than most. I will certainly send along future business.
- Diamond is beautiful
I had your diamond appraised yesterday by a local jeweler who used to work for the GIA Trade Laboratory. The diamond you sent me was exactly what you promised and looks absolutely gorgeous!
- Exactly as promised
Thanks for everything. You can be assured that I will recommend you to my friends.
- Will recommend to friends
The wedding bands are spectacular. Teri absolutely loves hers! It is exactly what she envisioned. I am truly grateful.
- Spectacular wedding bands
Wow! I love my ring! Thanks for a great find.
- Great find
Wow! I love my ring. Thanks for a great find.
- Love My Ring
As always, you have exceeded my expectations. I love the earrings. You guys are the greatest!
