REAL
HONEST
DIAMONDS
NEW ERA OF LUXURY:
Your Guide to Smart Diamond Shopping Beyond the 4c’s
welcome to The real honest diamondthread
The 4C’s
The diamond's size.
Color of the diamond.
Graded D (highest) to Z (lowest)
Imperfection Level.
Graded from "Flawless" to "Included."
How well the diamond reflects light.
A well-cut diamond sparkles more.
Buying diamonds shouldn’t be scary!
Start by paying close attention to the CUT of the 4Cs- CUT is KING. Opting for a diamond with an Ideal/Excellent Cut, along with Excellent Polish & Excellent Symmetry, is a surefire way to make a satisfying choice, but explore beyond the basic 4Cs ratings like "Ideal/Excellent". Go deeper by taking two extra steps if you're eager to understand Cut Analysis, which examines optical symmetry including Hearts and Arrows phenomenon, and brilliance for optimal light performance. These steps can significantly elevate the contrast beauty of even the tiniest stones.
Invest in Quality over Quantity
Choosing quality in your work, products, and interactions brings lasting benefits to reputation, resources, satisfaction, innovation, and sustainability.
Decoding the 4Cs:
The 4Cs—carat, color, clarity, and cut—are supposed to be the basics, but let's be real. The industry standards are like a maze. Big brands throw around terms like hearts and arrows but can’t certify it, so are those words just shiny distractions? Most diamonds come at a premium, but the question remains: are you getting what you're paying for? Not quite. They might check the 4C boxes but fall short on delivering the dazzling sparkle you deserve.
Why do some diamond reports leave out important information? We notice scratch-outs on IGI reports, which makes us wonder about transparency. Also, details like Hearts and Arrows, lab report numbers, and clarity might be missing. This leaves us questioning the reliability of these reports.
Fortunately, companies like StarVinci® and labs like GCAL by Sarine maintain honesty, ensuring complete and accurate information on all certificates without misleading omissions.
*Beware of purposely
missing diagrams
WHY RELYING SOLELY ON THE 4CS FOR DIaMOND EVALUATION can be misleading
The traditional 4Cs-Cut, Carat, Color, and Clarity-have long been the cornerstone of diamond assessment, dictating rarity and value in the jewelry industry. However, they fall short in capturing the full essence of a diamond's beauty and worth. Enter the concept of the 5Cs and beyond, representing a Certification of Confidence for consumers seeking a deeper understanding of craftsmanship and optical excellence.
While the 4Cs serve as a foundation, they alone do not guarantee a satisfactory purchase. Cut quality holds great importance in determining a diamond's brightness, fire, sparkle, and overall contrast beauty. Despite this, cut quality often takes a back seat in the diamond buying process, with emphasis placed disproportionately on carat weight. This difference underlines the necessity for a significant change in diamond evaluation. The 4Cs, conceived in the 1940s by GIA founder Robert M. Shipley, have provided a framework for assessment but lack consistency and clarity across different laboratories. Even with their widespread recognition, cut quality remains undervalued in the industry's competitive landscape.
An iconic movement is required to challenge the status quo of the 4Cs, emphasizing the importance of cut quality as the ultimate determinant of a diamond's brilliance and allure. It's time to rethink traditional evaluation methods and prioritize optical excellence to ensure consumers receive true value and beauty in their diamond purchases.
UNDERSTANDING HEARTS AND ARROWS:
aN AEsthetically pleasing iconic phenomenon
Let me clarify something. While good diamond proportions are essential for excellent optical performance, having great proportions doesn't automatically ensure the best light performance. Hearts and Arrows (often abbreviated H&A) refers to round brilliant diamonds cut with exceptional three-dimensional symmetry, also known as "optical symmetry" or "optical precision." Although Hearts and Arrows patterning is often associated with Ideal diamonds, the two don't always coincide. It's possible to achieve optical precision without optimizing the diamond's proportions for ideal light reflection. This is where the CUT Analysis Report becomes crucial.
A photomicrograph is a close-up picture taken with a microscope
or similar tool to show a bigger view of a diamond.
In this case illustrating the Hearts and Arrows pattern.
WHY IS THE 5TH C CERTIFICATION THE MOST IMPORTANT C?
AND WHICH GRADING LABS CAN YOU RELY ON?
Top-tier laboratories adhere to strict international standards for grading diamond color and clarity, ensuring consistency by using calibrated master-stone sets across locations.
There are approximately ten gem labs, each with varying degrees of independence and grading policies. Some, like GIA/AGS and GCAL by Sarine, maintain strict professional ethics, while others, like EGL and IGI, prioritize grading large quantities quickly and inexpensively, resulting in less stringent assessments.
Emphasizing quality in your diamond certifications, processes, and interactions can significantly enhance your reputation, resources, customer satisfaction, innovation, and sustainability in the long run. Thankfully, some labs like GCAL by Sarine prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring trust and reliability in the industry.
Here's a brief overview of some of the major diamond grading labs
- GCAL by Sarine: GCAL by Sarine, established in 2001, has a zero-tolerance grading consumer guarantee and provides accurate and consistent gemological services. Though not as well-known as GIA, it is the only diamond lab in the world to stand behind grading with this guarantee. It is a strong choice for ECOFIRE®8X by STARVINCI®.
- GIA- Gemological Institute of America: GIA's diamond certificates with AGS Ideal® offer comprehensive grading and protection for your diamond investment. While GIAs' digital-only report captures a diamond's beauty holistically, it does not consider the Hearts and Arrows pattern in its grading.
- IGI - International Gemological Institute: IGl, with labs worldwide, issues grading reports for natural and lab diamonds, although its grading for natural diamonds may vary slightly between locations.
- EGL - European Gemological Laboratories: EGL, a collection of independently owned franchises, is known for looser grading than GIA, sometimes resulting in over graded reports.
- EGL International: EGL International's reports have been criticized for unfair upgrades, leading to lawsuits and business closure. This underscores the importance of purchasing diamonds certified by trustworthy labs In light of these considerations, it's
WHAT STEPS ARE NECESSARY FOR CONSUMERS to PURCHASE
GENUINE, BEAUTiFUL LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS?
It will require a sincere commitment to providing consumers with authentic, beautiful diamonds. Let's challenge the conventional wisdom of the 4Cs and aim to surpass the 5Cs of diamond evaluation!
The fundamental issue lies in the fact that traditional 4Cs information fails to distinguish between a stunning diamond and a lackluster one with inferior brilliance, fire, and sparkle. While the 4Cs determine a diamond's rarity and price, they have little bearing on its aesthetic appeal. The GEMEX® light performance supplement report, which goes beyond the 4Cs, makes all the difference! The beauty of a diamond is primarily determined by how it reflects and refracts light.
GIA diamond certificates with AGS Ideal® light performance offer another option for selecting the most exquisite and protected investment-grade diamonds. However, GIA does not currently support grading the iconic Hearts and Arrows phenomenon. At GCAL by Sarine, the focus is on one thing - truth. They prioritize real craftsmanship quality combined with optical light performance.
ECOFIRE® signature HEARTS
diamond by STARVINCI®
ECOFIRE® Signature Diamond by STARVINCI®, certified by GCAL 8X, represents the pinnacle of diamond cut grading, distinguishing the finest diamonds. They have surveyed hundreds of thousands of diamonds certified by GIA, and listed on RapNet, and found that over 80% were graded Excellent. In lab grown, that number sky rockets closer to 95%, but only 1% of the GIA tripple excellent cut qualify as 8X. The GCAL 8X Ultimate Cut Grade empowers discerning buyers to confidently choose the most brilliant and beautiful diamonds, even when purchasing online, sight unseen.
The 3 Excellent Categories in 8 gradings of 8X Diamond:
The
physical
symmetry
- Polish: A spa day for your diamond, ensuring a perfect surface free from marks and burns.
- External Symmetry: Precision shaping, like a master sculptor for perfect alignment.
- Proportions: Cutting-edge tech creates accurate diagrams, keeping everything in perfect balance.
Light Performance Excellence
The
- Optical Brilliance: It's the math of sparkle, measured down to the thousandth decimal.
- Fire: A diamond disco, creating colorful flashes that contribute to the dazzle.
- Scintillation: Flashes of white light as your diamond struts its stuff, creating rainbows in the outside world.
The
Optical Excellence
- Optical Symmetry: A dance of precision and uniformity in every facet.
- Hearts & Arrows: Visualized under special lighting, revealing superior facet placement and perfect symmetry.
To earn the coveted 8X grading, a diamond must earn a grade of excellent in all 8 categories
—a rare occurrence only achieved by a select few.
THE SYMMETRY OF A DIAMONDS' FACETS IS IN FACT A MASTERPIECE
CRAFTED BY SKillED MASTER ARTISANS DURInG THE CUTTIng PROCESS.
In every industry, there are standout products that become iconic. Hearts and Arrows diamonds hold this esteemed status within the diamond industry. Hearts and Arrows, or H&A, refer to distinct patterns visible in flawlessly faceted round brilliant cut diamonds. A meticulously cut round brilliant diamond showcases a pattern of 8 arrows on the crown (top) side, and a pattern of 8 hearts on the pavilion (bottom) side. When investing in a high-quality precision-cut diamond with Hearts and Arrows, it's essential to examine the diamond yourself using a viewer or request an optical Brilliance light supplement report. Generic sample H&A images may not accurately represent the diamond's true brilliance and symmetry.
THE SOLUTION: STARVINCI® REAL HONEST DIAMONDS with Real
Friendly Pricing - Shaping a Transparent Buying Experience
Authentic craftsmanship paired with consistent pricing defines true value.
The fifth C, Certificate of Craftsmanship, instills certainty and confidence in your purchase. Rest assured, knowing that each diamond has undergone independent assessment and grading.
ECOFIRE® by STARVINCI® is the epitome of premium signature diamonds, backed by the fifth C and beyond with Certification of Craftsmanship, cut analysis and a commitment to Real Consistent Pricing. STARVINCI® assures real esthetical pleasing quality with every ECOFIRE® purchase. They guarantee 100% satisfaction with up to $100 gift certificate towards future purchases of ECOMARK® Jewelry upon a wowed review. A wowed review could be good, bad, and ugly.
ECOMARK® BY STARVINCI IS THE EMBODIMENT OF THE FIFTH C – The aesthetically pleasing HEARTS & ARROWS with Real Friendly Pricing.
Introducing the collections by STARVINCI®:
STARVINCI® is a New Era of Luxury - “facets of fabulous™” diamonds.
ECOMARK® Sweet Hearts Collection: Choose Shape of Brilliant!
- 5th C Certifications: IGI with aesthetically pleasing Hearts and Arrows
STARVINCI® stands out from many brands by providing transparent certificates that include every detail so you always know exactly what you’re getting! Though most IGI certificates from different companies tend to have missing information, STARVINCI® ensures that even their IGI certificates have full complete details marked.
ECOFIRE® Pure Hearts Collection: Choose Extraordinary Brilliant with light performance!
- 5th C certifications: GIA/ASET0 or IGI + GemEx or GCAL
ECOFIRE® Signature Hearts Diamond Collection: Choose Craftsmanship at its finest!
- GCAL 8X Ultimate Cut Grade.
The certificate images you're viewing are actual documents for the diamonds listed by STARVINCI®
ECOMARK® BY STARVINCI IS THE EMBODIMENT OF THE FIFTH C – The aesthetically pleasing HEARTS & ARROWS with Real Friendly Pricing.
ECOFIRE® by STARVINCI® is the epitome of premium signature diamonds, backed by the fifth C and beyond with Certification of Craftsmanship, cut analysis and a commitment to Real Consistent Pricing. STARVINCI® assures real aesthetically pleasing quality with every ECOFIRE® purchase. They guarantee 100% satisfaction with up to $100 gift certificate towards future purchases of ECOMARK® Jewelry upon a “wow” review. A “wow” review could be good, bad, and ugly.
MORE ABOUT the collections by STARVINCI®
ECOMARK® BY STARVINCI® OFFERS
REAL AFFORDABLE/FRIENDLY* PRICING:
1. ECOMARK® Sweet Hearts presents H&A brilliant round loose diamonds and other shapes, predominantly certified by the IGI laboratory (Not Mass Graded). Enjoy a sweetheart deal guaranteeing the best competitive price or receive a $100 gift certificate for ECOMARK® Jewelry purchases or an upgrade to ECOFIRE® upon a satisfactory review.
2. Explore ECOMARK® Outlet for an exciting treasure hunt, featuring valuable items at a fraction of their Dream Price.
3. ECOMARK® Jewelry showcases lab-grown diamond bridal and jewelry collections with transparent, real pricing.
1. ECOFIRE® Pure Hearts boasts GCAL certificates with Tripple Excellent (3EX) external symmetry, polish, and proportion, accompanied by extra 2 features for optical brilliance and precision cuts in Hearts and Arrows symmetry (2EX) completing the 5 Excellent categories. Alternatively, opt for ECOFIRE® Pure Hearts by STARVINCI® with supplementary light performance analysis. Choose certification by GIA with AGS ideal light performance or IGI with GemEx® Very High (VH) light performance report.
2. The ECOFIRE® Signature Hearts Diamonds are the epitome of precision cutting, with exceptional brilliance and aesthetic appeal. Certified by GCAL with 8X®, they excel in physical and optical symmetry, and achieve excellence in all eight critical factors of cut quality analysis. Only 1% of GIA Excellent diamonds receive this new 8X® cut grade, making them a rare delight!
In closing, let's remember that purchasing diamonds should be an exciting journey, not a daunting task. By embracing cut analysis and recognizing the artistry behind craftsmanship, consumers can move beyond traditional standards and find diamonds that truly reflect their unique style.
STARVINCI®'s commitment to transparency, quality, and customer satisfaction ensures that every purchase is a meaningful and fulfilling experience. With options like the precision-cut, brilliance of ECOFIRE® diamonds and the accessible luxury of ECOMARK®, STARVINCI® provides a pathway to discovering diamonds that resonate with personal values and preferences. Plus, with real straightforward pricing, customers can shop confidently, knowing they're getting the best value for their investment. STARVINCI® ensures you never buy blind, even when purchasing online, sight unseen.
FAQs: Sparkle Savvy - Your Diamond Dilemmas Solved
Q1: What makes the 8X Ultimate Cut Grade special?
A1: What makes the 8X ultimate cut grade special are the strict cutting parameters that diamond cutters must meet in order to qualify their diamonds as 8X. Any diamonds cut to these strict parameters assure the diamonds are the finest cut diamonds in the world. The 8X is the VIP pass to diamond brilliance, with less than 1% of 'Excellent' Cut diamonds making the cut. Developed by GCAL by Sarine, it's the secret sauce for extraordinary sparkle.
Q2: How do I know if Hearts and Arrows matter?
A2: Hearts and Arrows diamonds are like the rockstars of the diamond world. They have a unique three-dimensional symmetry that adds extra sparkle. Not all diamonds are born equal, and big brands might be missing out on this dazzling feature.
Q3: Can I really buy a diamond sight unseen from ECOMARK® and ECOFIRE®?
A3: Absolutely! ECOMARK® and ECOFIRE® offer a transparent buying experience, and they're so confident in their quality that they'll even give you $100 gift certificate if you find any criticism about their product. It's a win-win!
Contact US
info@realhonestdiamonds.com