If you're planning a holiday proposal or even if you're just planning a significant jewelry gift this season, this is your friendly...

This next topic applies whether or not the gemstone in your jewelry is a diamond. Still, since the series has been Understanding Your...

Today we're moving from the diamonds themselves to the way they are set. Above is a graphic showing twelve common ways stones (not just...

While shape is the outward shape of the stone, the word cut is used to denote how well a diamond returns light. Remember physics class?...

Next on the list is clarity. Almost all diamonds will have some type of inclusion inside, the severity of which will determine its...

Diamonds are graded starting at D and going to Z before heading into Fancy Colors. D-F are colorless and are more rare and valuable than...

Diamonds are cut into many shapes--even more than the ten shown here-- and the shape impacts the value every time. It can also help date...

Check out the inclusions in these natural (heated) sapphires from a bracelet. While the stones match to the unaided eye regarding color,...

In all my years of writing appraisals, the pieces I have valued most often are wedding sets, either for the newly engaged, longtime...

There are several instances in which an appraisal is required. The first and most common is insurance coverage or Retail Replacement...