Our Diamond List
To the unsuspecting individual, buying a diamond can be a lot like walking through the jungle: hidden traps everywhere; an air of intimidation; things that aren't what they appear to be; an entirely unknown language. Without a guide, it's easy to become lost in this environment, which can lead to a bad decision. We're so confident about the quality of all our diamonds; we actually encourage you to comparison shop. John Anthony Jewelers has also put together a diamond guide so that if you comparison shop for a diamond, you'll know exactly how to compare the diamonds you'll find listed here in our inventory with others.
GIA Grading
Most jewelers use the widely accepted "GIA" grading system developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Without an "expert" such as a Graduate Gemologist to interpret, this terminology is meaningless. A Graduate Gemologist diploma certifies that an individual has successfully completed a rigorous, uncompromising course in the study of gems. Would you go to a doctor without a medical degree? Then, why would you buy a diamond from a "guy who knows diamonds"?
Make sure you deal with a professional. John Anthony Jewelers guarantees that all our diamonds are accurately graded using strict GIA guidelines.
Our Inventory by Category
Note: The information in these lists is contigent upon prior sale. Please call for current list and prices (610) 664-8777.
Diamond Cut
Of all the 4 C's, the Cut is the most directly influenced by man. The other three are dictated by nature. Not to be confused with the shape of a diamond, Cut refers to the arrangement of a diamond's facets. A brilliant diamond that is correctly cut captures and releases the maximum play of light.
To achieve this, the diamond cutter must adhere to a whole series of exacting tolerances. These tolerances, in turn, may well mean that much of the rough diamond has to be cut away. Very few diamonds are cut to "Very Good" or "Excellent" symmetry proportions. A diamond with a GIA Diamond Grading Report with these ratings is the exception rather than the rule.
Many people confuse cut with the shape of a diamond. Shape, which is not to be confused with Cut, merely means the geometric form of the diamond. In its natural state, a diamond's beauty is generally concealed. What draws out its brilliance is the cutting of the diamond. Under ideal circumstances cutting maximizes the optical properties within the diamond, particularly its ability to refract light and disperse color. The shape is largely a matter of personal preference and is only limited by the skill and imagination of the craftsman. The eight most popular shapes for diamonds are the ROUND BRILLIANT, PEAR, OVAL, MARQUISE, PRINCESS, HEART, EMERALD, and RADIANT CUT.
John Anthony Jewelers
Diamond Guide
Many jewelers confuse the consumer by advertising themselves as "wholesalers" or having never-ending sales that offer "70% to 80%" off. Don't be fooled. If it seems too good to be true, it is. John Anthony Jewelers has one goal: to provide accurately graded diamonds and fine jewelry at competitive prices to well-informed buyers. To help you become a well-informed buyer, we have provided this Diamond Guide.
Buying fine jewelry is as much an emotional decision, as it is a financial one. That's why the staff at John Anthony Jewelers wants you to know exactly what you're purchasing. You should be advised of all the variables that determine the value of the item you wish to purchase. John Anthony Jewelers sells only Platinum, 14K and 18K gold made into the finest jewelry with the highest quality precious gems. We appreciate the opportunity to help you with this important acquisition.
There are several crucial considerations to keep in mind before you buy a piece of fine jewelry or a diamond. Diamonds vary greatly in quality, so does the way jewelry is made. John Anthony Jr., GIA Graduate Gemologist and Appraiser, and the John Anthony Jewelers staff will be happy to provide you with the information you need to make the right choice.
At John Anthony Jewelers, we think buying a diamond or a piece of fine jewelry should be an enjoyable and informative experience. That's why we avoid the confusing jargon that so many other jewelers tend to use. We want you to know and appreciate exactly what you're getting for your money.
Diamond Color
Most diamonds appear to the naked eye to be white; they in fact range from colorless to yellowish, with many gradations in between. Others can contain increasing tinges of yellow or brown, some of which are referred to as champagne diamonds. It is a totally colorless diamond that allows white light to pass effortlessly and be dispersed as rainbows of color. The color grading scale ranges from totally colorless to yellow. Rare stones of exceptional color such as green, red, blue, pink or amber are known as "Fancies".
Because subtle color variations dramatically affect the value of a diamond, a color grading scale is used to categorize the shading differences from one diamond to the next. It's important to remember that though increased shadings of yellow reduce the value of a diamond, they do not necessarily reduce its beauty. If a diamond is well cut, brilliance and dispersion will often disguise the coloration.
Many jewelers lack the expertise to accurately classify a diamond's color. Others, regardless of their expertise, may be tempted to inflate the color value in order to inflate the cost. To protect yourself, ask to see the Diamond Grading Report from the "GIA" "Gem Trade Laboratory" for the written assurance of the exact color grade. Note, however, that even the best Gemologist in the world cannot accurately grade a mounted diamond (that is, one already in a setting).
The best way to guarantee the color of a diamond is to choose a jeweler who will show you the diamond unmounted. This way, and only this way, will you be able to see the real color of the diamond. John Anthony Jewelers is well supplied with loose diamonds with GIA Grading Reports for your inspection.
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Diamond Carats
As with all precious stones, the weight and therefore the size of a diamond is expressed in carats. The system is standardized and one carat is fixed at 200 milligrams or 1/5 of a gram. One carat is divided into 100 "points" so that a diamond of 25 "points" is described as a quarter of a carat or 0.25 carats. Size is the most obvious factor in determining the value of a diamond, but two diamonds of equal size can have unequal prices, depending on their quality.
As diamonds increase in size, their cost tends to increase geometrically rather than arithmetically. Thus, a one-carat diamond can cost significantly more than a one-half carat diamond of equal quality. On the other hand, when a diamond is improperly cut, the additional weight may reduce its brilliance. For these reasons, you are advised to consult a skilled Graduate Gemologist regarding the question of carat-weight, especially as it relates to the quality of the diamond's cut.
The accurate grading of a diamond requires not only sophisticated equipment and years of experience, but also advanced professional training. John Anthony Jewelers recommends that you inquire into the jeweler's credentials, references and education. As a proud alumnus of the GIA and a menber of the American Gem Society, John Jr. is committed to providing you with accurate information, personal service and exceptional value with every diamond you purchase from us. We believe that the more you know about diamonds the better you will be able to compare. And when you compare, we know that you will be able to see for yourself that John Anthony Jewelers has the finest quality diamonds at the most competitive prices.