KARATS OVERLAND PARK

2010-02-10T18:41:00.000-08:00

you can find us on the web at http://www.karats.us/ or on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Overland-Park-KS/KARATS-JEWELERS/274456765237?ref=ts

or our address at

Karats Jewelry Overland Park

Akshay Andy Anand

13420 Metcalf Ave,

Overland Park, KS

66213

our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

2010-01-26T20:27:00.000-08:00

we have created a wonderful fan page for Karats... we would be honored to have you as one of our fans...

please take a minute to check it out, its an awesome page as well... i know you will love it...

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Overland-Park-KS/KARATS-JEWELERS/274456765237?ref=nf

testimonials

2009-10-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

Kay Borel (President, Jules Borel & Co.)
“Andy has a true passion for serving his customers. He has the gift of making everyone feel appreciated and welcomed not just to his store, but also to his circle of friends. When you meet Andy you soon learn that he is sincere in his interest to network and help you with your interests too. I am very comfortable recommending him to my friends.” August 24, 2009

Bryan Tolbert
“Customer service is Andy's number one concern. He is one of the best listeners that you will ever meet which gives him a keen advantage in the jewelry selection process.” March 16, 2008Top qualities: Personable, Good Value, Creative

Stephen Heiner (Owner, Get Smarter Prep)
“Andy is someone who has diamonds "in his blood" - someone who is generationally involved in the beauty of jewelry and the craft of gemstones. If you want something more than just a "shopping experience" when buying jewelry, talk to Andy and find someone who is passionate and focused about what he does. I know where I'll be going when I meet the right girl! :-)” March 11, 2008

Brian Hanson
“I purchased a ring from Andy. It was the perfect ring for the situation and fit in the price range I needed. He was able to help me find the perfect item without any hassle. I would rec amend his services to anyone.” March 11, 2008Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert

Bryan Farwell (Director of Private Banking, First Community Bank)
“Andy’s professional work ethic and unmatched eye for quality makes him a top notch business owner. What truly sets him apart from the competition is the quality of jewelry he has at his amazing store. As a long time Borsheim’s client it was difficult to find the same standards and service I received from that world renowned store. Andy has filled that void and I now consider him my personal jeweler. The product line and service you will receive are top of the line.” June 9, 2009

Alex Goodpaster (Vice President, Stillwater National Bank)
“Andy is the owner of Karat's Jewelers here in Overland Park where I purchased my wife's wedding ring. Andy has always been there to back his product, whether for a cleaning, sizing, or any other jewelry related service. Karat's has a sterling reputation in our community. I have also been a fellow member of the Leawood Rotary Club with Andy and he is an exemplary Rotarian.” June 1, 2009

“I first met Andy through our membership in the Leawood Rotary Club. Having known him for a couple of years I went to Andy (and his family's jewelry store Karat's) to purchase my wife's engagement ring. We could not have been happier with the selection and the work he did for us. The ring is beautiful and Andy has continued to service our jewelry needs since that purchase with cleanings, up-to-date private viewing opportunities and a genuine friendship. I would highly recommend him for any jewelry needs you may have.” August 25, 2009Top qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity

Brad Likens
“I needed a resetting for my wife’s wedding ring for our 10-year anniversary. I ordered a setting from an on-line wholesaler. When I gave it to my wife, she was disappointed with the quality and had me return it. I went to Karats and asked them if they could provide something like I had found on-line, but with better quality. They had one in stock, and it was cheaper than the one I bought on-line. I gave my wife the ring, and she was thrilled. We visited her parents over the weekend, and she was showing it off to her mom and sisters. They all said I did a great job. I said – ‘It wasn’t me, it was my jeweler’... Thanks you Karats for all your help.Top qualities: Expert, Good Value, On Time

Michael Searcy (Searcy Financial)
“Every time Andy has done something for me, he performed in an exemplary fashion and I was pleased with the results. Having had family involved in the Jewelry business for many years I have quite a bit of experience as to how this industry works. Andy has exceeded my expectations.” May 26, 2009Top qualities: Expert, Good Value, On Time

Ryan George (Northwest Mutal)
“Andy has a tremendous commitment to satisfying his customers and works hard to provide the highest quality and the best possible value.” May 26, 2009Top qualities: Great Results, Good Value, High Integrity

karats overland park

2009-10-23T18:52:00.000-07:00

Philosophy - Comfort, Customer Care, Class, Integrity, Knowledge and Personal Service

For six generations, the Anand family has been in the jewelry business and from the very beginning, have always used the same cornerstone for their business: comfort, customer care, class, integrity, knowledge and personal service. Now, the Kansas City market has added another Anand jewel to their crown with the addition of Karats in Overland Park, KS.
Karats Jewelry harbors the finest lines from all over the world that add to the incomparable quality and craftsmanship that are mastered by just a handful in the industry.

From the elegant designs of Italian master, the simple classic look of great American designers, and the antique pieces of the maharaja collections of India, Karats has brought the best of the best under one roof to meet your needs for something unique, timeless, different and special.Carrying on the torch of our forefathers, who passionately believed in "treating customers like family," Karats has brought a high level of loyalty among customers in Kansas City and around the world.

As we enlarge our Karats family each day, we continue to surprise our new family members with unparalleled customer service, dedication and a touch of amazement in their experience with Karats and the Anand family.We whole heartedly welcome our new members to the Karats family and invite you to experience the extraordinary in become one of our own.

2009-09-29T14:34:00.000-07:00

Resourceinvestor.com interviewed Dr. Marc Faber, economist and editor of "The Gloom, Boom and Doom Report," an economic and financial publication that promotes "against the grain investments." The interview was especially interesting because he sees gold as still a contrarian investment. But first, Dr. Faber's salient observations, which should be of interest to all precious metals investors.
Dr. Faber says economies are booming around the world, but that the U.S. is already in recession - if inflation (price increases) were measured properly. More economists are starting to say that the U.S. economy has turned down.
When asked about Alan Greenspan, Dr. Faber unloaded, calling Greenspan "a hopeless forecaster, a hopeless economist." Faber faults Greenspan for denying that he created "this huge [subprime] mess by having kept interest rates artificially low for too long." To Faber, Greenspan is "not a person that I would consider to be trustworthy in terms of either economic statements or forecast." That's a strong condemnation of a man whom the world at one time treated as royalty.
Now, though, the flaws in Greenspan's inflationary policies are becoming evident to nearly everyone, and Greenspan may go down in history as the worst Fed Head ever. I say "may" because our present Fed chairman, Ben Bernanke, has already earned the moniker "Helicopter Ben," for his statement that the Fed's ability to create money is equivalent to dropping money out of a helicopter. Recent interest rate cuts by the Fed and its creation of billions of dollars of "liquidity" suggest that Bernanke was cut from the same cloth as Greenspan. Bernanke and Greenspan may end up being judged equally bad Fed Heads.
As for those mired in the subprime mess, Faber says that it's not just the known subprime lenders, but also the subsidiaries of such entities as GE Capital and General Motors Acceptance Corp. Even some mining companies got caught in the subprime mess. The result is reduced liquidity as lenders have become more cautious. Never fear, however, the Fed and the European Central Bank have jumped into the breach, creating new dollars and euros in efforts to provide liquidity to the markets. The end result, of course, will be higher prices across the board.
As for the dollar, Faber says that it may strengthen over the next few months, but that over the long-term "the dollar is a doomed currency because you have a money printer at the Fed and you have basically Hank Paulson at the Treasury who comes straight out of Wall Street and who has more interest in stabilizing the price of Goldman-Sachs stock than of having a strong dollar."
Now, for those observations that were of special interest to me.
Dr. Faber bills himself as a "contrarian investor" who runs "against the grain." In short, Dr. Faber likes investments that are being ignored by mainstream investors. RI asked him about gold with this statement: "You say precious metals, and especially gold, are likely to out perform financial assets for years to come. Now that doesnâ€™t sound very contrarian because a lot of economists are calling for a rally in gold."
That's when Dr. Faber said that "... the price of gold will also come under some pressure...," but long-term "... you have essentially a friend of gold at the Federal Reserve because he will print money. That will be very supportive of gold prices, whether you have inflation or whether you have deflation. In both cases it will be gold supported. So in any weakness, I would buy gold."
Dr. Faber concludes that from his travels around world giving talks and seminars, only 3% to 5% of the seminar attendees own gold. That means that something like 95% of investors, who are sophisticated enough to attend seminars, do not own gold.
To further support his contention that gold is still a contrarian investment, Dr. Faber noted that Asian central banks have a maximum of 2% of their reserves in gold and that the Sovereign Wealth Fund has "practically no gold exposure." Central banks are mainstream; Sovereign Wealth Fund is mainstream. The mainstream public is nowhere near this precious metals market.
Among the general population, I'd say that less than 2% own gold and it may be less than 1%. Gold is still a contrarian, against the grain, investment, which means that this precious metals bull markets has a long way to go. I think that investors should follow Dr. Faber's advice and buy gold (and silver) on dips.Read more: http://www.cmi-gold-silver.com/gold-contrarian-investment.html#ixzz0SX9c1WOQ

Jorge Reilla

2009-09-04T15:28:00.000-07:00

Jorge Revilla is the top silver designer in all of Spain and we at Karats are now featuring this companies stunning craftsmanship. Karats is one of the few locations in the U.S. were you can find this internationally known brand in all its glory. These pieces could not be more breathtaking, the hard metal contrasts the soft organic artwork to create something so unique. Here is some more information about this affordable and beautiful collection.

Jorge Revilla's relationship with design and creativity started when he began to study Fashion and Design in his home town of Burgos, Spain, studies which he continued in London. In his gemstone jewelry designs, Jorge looks for the best expression of feelings, with the use of colour, light, Mediterranean sensuality and warm shapes.Jorge's gemstone jewellery designs are filled with sophistication, made to dazzle and surprise.

His creations show the melting pot of cultures that have lived in harmony in Spain over the centuries. Sensitivity, intuition and boldness are fundamental factors when creating.Sensations, the rhythm of life and everyday changes lead Jorge to create something new. An event, a journey, a new landscape, a person, the light of the street or a wine are his inspiration. For Jorge Revilla, being open to experiment and feel something new every day is a way of life that is visible in his designs.

2009-08-31T15:09:00.000-07:00

Karats is bringing in yet another top designer to add to our incomparable and simply fabulous collection. Vanna K is the name on every fashion focused individual in LA. The picture above illustrates all of the magazines this line has been featured in. This line is the best of the best, coming soon to your favorite store.

About Vanna K...

Though jewelry design has been the family business for three generations, Papa never meant for his little girl to follow in his footsteps. “For you…great things!” he often said as young Vanna would peer over his shoulder at the platinum wonders unfolding under his pencil.Papa got his way – or so he thought. While Vanna dutifully fulfilled his multi-lingual, scholastic star, law school ambitions for her, none of it extinguished Vanna’s fierce, unremitting passion to sketch, to imagine, to bring life to sculptured precious metal in ways never before seen or worn.Today, a half decade ahead of expectation, the next generation of bridal and fashion design has arrived, led by a member of the very age group her product will serve, someone entirely in sync with their sensibilities, their taste,their shared vision of timeless beauty.Your questions answered about Vanna K

Why a Vanna K semi-mount?In a word, sensibilities. When it comes to your dream engagement ring, your sensibilities will guide you to the ring of your life. Guide you, in an overwhelming number of cases, to a stunning semi-mount from Vanna K. Why? Because Vanna K is herself a member of your generation. Her vision of perfection in a diamond ring is totally in sync with yours. Her sense that much of what’s out there today in the jewelry world is yesterday’s news is likewise an assessment she shares with a significant number of you.

Shared sensibilities.Guidance for HimResist the urge to micromanage the engagement ring process. Keep reminding yourself that he’s adrift in a world (jewelry) that not only is foreign to him, but – as a guy – he just doesn’t get. And this thing he doesn’t get is going to trigger a significant investment on his part. Only someone in serious love would go through this. Ask yourself, given all that, how you’d feel. What if tradition held that becoming engaged required you to buy him a big, flashy, chrome-studded motorcycle? After wandering in a Harley Davidson/Yamaha/Honda wilderness for days, would you want your guy fussing over the model you’d chosen for him? Certainly not. You’d want a brass band. You’d want a, “Yes, I’ll marry you!”, and you’d want certified, life-long heroine status for making all that happen. So does he.

That’s why you’ve got to be smart, careful and flexible. If you have strong feelings in a Vanna K semi-mount then be certain to share them with anyone he might ask (including your ring size) and make them promise to say they just happened to pick up this information somewhere along the way…and then step back. Unless, of course, he invites you into the process. If he does, disregard the above, visit your local Vanna K jeweler, and have the time of your life!Platinum or 18k white gold?Platinum is most couples’ first choice in precious metal. Its steely white color won't change over time, and, because it is more dense and malleable than gold, the prongs are more likely to resist injury. Platinum engagement rings are the ultimate. Their weight, feel and durability is unsurpassed. While over time platinum will take on a brushed, antique look called “patina”, it can easily be polished to look new. For most, however, the patina speaks to quality and is part of platinum’s unique and timeless appeal. 18K white gold is rich, lustrous, and is always used in finer designer gold pieces. It’s also more affordable than platinum, and for gold purists, it is the only way to go.

The DiamondAs important as finding the perfect Vanna K semi-mount is finding just the right diamond to go with it. The shape is often the toughest choice, and there is really no exact formula. In the end, it’s really up to what you personally like. Marquis cuts are somewhat out of favor these days, a fact you may find of interest if you’re fond of running against what’s currently “in”, but Princess, Round, Oval, and Emerald diamond rings remain strong sellers. Then there are the aspects of the diamond less obvious to the eye, but critical in determining level of dazzle, and value in the marketplace. The Gemological Institute of America has dubbed these the "4 Cs" - carat, clarity, color and cut.

Love Stories about Vanna K

Dear Vanna K;

Thought you’d like to hear how your wonderful rings have changed my life! It was my boyfriend and my 3rd year of dating “anniversary”. He took me to a fancy restaurant where there were candles on the table and soft music. We had a nice dinner and talked about our future together and all kinds of things. After dinner the night was still young so he decided that he wanted to take to up on the mountain looking over the valley where we shared our first kiss. As we sat close to each other looking over the lighted valley he reached into his pocket and took out a little box that was wrapped in blue & pink wrapping paper. When I peeked inside I found a beautiful diamond ring! It shimmered in the light of the moon. He took the ring out of my hand and placed it on my finger. Speechless, I just looked at him. He looked deep into my eyes and said “Baby, you know that you mean everything to me and I would do anything to keep you by my side and safe. You are the only one for me and I want to spend the rest of my life with you…will you be my wife?” it was the sweetest thing that I’ve ever heard. I couldn’t say anything to his response. I just looked at him as tears of joy streamed down my face. I put my arms around him and whispered in his ear “I’d love to” and I kissed him. Two months have gone by and I can’t stop looking down at my hand. Just thought you’d like to know I’ve never seen a ring so beautifully designed, and I still can’t believe it found me! Sincerely, Amber C. Oklahoma City OK

2009-08-26T10:57:00.001-07:00

Since we know that all of our customers can't get enough of the Pandora charms, we are rewarding these customers with great in store savings. The new Pandora Rewards Card will allow you to receive a 25% savings on any item in store when you've buy 10 Pandora charms. What a great deal, you are getting the memorable and personable charms that you love with a huge added bonus of savings for your other high end designer jewelry. Who could ask for more!

A little about me

2009-08-22T17:48:00.001-07:00

As the sixth generation in the family business i have expanded into the United States and opened the family operation in Overland Park, Kansas.

Since the very commencement of KARATS we have seen an amazing response from the comunity that has supported us un conditionaly as we have provide everyone that walks through our doors with the UTMOST SERVICE, exceptional and one of a kind jewelry, great designers that are ONLY AVALIABLE AT KARATS and at fair prices.

I have been also recognized as the 20 in there twenties by Ingrams - the business magazine of Kansas City.As I continue in the path of the family business my passion for jewelry and diamonds has helped make KARATS an important and a well recognized store in the Kansas City market place.I was also recently nominated as the Kansas City Centurion from the KC Chamber of commerce. I truly look forward to the experience that will make me a better leader.

We look forward to seing you and helping you make WONDERFUL MEMORIES at our FAMILY BUSINESS where YOU AND YOUR HAPPINESS comes first.

PARADE - WORLD CLASS DESIGNER

2009-08-19T18:15:00.000-07:00

Parade happens to be my favorite line that we carry in store. The style of their pieces are so unique and new. This style that is generated by no other jeweler. And the best part is that these are by no means spendy jewels. They offer competative prices for execptional jewelery. Now that I have you attention, here is som more information about the different styles and background for this beautiful collection.

Parade values the simple beauty of nature and recognizes that this simplicity is the product of a well-organized system. Over the years, Parade has developed a highly structured internal system that continues to be supervised by the principals themselves. From creative design to product execution, from special order to reorder, not a single step will be overlooked.The artists of Parade continually surpass prior design achievements with greater imaginative works of refined and wearable jewelry that highlights nature’s colorful array of gems. Parade is about simplicity. And the people at Parade work hard to keep it that way.

Parade's motto:

There are special moments in life that deserve remembrances. You know them when you feel a triumph in your heart and a song in your soul. With mother natures most radiant stones and earths most talented designers we've managed to capture passion, beauty, brilliance, radiance, style and celebration in our jewelry designs. Whether your style is sweet or sophisticated, traditional or modern, there is something for everyone in our dazzlingly diverse collection. We invite you to share the ultimate expression of joy. Celebrate with a Parade.

IT STARTED AS A LEAF. AND GREW INTO A PARADE.

Small and delicate, the leaf is simply striking. Because within a single leaf lies a rich tapestry, a microscopic infrastructure that operates effortlessly. Parade’s admiration for one of nature’s simple beauties is reflected not only in our company logo, but also in our philosophy, which we’ve held for three generations: Simple. Natural. Beautiful.Together, leaves form some of the finest, most brilliant creations only nature could manifest. With a muse so versatile, it only makes sense that the artists of Parade are able to continually provide innovations in design. The result? Jewelry that makes a statement yet allows the wearer’s innate beauty to shine. Whether it’s the unique shape of an oak leaf or the colors of fall that find their way into our elegant pieces, one thing is certain. When such splendor surrounds us, inspiration comes naturally.

HONORED WITH INGRAMS BUSINESS MAGAZINE

2009-08-19T18:09:00.000-07:00

Karats Jewelry is proud to announce and congratulate its very own Andy Anand on his recent honor as one of Kansas City's Top 20 In their 20's. Awarded yearly, from Kansas City's premiere B2B publication, Ingram's Magazine (http://www.IngramsOnline.com), Andy now enters the social ranks of Kansas City's top business professionals.As stated in the July issue of Ingram's Magazine, " Intensely focused on customer service.

The idea behind it is so simple, you have to wonder why more retail business don't succeed. But there's nothing simple behind Andy Anand's rise within his family jewelry dynasty. After five generations of building the company into one of India's largest, Generation No. 6 is taking the business into the United State with Anand's Overland Park outlet.

There, he's applying the wide range of skills acquired in virtually all aspects of the family business. At 26, nearly half his young life has been spent with the family line of work. Already, he's packed nearly a career's worth of business disciplines into his resume: profit-and-loss responsibility for #12 million in annual revenues, and he's overseen sales, marketing, government relations, advertising, underwriting, out sourcing, HR functions and more. A big influence on him? "My grandfather," he says. "He always operated with great integrity, honesty and customer service." The latter, he says remains the foundation of his emerging company.

"The very essence of our business is making relationships for life."To see more articles about Andy or Karats vast gallery of jewelry, visit them on the web at www.Karats.us.About Karat's Jewelry.Karats Jewelry, located in Overland Park, KS, harbors the finest lines from all over the world that add to the incomparable quality and craftsmanship that are mastered by just a handful in the industry.

For six generations, the Anand family has been in the jewelry business and from the very beginning, have always used the same cornerstone for their business: quality, customer care, integrity, knowledge and personal service.

2009-08-17T16:22:00.000-07:00

As you all know that my true passion lies in finding the best gems and jewels and helping people make memories for life. In 2008 i went in search for jewels across the globe, traveling to India to London to California and under the Tucson Sun to find the most amazing and unique gems that one could find. We added designers to our collection suh as Peter Storm, Expanding into our Leslie Greene Collection, added afordable yet unique bridal bands from Art Carved and Kattan. Added an amazing designer by the name Varna and many more.....I travel again to find more gems in 2009 and brining them home to Kansas City to get my loved friends and family the best of the best.

My focus this year entailes :

1 - providing bigger gems that are fine in quality and have the sparkle and scintilation that no other has out there

2 - carry rings and designers that follow the path of uniqueness and vision to provide the very best in the wonderful industry i am in. check out rhonda faber green a designer i have my eyes on.

3 - helping my friends and family make amazing memories in 2009 by getting and giving a beautiful peace of jewelry from KARATS that represents fineness and uniqueness.

ASK A FELLOW FRIEND THAT HAS HAD AN EXPERIENCE WITH US AND THEY WILL TELL YOU ABOUT THE QUALITY WE CARRY.4 - last but no the least provide and work with charities and organizations to make a difference in the comunity we live in, the city, the country and the world and making a difference.have a wonderful 2009 and i look forward to seeing you all.

my very best,

Akshay ANDY Anand

JEWELRY REPAIR OVERLAND PARK

2009-08-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

We at KARATS provide a FULL HOUSE jewelry repair and service to our friends, family members and the wonderful Kansas City comunity.Here is a list of our wonderful services. we are not limited to these but just some services we provide.WATCH BATTERY, WATCH REPAIRS, RING SIZING, ENGRAVING, CLEANING, POLISHING, RHODIUM PLATING, FIXING CHAIN CLASPS, FIXING BROKEN CHAINS, TIGHTENING STONES, RE-TIPPING, CHECKING FOR LOOSE DIAMONDS, CUSTOM DESIGNING, SHORTENING OR LENGTHENING CHAINS.please print out the attached coupon to get a discount on these services.

KARATS EDUCATION, DIAMONDS

2009-07-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

The allure and history of a diamond is almost as unique and forever as the diamond itself. But you can understand the factors that make a diamond valuable and learn how to care for them in a few short pages. Consider this a crash course in the most brilliant of gems.Diamonds were formed more than 70 million years ago under immense heat and pressure deep within the earth. The diamond-bearing ore was brought to the surface through volcanic eruption. After the magma cooled, it solidified into "blue ground," or "kimberlite," where the precious rough is still found today.Diamonds, rated 10 or the top of what geologists call the Mohs scale, are, indeed, one of the hardest substances on earth. But their appeal goes beyond mere durability.Diamonds have been prized and sought-after, becoming the stuff true legends are made from. Many of these stories began in India, where traders found that rough, uncut diamonds shaped in an octahedron, dispersed light in a rainbow of color unlike any other stone. The diamond became a symbol of power and status and people believed that they held mystical qualities. Ancient Greeks believed that the fire of a diamond reflected the constant flame of love, believing them to be teardrops from the gods. Diamonds were sought after because of their durable qualities, hence the Greek word for diamond, "adamas," meaning unconquerable. Over the centuries, the diamond evolved as a symbol of the impenetrable and enduring bond of love.Ancient Romans also believed diamonds to have romantic powers, believing they were splinters from falling stars that tipped the arrow of Eros, the god of love. In the Middle Ages, diamonds were credited with the power to reunite estranged marriage partners. Today, the diamond continues to symbolize what is perhaps the most romantic object known to man as it has evolved to become the ultimate expression of love and commitment.The tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring as a promise for marriage began in 1477 with Archduke Maximillian of Austria and Mary of Burgundy. At that time, diamonds were looked upon as charms that could enhance the love of a husband for his wife. Even Cupid's arrows were said to be tipped with diamonds, which had a magic that nothing could equal. From this time forward, the royal tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring began to be embraced by people around the world. Although diamonds are no longer believed to be imbued with magical powers, they have come to represent the ultimate gift of love. Their seductive brilliance continues to intrigue and mesmerize men and women around the globe.

LEARNING THE 4 C'S

Anyone who is shopping for a diamond will hear about the 4C's—color, clarity, carat weight, and cut—the four characteristics that determine a diamond's rarity and value. Understanding them can help you understand why diamonds of equal size may not be of equal value. It's the synergy and the many different ways that each of the 4C's can be combined that is the key to understanding what makes each diamond unique and valuable.

COLOR

While most diamonds appear to be white, virtually all have slight traces of color. Evaluating a diamond's color for grading purposes is done by measuring the degree to which a diamond approaches colorlessness. Gemologists and jewelers describe the color of diamonds on a letter scale beginning with D (colorless) and moving through the alphabet to Z. The degree of colorlessness is not easily discernible to the untrained eye. D, E, and F color grades are more expensive because they are more rare. However, well cut diamonds with good clarity of all color grades can be equally dazzling as it is the interplay of the 4C's which determines each individual stone's unique beauty. Deeply colored diamonds in shades such as pink, blue, and yellow are known as "fancies" and are especially rare and valuable.

CLARITY

Practically all diamonds contain naturally occurring internal blemishes called inclusions, or a diamond's natural birthmarks (these can look like tiny crystals, feathers, or clouds). However, many are microscopic in nature and can only be glimpsed under powerful magnification through a standard 10-power jeweler's loupe. Diamonds with the fewest inclusions are graded as VVS1 or VVS2; those on the other end of the scale are graded I1 or I3. The fewer inclusions, the rarer the stone.

CARAT WEIGHT

Carat weight indicates the size of the diamond. One carat weighs 0.2 grams, or 1/142 of an ounce. Jewelers, however, refer to stones using points: 100 points equal 1 carat; 50 points, a half-carat; 25 points, a quarter-carat and so on.

CUT

Cut is perhaps the most important of the 4C's because a quality cut is what helps to unleash a diamond's fiery sparkle. A well cut diamond, regardless of shape, releases the fire and brilliance of a diamond through the proportion of its 57 or 58 facets (tiny planes that create angles), allowing the maximum amount of light to be reflected through the diamond. In order to maximize this fire and brilliance, a diamond cutter must place each of the stone's facets and angles, which act as light-dispersing mirrors, in exact geometric relation to one another. Diamonds that are not cut to proper proportions (too deep or too shallow) lose light that spills through the side or bottom.Cut is also quite different than shape. While cut is a technical quality, determined by the skill of the diamond cutter, the matter of shape is a personal choice. The round brilliant is often the most popular of all shapes, with the majority of brides-to-be receiving a round stone. Other popular traditional shapes include the princess cut, oval, emerald cut, radiant cut, marquise, pear, and heart shape.

CARING FOR A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND

A diamond may be the hardest substance known to man, but to keep it looking its best, it needs proper care and maintenance. This is especially important if you wear your diamond every day. To keep daily build-ups of soap, cosmetics, and skin oils from dulling your beautiful jewelry, follow any one of the following procedures to care for your gem.

Professional Cleaning:

This is the best option and also gives you the opportunity to have your retail jeweler check your diamond's mounting to make sure prongs or other settings are not weak or loose.

Cold Water Soak:

A mixture of half cold water and household ammonia will work well if your ring or diamond jewelry is allowed to soak for 30 minutes. Lift your ring out and clean gently around the front and back of the mounting with a small, soft brush. Give the ring a second swish through the solution and let dry on a paper towel. No rinsing is necessary.

Over-the-Counter Jewelry Cleaners:

Ask your jeweler for a liquid jewelry cleaner made especially for diamonds and follow the instructions on the label. A good cleaner is designed to remove loose dirt and dissolve any oils or residue on the stone.

Detergent Bath:

The simplest cleaning method for your diamond is to soak your jewelry in a small bowl of warm, sudsy water combined with any mild liquid detergent. Use a toothbrush or other soft brush and gently brush the ring around the setting while it is in the water. After its bath, put the ring in a fine wire strainer and rinse thoroughly under warm running water (the strainer provides protection for the ring from slipping down the drain). Pat your ring dry with a soft lint-free cloth.

Ultrasonic Cleaning: This method involves a special machine that uses a high-frequency vibration to clean the ring. The ring is enclosed in a small cup with cleaning solution and in just a minute, any dirt and oils are removed from the stone. The method can be done by your jeweler or at home after purchasing an ultrasonic cleaner.