Diamonds and Gemstones

What is the difference between karat and carat?

Karat is the unit used to measure the purity of gold. Carat is used to measure the weight of diamonds and gemstones.

Can you set my Heirloom Gemstone or Diamond?

Yes we can and in fact, we love to do it! We love getting to re purpose an heirloom stone, as it can carry so much sentimental value and is an ethical option for your ring. We will send you a form to fill out and sign for you to send your heirloom gemstone or diamond to us.

Will you set a Diamond or Gemstone I purchase elsewhere?

No. Carey Pearson Designs is committed to responsible sourcing care about it not just for our business, but the entire industry. Carey works very closely with our suppliers to make sure all of the stones we use are traceable and responsibly sourced. Since we cannot verify the source of your newly purchased stone, we will not set it in our jewelry.

What are the 4 C’s?

The 4 C’s stand for Carat, Clarity, Color and Cut.

Carat is used to measure the weight of diamonds and gemstones.

Clarity refers to how clear a Diamond is and is based on how many inclusions are inside the Diamond. Inclusions can include minute crystals, growth patterns, tiny enclosed fractures, etc. Clarity is measured on a scale from IF (internally flawless) to I2 (included 2). The clearer a Diamond is the rarer and thus, the higher the price. We recommend staying at and above SI1.

Color refers to the color of a diamond. Diamonds tend to have a yellowish or brownish tint. The scale starts at D (colorless) and goes all the way down to Z (noticeable color). Most Diamonds we see in the market are in the D-I range. If you are using White Metal and don’t wish to see any yellowish tint we recommend staying in the D-H range.

Cut refers to the cut of a Diamond and is the most overlooked but possibly the most important! Cut is the only contribution by man, while all others are naturally occurring. Cut can really make or break the appearance of the stone. If a Diamond has excellent proportions, symmetry and angles it is going to have optimal light return and be very sparkly. If a Diamond has poor angles, poor symmetry and poor polish, it will appear dull and dark. Ranges are Ideal, Excellent, Very Good, Good and Fair. We recommend going no lower than a Very Good Cut.

What is a lab grown Diamond or Gemstone?

A lab grown (man made) Diamond or Gemstone has essentially the same chemical composition, crystal structure, optical and physical properties of its nature counterpart. The main difference is that one is grown in a lab in a matter of months or years, and the latter is formed deep inside the earth over the course of millions of years.

Why would I choose a lab grown Diamond or Gemstone over a natural one?

There are a few reasons to opt for a lab grown gem over a natural gem. For one, it is a lot more cost effective to go synthetic. Another reason is that it can be a more ethical decision in the way that you are not directly contributing to the mining industry issues and conflicts. That is not to say that it is the only ethical option as there are many ways to leave a positive impact on the mining industry by opting for a natural.

Why would I get a natural Gemstone or Diamond over a lab grown one?

There is something ethereal and magical about owning a natural gemstone or diamond. Naturally occurring gems are a wonderment in and of itself, not to mention the fact that they took millions of years to make its way to your hand. You can make a positive impact on mining communities and families when you purchase a responsibly sourced or traceable gemstone or diamond. As the demand increases for responsibly sourced and traceable gems, we begin to see changes taking place in mining communities such as establishing safe working conditions, affordable healthcare and fair wages.

What are Salt and Pepper Diamonds?

In the last 5 years Salt & Pepper Diamonds popularity has sky rocketed. Quite simply Salt & Pepper Diamonds are heavily included, sometimes with fractures) Diamonds. Once swept away from the cutting floor they are now considered beautiful in their own right. They are fun and fascinating when you consider that this is exactly how it was created in the Earth.