Ornaments or rings that strut big on the fashion front can often come at a higher price than many consumers find themselves anywhere near able to pay– big diamonds cost a hefty amount. However, with the recession taking the bite off the price tags of various brands, now is the time to buy that coveted fashion diamond jewelry sets without having to drain your bank balance dry. Seasonal discounts, special offers and package deals are also a frequent occurrence in most of the real-world or online outlets.

Many sectors emphasize the difference between “clean” diamonds, often called non conflict diamonds and “blood diamonds”. Even the UN General Assembly was quick to point out that diamonds mined and sold legally help the economy and promote prosperity in certain parts of Africa. In a resolution made in December 2000, they were also emphatic in stating that the sale of blood diamonds only brings about pain and suffering. That is why restrictions and standards have been put in place to differentiate non conflict diamonds from the blood diamonds.

First of all, the international community has established a system wherein a “Certificate of Origin” is required. There are known areas from where blood diamonds originate. With these certificates, you can have a way of knowing the origin of the diamond. Of course, certificates can and have been forged. Stricter measures and even stricter implementation is needed in order for this system to work efficiently.

Most important of them all is the Cut, as the brilliance of a diamond is heavily reliant on this. Do not confuse it with the shape of the diamond, as the former refers to the reflective qualities of the diamond. It is the angles of the diamond that allow it to give that brilliance emanating from within. When the angles are perfectly proportional, you can expect that they are most brilliant.

Then there’s Clarity, or the presence (or absence) of blemishes within the stone. Of course, the less blemishes there are in the diamond, then the better. These blemishes and inclusions may mean air bubbles, cracks, or other minerals located within the stone. Perfectly clear diamonds are very rare, so expect that they are very expensive, too.

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