What should you think about when buying a diamond?
Congratulations! You are ready to design a piece of diamond jewelry - it might be for an engagement, or as a special present to yourself for doing something you’ve always wanted to do. Whatever the reasons, diamonds are a great way to celebrate life’s big and little milestones.
So it’s time to choose your stones, and that’s where the decisions become harder.
There are of course the 4Cs made famous by GIA - Carat, Color, Clarity and Cut. These are all important in their own ways, and having a jeweler you trust help you find a stone with the right balance of these factors is equally important. That’s why we are here to help you sort through the many diamonds on the market to find you the right one for your piece.
But beyond the grade of a diamond, there are bigger questions - where does your stone come from and how has it impacted others?
At L. Priori Jewelry, we only use conflict free or reclaimed diamonds.
In general, diamonds tend to be from large scale mines, many of which are open pit with underground operations as well.
Diamond mining is one of the most heavily regulated mining industries in the world and the corporations behind large scale mining are held to a high standard. Every diamond we use that has been newly mined and is Kimberley Process Certified and Conflict Free.
If you are interested in knowing the exact origin of your stone, we are proud to be able to offer Canadamark diamonds. All Canadamark diamonds are mined in the Northwest Territories of Canada and each mine follows very strict environmental regulations. In addition, Canadamark diamonds are tracked and audited from mining through polishing.
If you are concerned with the environmental impact of diamond mining, Canadian diamonds can be a great choice, but reclaimed diamonds may be the best for you! Reclaimed diamonds are diamonds that have been above ground and have gone through the supply chain more than once and do not contribute to any new mining. A reclaimed diamond can be an antique or modern cut and there are more than enough diamonds above ground to go around!
If you would like to learn more about the diamond buying process or you're ready to get started on a custom project email hello@lpriorijewelry.com
L. Priori Jewelry is a private jeweler in Philadelphia specializing in custom engagement rings, everyday luxe fine jewelry, and antique and estate jewels. A GIA Graduate Gemologist, Lauren Priori has Trained at a diamond auction house, Tiffany & Co., and Philadelphia's Jewelers' Row. For more information or to set up an appointment, email hello@lpriorijewelry.com