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Aside from creating the perfect custom handmade jewelry for you, our main focus at Emily Amey Jewelry is never compromising our ethical standards throughout the process of sourcing our stones or making our jewelry. We are fully committed to adhering to all industry standards and ensure we confidently stand by every stone we use. All of our diamonds are certified through the Kimberely Process, which is a joint initiative between civil societies and industry that tracks diamonds from mine to market to stem the flow of conflict diamonds into the global diamond trade and protect workers at every step of the process. We believe adhering to this process is of the utmost importance and guarantee we always maintain ethical procedures to our diamond sourcing.
All of our diamonds fall into two categories: recycled diamonds and conflict-free diamonds:
RECYCLED DIAMONDS
Recycled diamonds, also known as reclaimed or pre-owned diamonds, are stones that were previously used in pieces and were then deconstructed for the raw materials to be used in new pieces. Recycled diamonds minimize environmental impact and reduce waste, so they are the most sustainable and responsible way to create new handmade jewelry.
Read more about recycled diamonds here.
CONFLICT-FREE DIAMONDS
Conflict-free diamonds are diamonds that have been vetted through the Kimberely Process, an internationally recognized organization that ensures our stones have not have been used to finance civil wars. We have established relationships with our suppliers to ensure that all our diamonds have been ethically sourced and all workers are being properly treated with safe working conditions both in mining and cutting facilities.
Recycled diamonds, from previously loved vintage pieces, are the most earth friendly option when sourcing stones for our handmade jewelry.
SALT AND PEPPER DIAMONDS
Salt and pepper diamonds are stones that have a mix variation of visible inclusions (such as graphite, pyrite, or hematite) scattered in an organic fashion, giving the stone a smokey or speckled appearance. Most diamonds have some kind of inclusions, but they’re frequently too small to be visible to the naked eye. Salt and pepper diamonds have larger inclusions that create remarkable depth that makes each stone truly, one of a kind. These diamonds are very popular and sought after for our alternative engagement ring styles.
BLACK DIAMONDS
Black diamonds have also become increasingly more popular for alternative engagement rings because of their diametrically opposite appearance to the traditional white diamond. Essentially black diamonds are just diamonds that have an extremely high amount of inclusions to the point where they simply appear opaquely grayish-black. Most of the black diamonds sold for jewelry and engagement rings have been taken through an additional process of being treated to induce color intensity. Incorporating black diamonds as the focal stone or accent to your engagement ring creates a bold and mysterious look that is perfect for a unique alternative style engagement ring.
COLORED DIAMONDS
Typically diamonds are graded on color on a scale from D-Z. When it falls out of this range it falls under the category of Colored diamonds. They are diamonds that have a distinct body of color when viewed in the upright position. Naturally diamonds can be formed in an array of different colors, and the most common being brown and yellow. Although rare, Colored diamonds can be formed in pink, blue, orange, green, red, and violet. The hue in colored diamonds varies in intensity from faint to fancy vivid. We frequently accent our larger center stone with accents of colored diamonds. We love creating combinations of colors that produce an enticing and unique look. The search for these rare stones, while challenging, adds to the allure of what we find makes them so special!
HOW TO SHOP FOR THE PERFECT DIAMOND
KNOWING THE 4 C'S
Until the middle of the twentieth century, there was no standard by which diamonds could be judged. The Gemological Institute of America created the first, and now globally accepted standard for describing diamonds: Color,Clarity,Carat Weightand Cut. Today, the 4Cs of Diamond Quality is the universal method for assessing the quality of any diamond, anywhere in the world. The introduction of the Diamond 4Cs denoted two very important factors: diamond quality could be communicated in a universal language, and diamond customers could now know exactly what they were purchasing.
DIAMOND CUTS
Until the middle of the twentieth century, there was no standard by which diamonds could be judged. The Gemological Institute of America created the first, and now globally accepted standard for describing diamonds:Color,Clarity,Carat Weightand Cut. Today, the 4Cs of Diamond Quality is the universal method for assessing the quality of any diamond, anywhere in the world. The introduction of the Diamond 4Cs denoted two very important factors: diamond quality could be communicated in a universal language, and diamond customers could now know exactly what they were purchasing.
DIAMOND COLOR
Understanding what diamond color means helps in choosing the right diamond. Interestingly, the diamond color evaluation of most gem-quality diamonds is based on the absence of color. A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue, like a drop of pure water, and therefore resultinging in a higher value. The grading begins at D (falling under the colorless category) and ends in Z (falling under the faint category). The desired color will depend on your preference. Yellow and brown colored diamonds will fall under the “fancy” category after Z, which then continues to be graded from faint to fancy vivid.
DIAMOND CLARITY
Diamond clarity refers to the absence of inclusions or blemishes. To understand diamond clarity, we must first understand natural diamonds are the result of carbon being exposed to tremendous heat and pressure deep in the earth over a prolonged period of time. This lengthy process can result in a variety of internal characteristics called ‘inclusions’ and external characteristics called ‘blemishes.’ Rating diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and the position of these characteristics, and how it affects the overall appearance. If you are trying to determine what is the best clarity for your diamond, remember that no diamond is perfectly pure, but the closer it comes to purity, the better its clarity and the more rare it becomes.
Learn more about diamond clarity terminology HERE.
DIAMOND CARAT SIZE
To put it simply, diamond carat weight measures how much a diamond weighs. Each carat is subdivided into 100 ‘points.’ This allows very precise measurements to the hundredth decimal place. A jeweler may describe the weight of a diamond below one carat by its ‘points’ alone. All else being equal, diamond price increases with diamond carat weight because larger diamonds are rarer and more desirable. However, two diamonds of equal carat weight can have very different values (and prices) depending on three other factors of the diamond.
BRILLIANT CUT
Brilliant Cuts have many more facets than rose cuts which is what gives them their exceptional brilliance. The shape resembles that of a cone - as opposed to the flat bottom of the rose cut - which provides maximized light return through the top of the diamond.
ROSECUT
Rose cuts have a flat bottom with a dome-shaped crown usually featuring 24 facets. Rose cuts have a more diffused and subtle light than the modern brilliant cut diamond with its many facets. Their flat bottom adds to their soft luster. The first rose cuts were made in the 1500s and we love them for their soft, vintage feel.
EMERALD CUT
The step cut of this style gives the stone an architectural strength and sleek look as the parallel lines within the stone look similar to steps. Due to the cut of the facets, it’s recommended to seek higher clarity as the mirrored effect can create illusions of more inclusions in the diamond.
ASSCHER CUT
Although it was first introduced in 1902, the Asscher cut did not become popular until the 1920s. Asscher cuts look similar to emerald cuts due to the step cut facets, however they differ with the most obvious difference being that they are square, as opposed to rectangular. This cut features large step facets and a high crown that produces a brilliance unlike any other diamond shape.
OLD MINE CUT
The old mine cut diamond is the antique diamond cut that was prevalent from the mid-1800s until the early-1900s. It is the predecessor to the modern diamond but has many elements that remain very unique and different. Its most notable features are the bulky uneven shape, the eye-visible culet, and the tiny table. All diamonds which have come to market for the first time in the past 20 years are likely to have been laser cut. At the very least they will have been precision-machine cut. The beauty of old mine cut diamonds is that they were all hand cut.
OLD EUROPEAN CUT
The old European cut diamond is the standard round diamond that was made between 1890 – 1930. Until the mid-1900s, if someone needed a diamond, it had to be cut and measured by hand. They cut and polished their diamonds to maximize sparkle against candlelight.
PEAR CUT
Created in the 1400s, the pear cut diamond still retains its popularity today. The pear diamond—also known as the teardrop or pendeloque cut—is unlike any other diamond cut. It’s a modified brilliant cut, one that blends the Marquise and oval cuts with one rounded end and a point on the other. Its signature silhouette is instantly recognised and much beloved. The pear has a similar faceting structure to the round brilliant cuts; because of this, it retains that coveted fire and brilliance that makes a diamond sparkle.
OVAL CUT
Bursting with brilliance and fire, an Oval Cut Diamond is exquisite and unique. The Oval is considered a “fancy” shape due to the elongated design which makes it appear larger than other shapes of the same carat weight. Oval shaped diamonds have been popular for centuries with the earliest dating back to the 1300s, though they aren’t described by name in literature until the 1800s. Due to their fancy, elongated shape, almost all Oval Cut Diamonds have a bowtie effect. (The dark space stretching across a diamond’s center is considered the bowtie.) The severity of a bowtie differs among diamonds: sometimes it’s easily noticeable, and other times it’s hardly visible. If you enjoy a rounded design, but want a stone with more character, an oval diamond makes a stunning choice.
HEXAGON CUT
A Hexagon diamond is a 6-sided geometric cut. The cut comes in several variations, and can be fashioned into brilliant, step, or rose cuts.
Brilliant Hexagon – This hexagon cut has many facets, structured in a similar way to brilliant cut diamonds. This type of hexagon diamond is highly brilliant with exceptional light performance. Hexagon diamonds with brilliant cuts are much more rare.
Step Cut Hexagon – This is probably the most common cut for hexagon diamonds. It looks similar to the Asscher cut, and is characterized by longer, wider, and open facets arranged in a parallel design. Step cut diamonds have less sparkle than ‘brilliant’ cut diamonds, but their beauty lies in the contrast of light and dark patches and they resemble a mirror effect. The step cut facets of this diamond resembles a more Art Deco design.
Rose Cut Hexagon – Rose cut hexagons are popular, especially for vintage designs. The rose cut is an antique type of cut which has a flat base and a domed top, with varying numbers of facets. It generally makes the diamond look larger than it is. However, it is less brilliant and its beauty lies in its unique look.
CUSHION CUT
The cushion diamond is rectangular or square with rounded edges, creating a softer, pillowy aesthetic (hence the name). The cushion cut is one of the most varied styles available, with a range of facet structures using between 58 and 64 facets. Popular between 1830-1900s, antique cushions were an evolution of the old miner with an open culet, small table, and high crown as well. They have a squarish or rectangular shape, almost like an oval, but with more obvious soft corners. The large open facets show color quite nicely, and the shapes are sophisticated and elegant. There are also a number of “modified” cushion cuts, normally with more specific names such as, chunky cushions, broken glass, crushed ice, pillow cut, square cushions, and rectangular cushions The cushion cut’s versatility and variety offer the chance to get creative, so explore your options and consider your personal style.
MARQUIS CUT
The football-shaped marquise gems are cut in a refined brilliant-cut style. A marquise diamond has 56 facets in an extended elliptical form with a point on either end.The marquise cut originates from the 18th century when King Louis XV of France ordered a jeweler to create a cut that would represent the lips of his lover, Jean Antoinette Poisson Marchioness Madame de Pompadour. Being a “fancy shape” similar to an Oval diamond, the elongated shape will have the same demand for a very good or higher cut standard to avoid the “bowtie effect”. Whether the diamond is set in the more traditional fashion (north-south), or in a more edgy way (facing east-west) the marquise diamond is a remarkable choice for people looking for something distinctive because of its magnificent and unique appearance.