Diamonique Diamonds - The Cultured Diamond

Diamonique is a type of simulated diamond and is the brand name used by QVC shopping network. In other words, it is sold exclusively by QVC, although secondhand products are sold by other websites.

This stone belongs to the category of Cubic Zirconia (CZ). It is considered as a cheaper substitute for real diamonds since they can be bought for a few dollars as compared to real diamonds costing thousands of dollars. Like the real ones, Diamonique diamonds also come in different cuts and shapes including round, cushion, radiant etc.

Real diamonds are considered as the hardest gemstone and measure 10 on Moh’s scale. (Moh’s scale is used for measurement of hardness of a gemstone.) Similarly, Diamonique diamond measure 8.5 which are similar to natural sapphire and ruby gemstones and are marginally less hard as compared to real diamonds. Hence hardness is one of the positive traits of Diamonique diamonds.

Weight of Diamonique diamonds is more than that of real ones. So when real and these diamonds of same size/carat are weighed, the real diamonds will be lighter hence distinguishing them from each other.

Image Source: http://images-p.qvc.com/is/image/j/23/j14192301

Diamonique diamonds are also available in an extensive range of fancy colors hence giving buyers a wider option of such diamonds.

To determine the quality of these diamonds, QVC provides detailed information about its 6Cs. In addition to the 4Cs –Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat, QVC considers Cost and Confidence of the diamond. Cost indicates that the stone is available at a fraction of cost than the real one and Confidence assures that the fact that it is a simulated diamond cannot be determined by untrained eye since it is set in precious metal.

Diamond Fluorescence - Identify the right diamond

The term ‘diamond fluorescence’ also called as ‘photoluminescence of a diamond’ refers to behavior of the diamond when exposed to ultra violet (UV) light. UV Light causes objects to glow or fluoresce.

Along with the 4C’s of a diamond, its fluorescence is considered as one of the factors used to determine its quality. Diamond Fluorescence can be graded from none, faint, negligible, moderate to strong or very strong. Usually moderate or strong fluorescence affects a diamond's appearance resulting in low clarity or slight haziness, hence making the diamond cost cheaper than lower fluorescent diamonds.

Image Courtesy: http://www.blueminer.com/images/diamond-fluorescence.jpg

Arguments have continued among gemologists about how fluorescence affects the quality of the stone. Some gemologists say that this factor should not be considered while purchasing the stone as it least affects its appearance. Additionally, according to some gemologists, higher fluorescence results in enhanced beauty of the diamond while some believe vice-versa. Hence this factor is considered as a negative trait by some of the gemologists and consumers while a positive one by the rest.

The colors produced by the fluorescence of the diamond are usually blue, white or yellow. The color which is seen more often is blue. The least noticed colors are yellow and white. These specifics are true for colorless diamonds. Colored ones emit different shades/colors depending on their original color. For example, Pink colored diamonds emit bright orange color when subjected to UV light.

Even though a strong fluorescence may make a diamond look more sparkling and brilliant depending on its color and clarity, while buying a loose diamond or diamond jewelry, it is usually advised to go for none or faintly fluorescent diamond to be on a safer side.