Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
24k gold is pure gold. 18k gold is 18/24th pure or 75% pure gold and 25% alloy (Silver, Copper, and Zinc). 14k is 14/24th pure or about 58% pure, and 42% alloy (again a combination of Silver, Copper, and Zinc). Since 18k has about 20% more pure gold, 18k jewelry is more valuable and has more of a yellow/gold color and luster. Furthermore, 18k is denser (due to its higher gold content) which also relates to its increase in price. On the other hand, many people prefer 14k gold over 18k because of its light yellow/gold look.
A pendant is a piece of jewelry that is designed to hang from a chain, whereas a pin is designed to "pin" onto, for example, a blouse.
The most accurate way to get your finger sized is through a local jeweler. We can also send you a plastic ring sizer if you prefer-please email us via the "contact us" link.
We use white gold for all of the settings on our diamond constellation/astrological-sign jewelry. White gold is still alloyed with the same amount of pure gold (please see the FAQ about the difference between 14k and 18k gold) however, it is also alloyed with a substantial amount of Nickel, which creates a color that resembles silver.
Please keep in mind that diamonds are a compromise. You could own a 1 carat, N color, I clarity, diamond, that is relatively worthless, or you could own a 1 carat, D color, FL clarity, that is extremely valuable. We have decided that G Color and VS clarity are the best combination for all of the diamonds at A.G.A. Correa & Son. These diamonds are exceptional stones, yet still affordable.
All diamonds that are sold with A.G.A. Correa & Son jewelry must meet our strict standards.
Clarity
The following six categories, courtesy of the Gemological Institute of America, make up the clarity grades of a diamond.
- FL (or flawless) indicates that the diamond does not have any inclusions (tiny crystals and clouds which naturally occur in most diamonds) visible under a 10x jeweler's loupe. These diamonds are rare and very valuable.
- IF (or internally flawless) indicates that the diamond is internally flawless but does have minor surface blemishes visible under a 10x jeweler's loupe.
- V-VS1,V-VS2. This grade indicates that the diamond has very, very small inclusions, visible under a 10x jeweler's loupe.
- VS1,VS2. This grade indicates that the diamond has very small inclusions, again, only visible with a 10x loupe.
- SI1,SI2. This grade indicates that the diamond has small inclusions that can be visible to the naked eye.
- I1,I2,I3. This grade indicates that the diamond is imperfect and has inclusions that are definitely visible to the naked eye.
A.G.A. Correa & Son only uses the exceptional VS clarity grade diamonds.
Carat
Carat weight is the standard measure for determining the size of a diamond. Carat weight is normally measured using a point system where 100 points equals 1 carat. The carat weight of our diamonds obviously depends on which piece of jewelry you are interested in. For example, our diamond constellation Leo is 102 points or 1.02 carats.
Color
The more colorless the diamond, the greater it's value. Please refer to the following GIA (Gemological Institute of America) color grade chart to understand the various diamond colors.
GIA Color grade chart (D is the most colorless):
- D, E, or F are colorless.
- G, H, I, or J are near colorless.
- K, L, or M have a faint yellow color.
- N, O, P, Q and R have a very light yellow color.
- S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, and Z have a light yellow color.
All of the diamonds that are used for A.G.A. Correa & Son jewelry are the exceptional G color.
Please keep in mind that diamonds are a compromise. You could own a 1 carat, N color, I clarity, diamond, that is relatively worthless, or you could own a 1 carat, D color, FL clarity, that is extremely valuable. We have decided that G Color and VS clarity are the best combination for all of the diamonds at A.G.A. Correa & Son. These diamonds are exceptional stones, yet still affordable.
Cut & Style
All of our diamonds are cut to perfection to allow maximum brilliance and an extraordinary reflection of light. Additionally, all of our stones are cut in the beautiful round brilliant style.
Yes, we do special orders all the time. Please call 800-341-0788, Monday through Friday, 10-5 EST, or email anytime regarding any questions with respect to special orders.
If you are interested in crossing your personal flag with a yacht club burgee or other flag, the personal flag should always be on the right (when looking at the piece). However, there is one exception to this rule: if the yacht club burgee has a design (the letter P, for example) that would not look right if shown on the left, it is acceptable to put the yacht club burgee on the right-hand side and the personal flag on the left-hand side.
Yes, the price would be half that of a pair. To place the order via the Internet, please enter the order as usual for a full pair of earrings but in the note field of the order form please indicate that you're only interested in a half-pair. We will then process your order accordingly.