Posted on

Abraded Culet

An abraded culet refers to a diamond culet (the small facet at the bottom of the diamond) that has been damaged or worn down, usually due to the cutting process or handling. The culet is the very tip of the diamond, and an abraded culet can appear as a tiny, flattened area or may have small chips, wear, or nicks around it.

How an Abraded Culet Happens:
Cutting Process: During the diamond cutting process, if the culet is not carefully polished, it can become abraded. This happens when the final facet is not smoothed out completely, or if excessive pressure or friction is applied during cutting.
Handling: Over time, if a diamond is improperly handled, the culet can also become abraded. For example, the diamond may rub against other surfaces, or the culet may come into contact with something hard, leading to wear or damage.
Impact on the Diamond:
Aesthetic Appearance:

While an abraded culet is not usually visible when the diamond is set in jewelry, it can affect the diamond’s overall symmetry and appearance when viewed closely, particularly under magnification.
The abraded culet may cause a slight loss of brilliance in the area around the tip of the diamond, as light may not reflect as efficiently from the damaged facet.
Durability:

A severely abraded culet can compromise the diamond’s durability. Since the culet is at the tip of the diamond, it is one of the most vulnerable parts of the stone, especially in a loose setting. If the culet is excessively damaged, it could become chipped or fractured under stress.
Value:

The presence of an abraded culet can sometimes impact the diamond’s value, as it can be seen as a flaw in the cut or finish. However, this is typically only a concern in diamonds that are graded with high precision, such as those graded by institutions like DCLA.
How to Identify an Abraded Culet:
Magnification: An abraded culet is most often detected using a loupe (a small magnifying lens) at 10x magnification. It may appear as small chips or a flattened area at the bottom point of the diamond.
Grading Report: A DCLA report may note an abraded culet as a specific characteristic of the diamond’s finish. However, not all instances of culet abrasion are significant enough to be mentioned on a grading report.
Preventing and Repairing Abraded Culet:
Precaution during Cutting: Careful cutting and polishing are essential to prevent the culet from becoming abraded in the first place. Skilled diamond cutters will ensure that the culet is polished without unnecessary pressure or abrasion.
Repair: If a diamond already has an abraded culet, a skilled jeweller or diamond cutter may be able to polish or re-cut the culet to restore its shape and reduce the appearance of damage. However, this may alter the diamond’s proportions slightly and can affect its overall appearance.
Is an Abraded Culet a Major Concern?
For most buyers, an abraded culet is not a significant concern unless it is extensive and impacts the diamond’s overall appearance or durability.
If you’re purchasing a diamond and are worried about an abraded culet, it is always advisable to request a DCLA or other gemological report to ensure the diamond’s cut and finish are of high quality.

Posted on

If I buy a certified diamond, how do I know that the diamond in my ring is the one described on the diamond certificate or diamond grading report?

There are a number of ways to verify that your diamond matches the diamond certificate it is purchased with. If you purchased a diamond that is laser inscribed, ask your jeweller to show you the laser inscription under magnification. This way, you will always be able to identify the diamond as your own.

DCLA also performs a verification service, for both DCLA certified diamonds and for diamonds certified by other internationally recognised laboratories. Bring  or send your diamond, together with the diamond grading certificate, to the DCLA laboratory and the diamond will be conclusively matched against the certificate. DCLA can then cold laser inscribe the diamond with either the diamond grading certificate number, or with a personalised message.

Posted on

Do you keep a record of my diamond grading certificate?

A complete database is kept of all diamonds certified by the DCLA laboratory. Each diamond that is submitted to the laboratory for grading is issued with a unique, individual DCLA number; this number is used both to track the diamond as it progresses through the laboratory, and also as a reference number for identification once it leaves the laboratory.

Posted on

I have a diamond “valuation,” is this not the same as a diamond certificate?

A diamond valuation is only done once the diamond has been set in the ring. Inclusions are hidden, colour is obscured, carat weight and measurements have to be estimated. This makes it impossible to determine the exact characteristics (4 C’s) of the diamond and consequently the “valuation” can be significantly different to the actual value.  In fact most valuations have the following disclaimer: “Gemstones have not been removed from settings for accurate assessment, all grades and weights are approximate.” Often these insurance valuations are used as selling tools by jewellers; for example, when selling a diamond ring for $10 000 a jeweller may present a valuation for $15 000. The customer will think he is getting a very good deal, however the diamond ring had never ever been sold at that value.

Posted on

What are “synthetic” diamonds?

Synthetic diamonds or “man-made” diamonds are created in a laboratory using either HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition). The DCLA will only certify natural, untreated diamonds and therefore will not certify synthetic stones.

Posted on

What other security measures does the DCLA offer ?

You can have your certified diamond sealed in a DCLA Certicard ® Seal which will provide a further safeguard against your stone being substituted. The seal has a number of security features including electrostatic security bars, pressure-sensitive transparent adhesive and Cryptoprint® text which becomes visible after opening the seal. It is therefore very difficult to tamper with the seal. This sealing will also protect your diamond against damage and dirt.

Posted on

Can you identify the latest diamond simulants, diamond treatments, and synthetic diamonds?

The DCLA uses the latest equipment and technology to detect and conclusively identify treated diamonds, synthetic diamonds, and fake diamond simulants. All diamonds that are submitted for grading to the DCLA laboratory are screened for treatment and authenticity. Diamonds that require further testing are then examined and tested on advanced equipment to conclusively determine their authenticity.