Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions “FAQ’s” section, where you’ll find information on how to buy diamonds, jewelry care definitions and more. We hope these references assist you in making informed buying decisions, and we invite you to Contact Us with any further questions.

If I purchase an item on your website and need to return it, what do I do?

We are committed to your 100% satisfaction with each and every piece you select from Peter Indorf Jewelers. In the event you purchase an item from our website and you are not completely thrilled, simply call our toll free number and we will provide you with shipping instructions to return the item. We do request that all items are returned in their original packaging and in new condition within 10 days of delivery.

What do I need to know before buying a diamond?

The Four C’s of Diamonds

Cut
Of the four Cs, cut is perhaps the most important factor affecting a diamond’s overall quality and beauty.  A diamond’s brightness, or its brilliance, is determined by how much light is reflected back to your eyes.  Light enters the stone through the crown, which is the portion of the diamond above the girdle.  The crown is made up of the table, which is the large flat facet on top of the diamond, and many crown facets.  It then travels to the pavilion, or body, of the stone, where it is reflected from one side to the other and then back through the top and to an observer’s eye.

A well cut, well proportioned stone evenly reflects and refracts light within the stone, thereby producing an eye-catching, fiery spectrum of color. A poorly cut diamond, on the other hand, allows more light to pass through or “leak” from the sides of the stone, which results in a lifeless appearance with reduced sparkle.

The science behind diamond cutting is more or less an exercise in proportion.  Changing the proportion of a diamond’s depth and width is done in order to maximize the stone’s brilliance.  If the cut adheres to certain “ideal” proportions, the results can be spectacular.  If poorly cut, the results can be so bad as to cause structural instability, which makes the stone susceptible to breaking.  Because cut is so important, gemologists have developed grading methods to assist consumers in determining a diamond’s cut.  In general, they are:  Ideal, Excellent, Very Good, Good and Fair.

The ideal proportions shown below are known as the Tolkowsky Theoretical Brilliant cut.  In 1919, Marcel Tolkowsky published a paper detailing ideal proportions for a round brilliant diamond.  Modern cutters offer a wide range of opinions on the “ideal” cut, but Tolkowsky’s findings are mathematically indisputable and remain the basis for these modern ideal proportions.

Color
The measurement and comparison of diamond color ranges from colorless to slightly tinted.  However, discerning the subtle differences between sequential color grades can be almost impossible with the naked eye.  For this reason, a letter scale, such as the GIA professional color scale which ranges from D to Z, was created to assist in distinguishing a diamond’s color grade.  Diamonds that are in the “D-F” range are considered colorless.  These diamonds are rarer and more expensive.  Diamonds in the “G-I” range appear completely white to most observers and for this reason can be a better value than colorless diamonds.  Color grades beyond “J” exhibit a yellowish or brownish tint, which is increasingly discernable by the untrained eye as you approach the extreme end of the spectrum.

Carat
A carat is a unit of measure for diamonds, where one carat equals 100 points, or 0.2 grams.  This measurement is referred to as the carat weight and is used to determine a diamond’s size.  Larger diamonds are more rare and therefore more highly valued.  In addition, larger diamonds make it easier to see the effects of other key characteristics, such as cut and color.  Depending on the significance of these other characteristics, diamonds of a similar size (carat weight) may differ dramatically in price.

Clarity
Clarity is most often mistaken as being the factor that determines a diamond’s sparkle and brilliance.  This is not true.  Clarity describes the presence of imperfections, both on and within a diamond.  Most imperfections are microscopic flaws, or “inclusions,” formed inside the diamond during the formation process known as crystallization. Other flaws, however, appear on the surface of a diamond and may have appeared during the cutting process.

Essentially, the clarity grade describes the flawlessness of a diamond; the fewer the imperfections, the higher the clarity grading.  Naturally, these imperfections have an impact on the value of a diamond, particularly those that may be viewed by the naked eye.  In order to find and plot a stone’s flaws, gemologists use at least 10x loupe magnification when grading for clarity.  Clarity grades range from Flawless, which are diamonds that reveal no imperfection even under 10x magnification, to Imperfect 3, which are stones with distinct blemishes visible to the naked eye.  See the chart below for a description of each clarity grading.

FL / IF Flawless or Internally Flawless.

VVS1 / VVS2 Very, Very Small Inclusions. Requires 60X magnification to clearly see inclusions.

VS1 / VS2 Very Small Inclusions. Requires 30X magnification to clearly see inclusions. A good choice for those wishing to balance quality and affordability.

SI1 / SI2 Small Inclusions. Typically requires 10X magnification to clearly see inclusions.  In larger carat weights, SI diamonds sometimes reveal their inclusions to the naked eye.  Nonetheless, as long as you are careful to consider each stone individually, you can often find the best value in an SI1 or SI2 diamond.

I1 Imperfect. Eye-Visible Inclusions.  Often a popular choice for earrings or pendants, as these items are generally scrutinized less than diamond rings.  Also a popular choice for those shopping on a budget.

I2 / I3 Imperfect.  Not recommended for any practical jewelry application.

What are the differences between platinum, palladium and white gold?

This is one of the questions we are most frequently asked, particularly by bridal clients who are selecting a piece to be worn and cherished for a lifetime. Platinum, palladium and white gold are distinct metals with different properties.  Choosing the right metal is a personal decision, but let’s take a look at each metal individually.

Platinum is the purest and rarest of the precious metals used in jewelry today. All of the platinum in the world would fit into a typical size living room. Platinum is a very dense metal and many people like the heft it has when worn in jewelry, particularly rings. Platinum is naturally white and will not discolor over time; however, it is a softer metal and will achieve a patina. This patina will cause the platinum to appear slightly duller than the bright, high polish finish it has in the beginning. Despite the fact platinum is slightly softer than other metals, it is the most durable of the precious metals. Platinum is also hypoallergenic and is the perfect option for those with skin allergies. Based on all of the properties of platinum including its rarity, purity and durability, it is the ideal metal for bridal jewelry or pieces that will be worn on a daily basis.

Palladium has recently regained popularity in the jewelry market. The last time palladium was used heavily in jewelry was during World War II when platinum was restricted and was only to be used for the war effort. Palladium is a member of the platinum group of metals and has many of the same properties as platinum including durability and being hypoallergenic. The two most noticeable differences between palladium and platinum are the fact that palladium is not as dense as platinum so it feels much lighter and palladium has a slightly greyer color than the bright white of platinum. Palladium is a great option for our brides who love the properties of platinum, but want something a bit lighter.

White gold is perhaps one of the best known options for white metal. White gold is actually yellow gold that has alloys added to it to whiten it. Most white gold is also plated with a metal known as rhodium (another platinum family metal) to give it a bright, mirror like finish. White gold is a beautiful option for those who prefer white metal in their jewelry. Two important pieces of information regarding white gold are the fact that white gold can slightly discolor over time gaining a yellowish glow that is really the yellow gold showing through and white gold may contain nickel as an alloy. Some people have a nickel allergy and are unable to wear white gold for this reason. Many new pieces are made with palladium as an alloy instead of nickel so this allergy issue should be reduced over time.

Each of these precious white metals possesses its own unique beauty. If you would like assistance selecting the perfect metal for your item, please contact one of our experts and we will be glad to assist you.

What is a traditional anniversary gift to give?

Tradition tells us that each wedding anniversary should be celebrated by giving your loved one a gift made from a different material.  Paper symbolizes the first year of marriage, but with each passing year,the gifts become more precious or more rare.  This progression is meant to symbolize the growth in a couple’s relationship through the years.

The origins of the traditional list are not known, however, some of the traditions are believed to date back to medieval times.  Today we accompany these traditions with a more modern list that not only offers greater variety, but in many cases, puts a higher value on earlier anniversaries.  In addition, a list of jewelry and gemstone traditions offers recommendations for those who prefer to adorn their loved one with something truly precious each year.

YEAR	TRADITIONAL	MODERN	JEWELRY / GEMS
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 20th 25th 30th 35th 40th 45th 50th 55th 60th	Paper Cotton Leather Linen / Silk Wood Iron Wool / Copper Bronze Pottery / China Tin / Aluminum Steel Silk Lace Ivory Crystal China Silver Pearl Coral Ruby Sapphire Gold Emerald Diamond	Clocks China Crystal / Glass Appliances Silverware Wood Desk Sets Linen / Lace Leather Diamond Jewelry Fashion Jewelry Pearls Textiles / Furs Gold Jewelry Watches Platinum Sterling Diamond Jade Ruby Sapphire Gold Emerald Diamond	Gold Jewelry Garnet Pearls Blue Topaz Sapphire Amethyst Onyx Tourmaline Lapis Diamonds Turquoise Jade Citrine Opal Ruby Peridot Silver Jubilee Pearl Jubilee Emerald Ruby Sapphire Golden Jubilee Alexandrite Diamond Jubilee

What are the traditionally gemstones associated with one’s birth month or sign of the zodiac?

JANUARY	FEBRUARY	MARCH
GARNET	AMETHYST	AQUAMARINE
Ancient / Traditional Hebrew: Garnet Roman: Garnet Arabic: Garnet Hindu: Serpent Stone Polish: Garnet Russian: Garnet	Ancient / Traditional Hebrew: Amethyst Roman: Amethyst Arabic: Amethyst Hindu: Chandrakanta Polish: Garnet Russian: Garnet	Ancient / Traditional Hebrew: Bloodstone Roman: Bloodstone Arabic: Bloodstone Hindu: Gold Siva-linga Polish: Bloodstone Russian: Bloodstone
APRIL	MAY	JUNE
DIAMOND	EMERALD	PEARL/ Alexandrite
Ancient / Traditional Hebrew: Sapphire Roman: Sapphire Arabic: Sapphire Hindu: Diamond Polish: Diamond Russian: Sapphire	Ancient / Traditional Hebrew: Agate Roman: Agate Arabic: Emerald Hindu: Emerald Polish: Emerald Russian: Emerald	Ancient / Traditional Hebrew: Emerald Roman: Emerald Arabic: Agate Hindu: Pearl Polish: Agate Russian: Emerald
JULY	AUGUST	SEPTEMBER
RUBY	PERIDOT / SARDOYNX	SAPPHIRE
Ancient / Traditional Hebrew: Onyx Roman: Onyx Arabic: Carnelian Hindu: Sapphire Polish: Ruby Russian: Ruby	Ancient / Traditional Hebrew: Carnelian Roman: Carnelian Arabic: Sardonyx Hindu: Ruby Polish: Sardonyx Russian: Alexandrite	Ancient / Traditional Hebrew: Peridot Roman: Peridot Arabic: Peridot Hindu: Zircon Polish: Peridot Russian: Peridot
OCTOBER	NOVEMBER	DECEMBER
OPAL / TOURMALINE	TOPAZ / CITRINE	ZIRCON / TURQUOISE
Ancient / Traditional Hebrew: Aquamarine Roman: Aquamarine Arabic: Aquamarine Hindu: Coral Polish: Aquamarine Russian: Beryl	Ancient / Traditional Hebrew: Topaz Roman: Topaz Arabic: Topaz Hindu: Cat's Eye Polish: Topaz Russian: Topaz	Ancient / Traditional Hebrew: Ruby Roman: Ruby Arabic: Ruby Hindu: Topaz Polish: Turquoise Russian: Turquoise

How can I take care of my jewelry at home?

The best way to clean your Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby jewelry at home is to use this simple recipe:

- Mix 5 parts water, 1 part ammonia and 1 part Mr. Clean in a small enamel pot
- Put the pot on the stove and heat to boiling
- Open a paperclip so it forms a double -sided hook. Hang the paperclip over the edge of the pot so your jewelry is suspended in the fluid but does NOT touch the bottom of the pot
- Reduce the heat to simmer and allow the jewelry to soak for 15 to 20 minutes and then brush it with a soft toothbrush

** It is important to keep an eye on your jewelry while it is cleaning to make sure it does not touch the bottom of the pot as this could possibly burn or damage your gemstones

** This solution can be allowed to cool and can be stored in a jar for use again in the future

I can’t get my rings off easily anymore, what should I do?

This is a common problem that many individuals experience over time. There are two ways to solve this problem. The most common method is to increase the size of the ring through adding additional metal until the ring will slide on comfortably over your knuckle. This method works well, but if your knuckle is significantly larger than the base of your finger the ring will move freely when it is on your finger. The other option is to install a shank (the part of the ring that goes around your finger) that opens so you can put the ring on and then closes snuggly around the base of your finger. This option allows us to size your ring to the correct size for the base of your finger regardless of the size of your knuckle. This way if your knuckle continues to grow, you will not need to continue sizing your ring unless the base of your finger changes over time.

Why should I insure my jewelry?

Whenever you make a large purchase such as a house, or car, you take steps to protect your investment. It makes sense to do the same for your jewelry. We will happily provide you with an appraisal or a proof of sale documentation for you to use to insure your jewelry. We recommend that you consider Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company for protecting your jewelry from loss, theft, mysterious disappearance and manufacturer’s defect. For additional information on jewelry insurance, please contact one of our experts.

What should I look for in an Appraiser?

The American Gem Society
Certified Gemologist Appraiser
Providing the Expertise & Professionalism You Require

The Industry Elite
A jewelry appraisal can be among the most important documents you will ever acquire.  Appraisals and reports are used by insurance companies, banks, governmental agencies and the courts, and must meet certain requirements for each purpose.  You need a recognized professional who can provide accurate information and reliable documentation of the quality and value of your jewelry.

That’s why it is in your best interest to work with an unbiased appraiser you can trust an American Gem Society Certified Gemologist Appraiser.

A Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA) is recognized throughout the jewelry industry as an appraisal authority.  The title of CGA is the highest awarded by the American Gem Society.  It is bestowed upon only those retail jewelers who comply with the American Gem Society Appraisal Standards and have proven expertise and professionalism.

Proven Expertise in Gemological Identification & Evaluation
An accurate gemological identification and evaluation of your jewelry is the reason you turn to an appraiser.  When you work with an American Gem Society Certified Gemologist Appraiser, you are dealing with a professional jeweler possessing the highest credentials.

The Certified Gemologist Appraiser has passed a comprehensive examination, including an actual appraisal containing a variety of gemstones and gem materials.  Passing the appraisal test requires accurate gemological identification and grading.  Precise descriptions of the jewelry, formal documentation and accuracy of value conclusions are required through an appraisal report.  This appraisal is necessary to meet the professional appraisal standards of the American Gem Society.  Continuing education in the field of appraisals is required to retain one’s title and membership. The American Gem Society requires that a recertification exam be passed each year to prove continued proficiency and familiarity with new developments in the industry.

Professional Appraisals to Meet Your Needs
Whether used for insurance purposes, banks, governmental agencies or the courts, an appraisal or report must meet certain requirements and contain the pertinent information. Specific equipment is also needed to perform an accurate gem or metal identification.  For this reason, an on-site American Gem Society Accredited Gem Laboratory is required of all American Gem Society Certified Gemologist Appraisers.

What to Look For in An Appraiser
When you obtain a jewelry appraisal or report, you have every right to expect professional treatment.  Look for an appraiser who provides you with:
*An estimated fee that is not based on the final appraised value of your jewelry.

*A professionally executed appraisal or report, using the methodology warranted by the purpose of the appraisal.

*A clearly explained description of any grading system used for evaluating either diamonds or gemstones, in language you understand.

*Identifying diamond plotting and/or photographs of the jewelry item(s), if  warranted.

*A statement of total value, applied to the appraisal or report in a manner that it  cannot be altered such as with a seal.

*A clear explanation of the appraisal or reports limitations of use. (For example, an appraisal performed for insurance purposes can be used for that purpose only.)

*A courteous and respectful discussion, during which any questions you have are answered.

To be sure your appraisal or report will meet these considerations, turn to an American Gem Society Certified Gemologist Appraiser.

The American Gem Society
As a member of the American Gem Society, each Certified Gemologist Appraiser pledges to uphold the highest standards of ethics, knowledge and consumer protection.