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DIAMOND GRADING, GRADING REPORTS, CUT GRADES AND TERMINOLOGY:
Diamond grading reports are invaluable documents that show in detail a diamond's credentials. They provide a unique fingerprint of a diamond which is a source of vital information to the trained gemologist, jeweler or consumer. A diamond Grading Report will contain a complete quality description of the diamond and will include information on shape, weight, clarity, fluorescence, color grade, measurements, and proportions and finish grade. It will also confirm to that the stone is indeed the genuine article. A Diamond Grading Report enables you to buy your diamond with confidence.
A diamond grading report, however, is only useful if it is reliable and has been issued by a reputable independent laboratory which has no financial interest in the stone. Purchasers can feel confident that their diamond is indeed of the quality Union Diamond represents. An independent gemological laboratory with skilled gemologists who use specialized equipment to measure and evaluate each diamond's particular characteristics and attributes. This information is provided in written form and is called a diamond grading report or diamond quality document (and is commonly referred to as a certificate).
There are several reputable independent grading laboratories; the best known is the Gemological Institute of America's (GIA) Gem Trade Laboratory. The GIA is a non-profit organization whose functions include gemological education and research. Some other well-known laboratories include the American Gem Society (AGS) and the European Gemological Laboratory (EGL). Most diamonds sold by Union Diamond come with a grading report from one of these laboratories.
A grading report also contains the stone's color grade. A diamond's color is evaluated by comparing it to the Gemological Institute of America's color scale, which is based on a set of diamonds of known color. Its grade is listed as a letter of the alphabet from D through Z, with D being the most colorless and having the highest value and Z being yellow in color and having the lowest value. It also lists the diamond's clarity, an evaluation of any natural blemishes or inclusions the stone may have inside or on its surface. The type and location of these blemishes determines the clarity grade, and therefore its value.
The carat weight of the diamond will also be listed on the grading report, rounded to the nearest hundredth of a carat (for example 1.05 ct, 0.95 ct, etc.) The diamond's measurements will also be indicated in millimeters. A grading report also includes a plot that "maps" the diamond's inclusions. These may be listed as "crystals", "feathers", "pinpoints", "naturals", "scratches" and "clouds" among others. Since each diamond is unique, the diagram acts like a fingerprint to identify that particular diamond. A diamond can be compared to its report by examining it under a 10-power loupe.
Not all laboratories grade a diamond's cut or describe the nature of the diamonds inclusions or characteristics. You will, however, find information on its depth and table percentages, girdle thickness, as well as general comments on the stone's polish and symmetry. The AGS does provide an evaluation of a diamond's cut, listed on a scale from 0 to 10, with 0 being cut to 'ideal' proportions and 10 being cut to less-than-ideal. Other laboratories may list the cut as "Excellent", "Very Good", "Good", "Fair" or "Poor". Union Diamond also classifies a diamond by its cut. Union Diamond classifies cut within the following ranges; Select Ideal™, Premium, Very Good, Good and Fair. These cut grades represent Union Diamond's opinion at the time of sale only after review of certain characteristics, measurements and percentages. Union Diamond may also use terminology that is commonly used within the diamond industry. Such comments may include the terms beautiful, eye clean, face up. These terms are used in conjunction with industry best practices but are referred to as an opinion only. These opinions may change from time to time based on changes in grading techniques, equipment and interpretation. Diamond grading is subjective and a customer should always consult the grading certificate as the only source of fact as opinions can and do change from one representative to another as they do from one jeweler to another.
By purchasing from Union Diamond, you fully understand that under no circumstances shall Union Diamond be liable for any indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages of any kind, regardless of the form of action, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), strict product liability or otherwise, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.
WARRANTIES:
Union Diamond Corporation ("Union Diamond") offers a Thirty (30) day return guarantee. Customers may return any item within 30 days from the date of delivery of the merchandise for a full refund. The merchandise must be in new, unused and unworn condition and be accompanied by the original sales receipt, appraisal and accompanying grading certificates. You will need to call 800-325-1251 for a return authorization number. Please be sure to fully insure any package and return it via USPS registered mail. When the item is received in good order, a credit will be issued to those who have paid by credit card or a check issued and mailed via USPS to those who have paid by wire transfer. We cannot be responsible for any item until it is received at our offices. Please be aware that custom orders are non-refundable. A COMPLETE EXPLANATION CAN BE FOUND HERE:
30 Day Return Policy
Union Diamond warrants that all merchandise will be free of workmanship and manufacturing defects. Union Diamond is not responsible for any items that are subjected to excessive wear, abuse, or physical damage whether accidental or otherwise. Diamonds are the hardest substance on earth. They are resistant to damage by heat or scratching, and can be cut or polished only by another diamond. However, an extremely hard blow can cause a diamond to chip. Chipping can also occur when stress is placed on a diamond during setting. unsetting or in a host of other manners. While Union Diamond would never knowingly send a damaged product, we do suggest that you have any item checked by an independent third party jewelry appraiser that does not sell jewelry within the thirty (30) day return period. Once the thirty (30) day return period for the purchase has expired, you will have accepted the item as is. Any repair work performed by anyone other than Union Diamond will void any and all warranties.
We suggest you contact your insurance professional and have the item fully insured as we cannot be held liable for any loss, theft, or damages regardless of how they may occur. Jewelry like any other product requires maintenance and periodic review. We suggest that you have the item thoroughly checked every 3 to 6 months. As always, Union Diamond would be pleased to accommodate these checkups free of charge.
We try hard to ensure that the data on this site is accurate. In the event that the data is inaccurate or an item is marked with the wrong price, we reserve the right to cancel that or any transaction.
We care about our customers and we care about the individuals employed in the mining industry and Union Diamond Corporation fully supports the Kimberly process that has been endorsed and enforced by many diamond producing, manufacturing and importing countries worldwide. The diamonds advertised on this site have been supplied from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nations Resolutions. Union Diamond Corporation hereby guarantees that these diamonds are conflict free, based on personal knowledge and/or written and verbal guarantees provided by any supplier of these diamonds.
By purchasing from Union Diamond, you fully understand that under no circumstances shall Union Diamond be liable for any indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages of any kind, regardless of the form of action, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), strict product liability or otherwise, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.
Governing Law: This Warranty and all transactions and agreements with Union Diamond are governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, regardless of the conflict of laws rules of Georgia, and the applicable laws of the United States of America.
Dispute Resolution: Should any customer of Union Diamond ("Customer") have a dispute with Union Diamond arising from this Warranty or generally from a transaction or agreement with Union Diamond, Customer shall notify Union Diamond of the dispute in writing and reasonably explain the nature of the dispute within five business days of the date the dispute arose. Customer and Union Diamond (the "Parties") will attempt in good faith to resolve the dispute. If the Parties are unable to resolve the dispute within thirty days of Union Diamond's receipt of written notice of the dispute, the Parties agree to attempt to resolve the dispute in Cobb County Georgia under the local rules of the Cobb County Georgia Superior Court. However, the Parties may mutually agree in writing to extend the initial thirty day resolution period before proceeding to mediation. In the event mediation does not resolve the dispute, the Parties irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of any court in Cobb County Georgia or the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The Parties waive any objection to improper venue.
Invalidity of Provision: If any provision or covenant of this Warranty is found to be invalid or unenforceable, such a finding shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision or covenant, and any invalid or unenforceable provisions or covenants shall be deemed to be severable.
Entire Warranty: Customer acknowledges that this Warranty contains all representations and warranties concerning products sold by Union Diamond and that Union Diamond and its representatives have made no other oral or written representations or warranties to Customer.
LEGAL DISCLOSURE:
Union Diamond works hard to proof the information contained on its website. Union Diamond DOES NOT warrant that the information contained in its website be accurate or error free. Any information contained in this website and any printed material including emails sent by Union Diamond may be modified or updated at any time and without notice. All items offered are subject to prior sale. At no time shall Union Diamond be liable or responsible for any of the aforementioned errors, changes, prior sales or updates and may at any time and at its sole discretion change, delete or modify any of its products and services at any time and without prior warning. Union Diamond cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions and reserve the right to modify any item at any time. We do not honor inaccurate or erroneous pricing and all items are subject to prior sale. Any images, metal, carat weights, item descriptions may contain technical inaccuracies or typographical errors and may be changed without notice.
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