In school, getting a “D” is not something that a student strives for. However, in the diamond hierarchy, a D-grade is the highest honor bestowed on the popular gemstone and much desired by individuals. Baribault Jewelers – a third-generation, family-owned, fine jewelry company in Glastonbury, Connecticut – is offering a free educational seminar on the different diamond grades Thursday through Saturday, April 21 through 23, in honor of the sparkly birthstone of the month.
“All diamonds are not equal,” Baribault Jewelers owner Lewis Baribault Jr. said in a statement. “When you look at a D-grade diamond, you can see the difference in radiance right away. “Since (D-grade diamonds) are completely clear and colorless, they reflect the most light and create the most sparkle, making them the most in demand stones.”
Although many people assume that diamonds are transparent and colorless, Baribault emphasizes that most have a hint of color. Their pigmentation may range from a slight tint invisible to the naked eye to darker colors that are more obvious. D-color diamonds are often referred to as white diamonds, because they truly are completely colorless both to the naked eye and under magnification, hence earning them the highest rating on the color scale.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) developed the diamond color grading scale in the 1950s to build trust when trading diamonds. The scale ranges from D to Z, starting with the stones that appear colorless even when viewed under a microscope. Since D-color diamonds are the highest on the color scale, they are extremely rare with only a small percentage available to the public.
In business for nearly 75 years, Baribault Jewelers has curated one of the largest collections of D-grade diamonds in the U.S., offering the gemstones in engagement rings, earrings, pendants, wedding bands and bracelets with a price point starting at less than $100.
“You probably will never be able to go into any jewelry store in the world and see this many white diamonds and that’s what really sets us apart,” Baribault said. “We’ve dedicated an entire showcase to them and are excited to make them accessible to the entire Connecticut community.”
For more, visit baribaultjewelers.com.
