WE ARE BROKEN

Archive for the ‘broken arrow’ Category

Diamond Cut…The Basics: Step 1 – Understanding diamond “certs”

Chapter 2

If you are going to purchase a diamond, and know what you are getting when you purchase it, you need to be able to understand the information that is presented on a “lab grading report”, and how the information was obtained. Having this knowledge will further assist you to know if any follow up/independent data, presented to you by the jeweler, in conjunction with a “lab grading report”, is valid and accurate.

Here are several examples of “lab grading reports”. To gain a better understanding of how information is broken down on a lab report, we will examine one line by line.

NOTE: We will not be discussing the relevance of this information to the diamond’s cut quality, as that will be done in detail later on in this tutorial.

GIA Lab Grading Report

Figure 2.1



EGL USA Lab Grading Report

Figure 2.2



For the purposes of this tutorial, we will examine the AGS Lab Grading Report. Most reports have similar information on them and are simply arranged differently. Immediately below is the full copy of the “lab grading report”. Since the lettering on this report is quite small, we have included enlarged portions of the report below that will allow us to examine the information contained in this report more closely.

AGS Lab Grading Report

Figure 2.3



Figure 2.4



Figure 2.5



Figure 2.6



If we examine Figure 2.4, we see that this area of the report displays the basic information about the diamond. Let’s break this down point by point

•    Shape and Style

o    Simply stated, the shape and style of the stone…in this case Round Brilliant.

•    Measurements

o    These are the measurements of the diamond in millimeters. The three numbers that make up the measurements given on the report are the 1) Maximum diameter of the stone, 2) Minimum diameter of the stone, 3) and the Depth of the stone. The diameter is the width of the stone as measured through the girdle. The Depth is the distance between the Table Facet and the Culet. NOTE: The average diameter measurements are very important, as most measurements expressed in percentages on a “lab grading report” are based on the average diameter measurement.

•    Cut Grade

o    This is the section that deals with the overall cut grade given by the laboratory grading the diamond. Different laboratories grade diamonds differently…these different grading methods will be discussed in detail later on in this tutorial.

o    On this report we can see the different categories…

•    Light Performance

•    This is the grade given to this diamond based on how it performed in the light reflection, brilliance, and other light performance analysis that it was subjected to during the grading process.

•    Proportion Factors   

•    In addition to testing diamonds for light performance, this laboratory also applies strict proportion standards to diamonds. It takes into account measurements such as depth, table, crown angle, pavilion angle, and minor facet measurements. The grade given to each diamond in this section is based on how well each of these measurements fit into the ranges prescribed by the grading laboratory.

•    Finish

•    Finish is comprised of two separate and distinct factors, polish and symmetry.

o    Polish

•    Polish is exactly what it sounds like…it is the polish work on the outside of the stone. After a cutter finishes the cutting and shaping of the diamond, he must polish the diamond to remove the marks made during the cutting of the stone, and give each facet a clear and highly reflective surface. This polish is graded on each facet, and only diamonds with exceptional polish across the whole diamond can receive the laboratory’s highest grade.

o    Symmetry

•    Symmetry is a factor that receives a lot of attention. There are different kinds of symmetry that pertain to a diamond, and it is important to understand each one, as they are completely different and affect the diamond in totally different ways. The symmetry that is graded on the lab report is the external symmetry of the diamond. It takes into account factors such as facet point alignment, table centering, facet alignment, consistency of facet shapes, etc.

•    Color Grade

o    This section deals with the color of the gem. Color is discussed in Emma Parker & Co.’s Diamond Tutorial. For questions about color, please refer to that tutorial.

•    Clarity Grade

o    This section deals with the color of the gem. Clarity is discussed in Emma Parker & Co.’s Diamond Tutorial. For questions about clarity, please refer to that tutorial.

•    Carat Weight

o    This section deals with the color of the gem. Carat weight is discussed in Emma Parker & Co.’s Diamond Tutorial. For questions about carat weight, please refer to that tutorial.

NOTE: A very important fact to understand about Color and Clarity is that the grading standards vary widely from on grading laboratory to another. Some of have much stricter standards than others, and this is something that should be carefully considered before purchasing a diamond.

Looking at Figure 2.5, we can see a proportion map of the diamond, with basic proportion and measurement data. The first thing that we notice when looking at this, is that the only two standards of measurements used are Percentages and Degrees. The very first measurement of the diamond is the 100%, which is equal to the average diameter of the stone at its widest point, the girdle. It is based off of this percentage that all of the other percentage measurements are calculated.

Directly under this measurement, we can see the 55.4% measurement. This is the diameter of the Table Facet, expressed in a percentage of the total average diameter.

The vertical line along the left had diamond is the measurement of the Total Depth of the diamond, again, expressed as a percentage of the total average diameter, in this case, 61.9%

The vertical line along the right side of the diamond, broken into three different measurements essentially breaks down the factors that make up the total depth of the diamond. These three factors are called Crown Height, Girdle Thickness, and Pavilion Depth.  In this case you can see the three measurements are as follows.

•    Crown Height – 15.5%

•    Girdle Thickness – 1.6% to 4.4%

•    Pavilion Depth – 42.8%

The two angle measurements on the left hand side of the graph are the Crown Angle and Pavilion Angle measurements. In this case, the Crown Angle is 34.8 degrees, and the Pavilion angle is 40.6 degrees.

The two numbers in the diamond represent facet length measurements.  The measurement in the small facets on top is the Star Facet Length, and the measurement in the slightly larger facets on the bottom is the Lower Girdle Facet Length. For this diamond, the Star Facets measure 51% and the Lower Girdle Facet’s measure 75%.

It is very important to understand that these two percentages are not calculated against the total depth. Rather Star Facet Lengths are expressed as a percentage of the total distance between the edge of the Table and the edge of the Girdle. Lower Girdle Facet Lengths are expressed in a percentage of the total distance between the Culet and the edge of the Girdle. (See illustration below)

Star Fact Measurement

The Green arrow, in Figure 2.7, represents 100% of the distance from the edge of the TABLE to the edge of the GIRDLE. The STAR FACET measurement is expressed as a percentage of the total measurement.

Figure 2.
7



Lower Girdle Facet Measurement

The green arrow in Figure 2.8 represents 100% of the distance between the edge of the GIRDLE and the CULET. The LOWER GIRDLE FACET measurement is expressed as a percentage of the total measurement.

Figure 2.8



Lastly at the bottom, we see the Culet Size. This is almost always expressed as a word. Culet sizes vary including sizes of None, Pointed, Very Small, Small, Medium, etc.

The last graphic we see, Figure 2.6, is the Clarity Plot of the diamond. This is where the grading inclusions, that were visible at 10x magnification, are plotted by the grader. Clarity has already been discussed in brief in the Emma Parker & Co. Diamond Tutorial, however there are some simple hints to help you spot important information on the Clarity Plot. All inclusions plotted in RED INK are INTERNAL inclusions. All inclusions plotted in GREEN INK are EXTERNAL inclusions.

This basic walk through of the information that is listed on a lab grading report will give you a good foundation in what information you will be presented with later on in this tutorial, and what each measurement relates to. In the following chapters we are going to dig deeper into cut, what to look for in a great cut, what tools and reports are useful in looking for a good cut and how to read them, and more.

Written by Timothy Andre, Emma Parker & Co.     www.emmaparkerdiamonds.com

With the backdrop of the majestic Gore Range for your Beaver Creek wedding, you will experience the serenity of saying “I Do” with the Colorado Rockies as your witness. Imagine the warm summer breeze gently flowing across your vale as you and your spouse bring together friends and family to witness your union. This is what a Beaver Creek, Colorado wedding is all about. Here are some tips for planning the perfect wedding in the Rocky Mountains.

When it comes to Beaver Creek weddings, there are options options and more options. It can seem daunting, but if you organize your big day in advance, all the components will come together perfectly. From choosing a Beaver Creek wedding venue to selecting wedding photographers in the Vail Valley, here are some tips for Beaver Creek wedding planning.

First and foremost, you should sort out what type of lodging you and your guests would fit most appropriately in. Beaver Creek lodging is available in a variety of selections. Experience the comfort of a mountain lodge, the extravagance of a full service resort or the intimacy of a quaint mountain ceremony. Looking for a small intimate wedding? Many of the hotels and condo rentals offer a private ambiance for unique gatherings. These wedding venues in Beaver Creek provide you with many opportunities to express your sense of style and personality.

If you book an Beaver Creek, Colorado hotel, your guests have the luxury of staying under one roof. This allows the wedding party to be close at hand in case any last minute circumstances arise. Many of the hotels in Beaver Creek offer restaurants and lodges for your wedding party to hang out in prior to the big day.

Beaver Creek condo rentals offer participants of the wedding to relax in the comfort of your own accommodation. With full kitchens and plenty of living space, condo rentals are an excellent choice for those looking for a little more space than standard hotel rooms provide.

Beaver Creek, Colorado wedding venues fall into several categories. Some find the cozy ambiance of a Beaver Creek lodge the ideal venue for their special day. On the other hand, grand, full service hotels offer everything from the wedding ceremony to the reception. Beaver Creek Wedding Chapel

The Beaver Creek Chapel in Beaver Creek, Colorado is an non-denominational Interfaith chapel located directly in main Village. Get married with the calm sound of the nearby creek which is directly next to the chapel. An intimate, peaceful space, the chapel seats 200 and is built of stone and wood with large windows featuring mountain and village vistas

Allie’s Cabin is a favorite for groups and weddings. With incredible views of the Beaver Creek valley this unique location offers ample room for medium to large wedding venues. Allie’s Cabin is located in an aspen grove on Beaver Creek Mountain. The Cabin is named after Allie Townsend, known in the 19th century as the “First Lady” of Beaver Creek. Allie’s cabin is an intimate location for weddings and can hold a capacity of up to 100 guests.

Getting to Beano’s Cabin is half the fun. During the summer months, warm weather offers a scenic hour-long horseback ride or wagon ride. Named after one of the valley’s original pioneers, Frank Bienkowski, Beano’s is a magnificent log cabin set against sweeping views of Grouse Mountain and the Gore Range. An excellent location for weddings, Beano’s Cabin has a capacity of 150 guests.

The Broken Arrow is a new venue for weddings in the area. This comfortable yet elegant space in Arrowhead is specially designed for group gatherings and weddings. With a wonderful mountain lodge ambiance, Broken Arrow’s large patio features a crackling fire pit and offers views of the resort. Broken Arrow can hold up to 275 guests.

The Spruce Saddle Lodge rests at the top of the Centennial Express Chairlift. Spruce Saddle Lodge is an iconic venue for weddings with its breathtaking scenery and mountain charm. Built in 1982, it is one of the original resort structures, and at 10,200 feet, offers unrivaled views of the Gore Range and Eagle River Valley. Spruce Saddle is one of the larger venues in Beaver Creek and can hold up to 600 people. Guests have the option of taking the chairlift directly up to the Lodge or chartering a shuttle.

Simply put – Beaver Creek weddings are remarkable. Silhouetted by the Gore Range, you are sure to create lasting memories of your Colorado wedding.

Archery and Flight Archery:

Flight Archery, Is the art of the Archer shooting for distance and speed. There are several different disciplines within the sport of archery. All are developed from either hunting or warfare. Most involve shooting at a target. Flight archery is the one that doesn’t. I like to think of Flight archery as the “101″ of archery.

Flight shooting is one of the oldest archery sports. It’s not hard to envision two cavemen with bows betting on who can shoot and arrow the furthest. Hand bows to a couple of 5 year olds and leave them unsupervised for 2 minutes and they’ll be seeing how far they can shoot. That is the essence of flight shooting, to see how far they will go. The NAA and FITA recognize and sanction flight shooting. Many classes are provided so that virtually any type bow will fit into a class. It’s further broken down into peak draw weights within classes, plus men’s, ladies, and youth, intermediate, juniors, and cadet classes.

There are of course two types of arrows that are used in this type of Archery.





The Regular Flight Arrow





The Broadhead Flight Arrow





These arrows are of the type suitable for hunting and should cut the grade for the purpose of Flight Archery shooting. These also can be combined with many types of bows, Of course this will be Dependant on the Archers preference. Whether these maybe, standard recurve and compound bows, crossbows, flight bows that have an extended handle and a large overdraw, “primitive” bows and the “foot bow”. These are all up to the separate needs of the Archer him or her self.

Records are kept for each combination of bow, arrow and shooter class sanctioned by the National Archery Association’s (NAA) Flight Committee. In a flight tournament, each archer shoots four “ends” (number of arrows shot before the score is taken or a portion of any specific round) of six arrows. Each end may be in a different class. A different bow can be used for each class or the archer may shoot the same bow for all four classes. There is a world’s record for the “foot bow” over one mile in distance.