Diamonds are the ultimate symbol of romance.  More than 500 years ago in 1477, Maximillian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy to seal their marriage vows. That tradition continues today.

Each diamond is  unique. Like fingerprints, no two are exactly alike. The difference can be subtle. To understand these differences is to understand the 4C's

It is the combination of these characteristics that determines the

 value of a diamond.

• Cut ... is what turns an opaque, dullish gray pebble into a mirror of light. In its ultimate form, a finely shaped diamond is a masterpiece of mathematics, its angles precisely cut. Its beauty can be seen across a dance floor or a dining room as a brilliant flash of light, alive with a rainbow of changing colors.

• Clarity...practically all diamonds contain naturally occurringd internal characteristics called inclusions or birthmarks. The size, nature, location and amount of these birthmarks determine a diamonds clarity grade and affect its cost. It starts, naturally enough, with flawless to "slightly included "(SI) to "imperfect" (I).

• Color...it's ironic that the very best color for a brilliant diamond is no color at all. The reason is simple - a absence of color means no conflict to dim the beauty of the natural light entering the stone and breaking into its spectral elements. The purest, colorless stone carries a D rating and this scale goes right through the alphabet to Z, designating a diamond with a strong brown cast. Colorless is ideal for a white diamond.  But color in a diamond can be a blessing if it is deep enough and attractive enough. We're talking about fancy colored diamonds with blue, green, yellow and pink being the most popular.

• Carat Wight...the weight of a diamond is measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 parts called "point". 1 ct -= 1.00 or 100 points, 1/2 ct. - 0.50 or 50 points. The value of two diamonds of the same weight can vary greatly depending on the color, clarity and especially the cuts.

Now is the time to buy that special diamond or a piece of diamond jewelry. It's time to visit Larsen's Jewelry Store. We can show you the best there is to see in diamond jewelry, answer any questions you may have and help you select the diamond of your choice...one you will be proud to present as a gift or to own yourself.

A Diamond is Forever