For those discriminating customers that enjoy a higher level of care and personal service, we've created our Platinum Customer program. As a Platinum Customer you are entitled to regular maintenace service on selected items, priority scheduling and 15% discounts for "emergency" and routine repairs and service, plus special pricing based on lifetime purchases and exclusive advanced notification of rare items and special limited offers. This is our way to reward our valued customers for your loyalty and trust. To enroll as a Platinum Customer, simply (price and enrollment procedure here).

Diamonds were "born" billions of years ago, deep below the surface of the Earth. Formed of pure carbon, which crystallized under immense heat and pressure within the earth, diamonds were dramatically forced upward through volcanic eruptions. When admiring diamonds, especially those of a carat or more, considerations of cut, color, clarity, carat weight and shape are your guide to a diamond's quality and ultimately, value.

Click Here For more details about buying diamonds using the "Four Cs."

It is not nearly so easy as when looking to buy a diamond. There is no universally accepted grading standard for dealers to adhere to and the frustrations that come from finding that one dealer's "nearly flawless" looks like another dealer's "moderately included".

As if what you found in the clarity column were not confusing enough, how do you translate "daffodil yellow" or "sky blue" let alone "rich royal purple with hints of velvety blue"?

Oh, and forget about cut grades! There is no standard for cutting, nor can there be. Each stone has its own refractive index, which determines how the light will play throughout the stone. This means that angles that will create an incredible looking tanzanite might create a lifeless looking amethyst.

At Stephen's Fine Jewelry, I offer so much more than quality jewelry alone.

My goal is to serve you throughout your life by providing the information and support that will help you make the right decisions at these important life moments so you can enjoy the full gratification such special gifts can bring.

Get out there and look at LOTS of stones, then look some more. You will quickly see that the vast majority of what is being shown to you is garbage. Ask to see some well cut stones of high quality. Be prepared to go to several stores until you find one that can show you the goods! You can probably save yourself a lot of time if you just start at some of your better stores and skip the mall chain stores. I am happy to work with you if you do not find something acceptable locally.

Here is an example of a native cut stone versus what it looked like after recutting. Which would YOU prefer?

If you've shopped for quality jewelry in the past, you know that it can be a very confusing process. Two pieces that appear practically identical can be hundreds, even thousands of dollars apart in price.

That's why we've created this portion of our site. We believe an educated consumer is our best customer. Whether you shop with Stephen's Fine Jewelry or not, the information herein will help you avoid the ripoffs and get outstanding value with every precious piece of jewelry you buy.