Gili Jewels Education Center
A complete guide to understanding fine jewelry — from diamond grading and gemstone origins to durability, history, and craftsmanship. Explore the elements that define quality, beauty, and long-lasting design.
The 4Cs of Diamonds
Every diamond is evaluated using four universal standards: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight. These characteristics determine its brilliance, rarity, and value.
Cut
Cut affects how well a diamond reflects light. A well-cut stone maximizes brilliance, fire, and sparkle.
Grades range from Excellent to Poor, with Excellent delivering superior light return.
Color
Diamond color measures the absence of color and is graded from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow).
Gili Jewels typically offers D–H diamonds for optimal brightness and exceptional value.
Clarity
Clarity evaluates natural characteristics within a diamond.
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FL/IF: Flawless / Internally Flawless
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VVS1–VVS2: Very, Very Slight Inclusions
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VS1–VS2: Very Slight Inclusions
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SI1–SI2: Slight Inclusions
Gili Jewels prioritizes clarity grades that remain eye-clean and brilliant.
Carat Weight
Carat refers to a diamond’s weight, not its visual size.
Two diamonds of equal carat may appear different depending on shape and cut. Proper cut ensures the stone appears full, balanced, and sparkling.
Karat vs. Carat: What’s the Difference?
Although they sound similar, karat and carat measure completely different things.
Karat (K) — Gold Purity
Karat describes gold purity. Because pure gold is soft, it’s alloyed with other metals for strength.
Common purities:
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24K — 100% pure gold (rich, soft; rarely used for jewelry)
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22K — 91.7% gold
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18K — 75% gold (luxury standard; excellent balance)
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14K — 58.5% gold (durable for daily wear)
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10K — 41.7% gold (very durable; less gold content)
Higher karat = richer color + softer metal.
Carat (ct) — Gemstone Weight
Carat measures gemstone weight.
1 carat = 0.2 grams.
Gemstones of equal weight may look different in size depending on shape and cut.
Karat = metal purity. Carat = gemstone weight.
Mohs Hardness Scale (Complete 1–10)
The Mohs scale measures mineral hardness — a key factor in durability and everyday wear.
| Material / Gemstone | Hardness | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Talc | 1 | Softest mineral |
| Gypsum | 2 | Easily scratched |
| Calcite | 3 | Included for reference |
| Fluorite | 4 | Soft; educational reference |
| Apatite | 5 | Low durability |
| Feldspar | 6 | Basis for comparison |
| Quartz (Amethyst, Citrine) | 7 | Durable for jewelry; store separately |
| Topaz | 8 | Strong but may chip if struck |
| Chrysoberyl | 8.5 | Very durable |
| Corundum (Ruby & Sapphire) | 9 | Exceptional durability |
| Diamond | 10 | Hardest natural material |
Jewelry-relevant stones from softest to hardest:
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Pearl: 2.5–4.5 (requires gentle care)
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Garnet: 6.5–7.5
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Amethyst/Citrine: 7
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Aquamarine: 7.5–8
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Emerald: 7.5–8 (naturally included; handle gently)
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Topaz: 8
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Ruby/Sapphire: 9
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Diamond: 10
Gemstone Education, History & Fun Facts
Below is a refined guide to the gemstones offered at Gili Jewels, plus fun historical notes and unique characteristics.
Diamonds
Formed billions of years ago deep within the earth under extreme heat and pressure.
Origins: Africa, Canada, Australia
Symbolism: Strength, clarity, commitment
Colors: Classic white; fancy colors include yellow, pink, blue, and champagne
Fun Facts:
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Diamonds are over 3 billion years old — older than most continents.
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Ancient Greeks believed diamonds were tears of the gods.
Sapphires
Corundum gemstones known for their intense blue, though they appear in nearly every color except red.
Origins: Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Australia
Symbolism: Royalty, truth, wisdom
Durability: Mohs 9
Fun Facts:
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Princess Diana’s iconic engagement ring is sapphire.
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Blue sapphires often show a velvety sheen due to tiny rutile inclusions.
Rubies
The red variety of corundum, prized for vivid color and rarity.
Origins: Mozambique, Myanmar, Thailand
Symbolism: Passion, courage, prosperity
Color: Pinkish red to deep “pigeon blood” red
Fun Facts:
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Many ancient soldiers wore rubies for protection in battle.
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Rubies glow red under UV light due to chromium.
Emeralds
From the beryl family, known for luminous green tones and visible inclusions (“jardin”).
Origins: Colombia, Zambia, Brazil
History: Loved by Cleopatra
Care: Often oil-treated; requires gentle wear
Fun Facts:
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The Incas considered emeralds sacred.
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Their inclusions make every stone visually unique.
Pearls
Organic gems formed inside mollusks, valued for their luster and surface quality.
Types:
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Akoya: Classic white, mirror-like luster
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Freshwater: Diverse shapes and colors
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South Sea: Large, luxurious, golden to silvery tones
Fun Facts:
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Pearls are the only gem created by a living organism.
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Every pearl’s luster improves when worn due to natural skin moisture.
Semi-Precious Gemstones
Amethyst
Color: Light to deep purple
Symbolism: Calm, protection
Fun Fact: Once as valuable as diamonds in ancient Rome.
Citrine
Color: Light yellow to warm amber
Symbolism: Prosperity, clarity
Fun Fact: Often called “the merchant’s stone.”
Blue Topaz
Color: Sky, Swiss, or London Blue
Symbolism: Expression, clarity
Fun Fact: London Blue is achieved through precise irradiation treatment.
Aquamarine
Color: Cool, oceanic blue
Symbolism: Serenity, truth
Fun Fact: Sailors used them as talismans for safe travel.
Garnet
Color: Rich red
Symbolism: Devotion, vitality
Fun Fact: Ancient travelers believed garnets lit up the night.
Understanding Stone Treatments
Most gemstone treatments are industry-standard and stable.
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Heat Treatment: Enhances color (sapphires, rubies) — permanent.
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Oil Treatment: Improves emerald clarity — requires gentle care.
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Irradiation: Creates rich blue topaz — stable.
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No-Heat Stones: Rare and highly valued.
Gili Jewels discloses all treatments with transparency.
Gold Colors Explained
Yellow Gold
Classic warmth; alloyed with copper and silver.
White Gold
Cool-toned; alloyed with white metals and finished with rhodium.
Rose Gold
Blush tone created with copper; vintage yet modern.
Color variations come from alloy composition, not purity.
Gold Vermeil vs. Gold-Filled vs. Gold-Plated
Educational purposes only (Gili Jewels does not sell these metals).
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Vermeil: Thick gold over sterling silver.
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Gold-Filled: Bonded gold layer over base metal; durable.
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Gold-Plated: Thin gold layer; least durable.
Chain Types Guide
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Cable: Classic, versatile
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Box: Sleek, square links
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Rope: High shine, twisted texture
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Figaro: Patterned Italian style
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Paperclip: Modern elongated links
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Snake: Smooth, fluid
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Wheat: Interwoven and strong
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Singapore: Twisted, sparkly links
Diamond Shapes Guide
Round, Oval, Cushion, Emerald, Radiant, Princess, Pear, Marquise, Asscher, Heart — each offering unique optical effects and personality.
Diamond Fluorescence
Fluorescence is the natural glow some diamonds emit under UV light.
Generally harmless; may make near-colorless diamonds appear whiter.
How Jewelry Is Made
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Design
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Wax model / CAD
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Casting
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Stone setting
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Polishing
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Quality inspection
Every Gili piece reflects traditional craftsmanship and modern precision.
Jewelry Myths vs. Facts
Myth: Diamonds never break.
Fact: They can chip if struck.
Myth: Pearls should be airtight.
Fact: They need moisture.
Myth: All sapphires are blue.
Fact: They exist in many colors.
Myth: Bigger is better.
Fact: Cut determines beauty more than size.
Gili’s Final Take
Jewelry becomes far more meaningful when you understand the craftsmanship, history, and natural materials behind each design. Knowledge elevates appreciation — and helps you build a timeless collection with confidence and clarity.