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Diamonds!
What do all those letters mean?
Every diamond is evaluated under 10x magnification and assigned a clarity grade. A flawless diamond would receive an (FL) clarity grade; a diamond with obvious inclusions might receive a clarity grade of I3. Diamond clarity grades are based on the number, size, relief, nature, and location of characteristics. The clarity rating of a diamond is a reflection of the overall appearance of the stone – although many of these characteristics will likely not be visible to the naked eye.
Every diamond is truly unique, however most diamonds you see in jewelry stores fall between VS (very slightly included) and the SI (slightly included) on the clarity grading scale.
1 Universal System. 11 Grades.
All under 10x magnification
Flawless (FL) – No inclusions and no blemishes visible.
Internally Flawless (IF) – No inclusions visible but does have blemishes.
Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) – Inclusions so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader.
Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) – Inclusions are observed with effort but can be characterized as minor.
Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) – Inclusions are noticeable.
Included (I1, I2, and I3) – Inclusions are obvious which may affect transparency, brilliance and durability.
Alphabet of Colors
The GIA diamond color grading system is widely used and universally accepted. It is a linear scale that ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Each letter grade has a clearly defined range of color appearance. Diamonds are color-graded by manually comparing their pavilion (flipped upside down) to a master set of stones under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions. Diamonds up to the I color do not have a noticeable yellow color component. Their difference is the overall brightness. The GIA color grading system is based on the premise that colorless diamonds are rare and not because people find them more attractive. As the color of a diamond moves away from colorless, it becomes less desirable to most people until the color saturation increases enough for the diamond to become a fancy yellow.
SOLID
GOLD
Why We Use Solid Gold, Not Plated
When it comes to high-quality body jewelry, solid gold is the only way to go. Here’s why we never use gold-plated pieces in our studio:
Plated jewelry wears off: The thin gold layer can chip, fade, or tarnish over time, exposing base metals that may cause irritation.
Solid Gold Lasts: Our implant grade 14kt & 18kt gold is designed for lifelong wear, keeping its beauty without flaking or discoloration.
Plated Jewelry Can Contain Allergens: Many plated pieces have nickel or other metals beneath the surface, which can cause reactions.
Solid Gold is Biocompatible: Perfect for sensitive skin, our jewelry meets the highest safety standards for piercings.
Getting Pierced with Gold
Our gold jewelry meets the requirements to pierce with under section 511-3-8-.16 of the Georgia Department of Health Rule.
So, YES! You can get pierced with gold jewelry.
Gold jewelry must be solid 14kt or higher gold (yellow, white, or rose) that is free from nickel and cadmium. Gold-plated, gold-filled, or gold overlay/vermeil jewelry is not acceptable for fresh piercings, as these coating can wear off, exposing base metals that may cause irritation or allergic reactions.
We Use 14kt & 18kt Solid Gold
Gold is measured in karats (kt), which tells you how much pure gold is in the piece. Since gold is naturally soft, it’s often mixed with other metals (like copper or silver) to make it stronger. The higher the karat, the more pure gold it contains:
24kt Gold (99.9% pure) - The softest and most malleable, rarely used for body jewelry because it can bend easily.
18kt Gold (75% pure) - A great balance of purity and durability, making it perfect for high-end jewelry and body piercings.
14kt Gold (58.3% pure) - Even stronger and more resistant to scratches, commonly used for the fine jewelry and safe piercings.
10kt Gold ( 41.7% pure) - The most durable but contains a higher percentage of alloys, which can cause irritation for sensitive skin