Carat Weight

Diamonds are measured in carats. A carat consists of 100 points and is measured in much the same way as pennies in a dollar. For example, .50 points is equal to half of a carat.

A diamond’s carat weight is its weight, not its size. When comparing two diamonds of equal carat weight, one might actually look larger than the other. This is due to the cut and proportions of the diamond. A well-cut one carat diamond should measure approximately 6.5 millimeters in diameter. A diamond that is cut too shallow will have a broader diameter and appear larger. A diamond cut too deeply will appear smaller. Poorly cut diamonds sacrifice beauty and brilliance. Bailey’s features the best diamonds with precision cuts that make our diamonds of the highest quality.

Diamond Don'ts

DON’T wear your diamond when you’re playing sports, doing rough work or the dishes. Even though a diamond is durable, it can be chipped by a hard blow along its grain.

DON’T jumble your diamond pieces in a drawer or jewelry case, because diamonds can scratch each other and also scratch other jewelry.

Diamond Cleaning & Inspection

Diamonds do need care to keep them at their brilliant best. A clean diamond not only reflects light better, it actually looks bigger than one that’s been “dulled” by skin oils, soap, cosmetics and cooking grease. Diamonds have an affinity for grease and should be cleaned once every month to keep glowing their brightest.

Clean in a Detergent Bath - Prepare a small bowl of warm suds with any mild liquid detergent. Brush pieces gently with a tooth brush while they are in the suds. Transfer to a wire strainer and rinse under warm running water. Pat dry with a soft, lint-less cloth.

Clean With a Cold Water SoakMake a half and half solution of cold water and household ammonia in a cup. Soak the diamond 30 minutes. Lift out and tap gently around the back and front of the mounting with a small brush. Swish in the solution once more, and drain on paper. No rinse is needed.

Inspections - Bring your diamonds in to Bailey’s Fine Jewelry for a “check-up” quarterly. We will check your ring for loose prongs and signs of wear, and give it a professional “clean-up”. All Bailey's inspection are at no charge.

ALL BAILEY BRIDES RECEIVE FREE LIFETIME RING CLEANING!

Bring in your engagement ring to be inspected and cleaned with our ultrasonic cleaner to ensure it is looking its best.