Picasso Gold & Diamond Jewelry Education Center

Your Chicago hub for engagement rings, lab-grown & natural diamonds, ring sizing, gemstone care, and expert tips. Learn fast. Choose confidently.

At Picasso Gold & Diamond Jewelry, we believe that true beauty begins with understanding.

Our goal is to help you explore the brilliance, craftsmanship, and meaning behind every fine jewelry piece, so you can make confident and informed choices.

From GIA, IGI, AGS, and GCAL certified diamonds & gemstones to finely handcrafted custom jewelry, Picasso represents artistry, trust, and expertise in the heart of Chicago.

Understanding Diamonds: The 4Cs That Define Brilliance

Every diamond’s beauty is defined by the 4Cs — Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight, a global standard introduced by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).These four elements determine how a diamond looks, sparkles, and feels.

Anatomy of a Diamond

The flat table lets light in; the angled crown bends and disperses it; the slim girdle is where prongs hold; the lower pavilion sends light back to your eye; the tiny point/facet is the culet. Balanced crown angles and pavilion depth create the brightness, fire, and sparkle people love.

Table: Largest top facet—main window for light entry.

Crown: Upper angled facets that bend and disperse light (adds fire).

Bezel/Star/Upper-Girdle Facets: Fine facets on the crown that influence sparkle pattern.

Girdle: Thin “belt” around the diamond where prongs grip; ideal is Thin–Medium for strength and light.

Pavilion: Lower half that reflects light back to the eye—key to brightness.

Lower-Girdle Facets: Affect scintillation (the on–off sparkle) and patterning.

Culet: Tiny point/facet at the bottom; usually Very Small or None in modern cuts.

Proportion Cues: Balanced crown angle + pavilion angle + total depth % drive overall brilliance and size “face-up” look.

Cut – The Source of Brilliance

Why it matters: Cut controls how light enters, reflects, and returns to your eyes as brightness (white light), fire (rainbow flashes), and scintillation (sparkle when the diamond moves).

GIA grading terms: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor (for round brilliants; fancy shapes don’t receive an overall cut grade but can be judged by light performance and proportions).

What to look for

  • Prioritize Cut over everything else if you want maximum sparkle.
  • For round diamonds, many shoppers aim for Excellent/Ideal-style make with pleasing symmetry and polish.
  • Fancy shapes (oval, emerald, pear, radiant, cushion, marquise): review facet pattern, light return, and bow-tie (where relevant). See the stone in motion—videos help.

Pro tips

  • A well-cut 0.90–0.95 ct can face up nearly like a 1.00 ct, often saving budget.
  • Ask to compare stones under multiple lights (daylight, spotlight, soft ambient) to judge fire and scintillation honestly.

Color — The shade of “white"

Why it matters: GIA grades color on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow/brown). The less color, the rarer but cut quality can make a near-colorless stone look brighter than a poorly cut colorless one.

Common sweet spots

  • D–F (Colorless): icy appearance, premium rarity.
  • G–H (Near-Colorless): bright look with strong value—one of the most popular ranges.
  • I–J: still attractive in the right cut and setting, especially warm metals like yellow/rose gold that gently mask body color.

Factors that affect how color is perceived

  • Metal color: White gold/platinum showcases cool tones; yellow/rose gold is more forgiving with warmer grades.
  • Shape: Step cuts (emerald/Asscher) show color more readily; brilliant cuts (round/oval/cushion) hide it better.
  • Fluorescence: Medium–strong blue fluorescence can make near-colorless stones appear whiter in daylight for some buyers; always inspect in various lighting.

Clarity – Nature’s Signature

Why it matters: Clarity evaluates inclusions (internal) and blemishes (surface) that formed naturally. GIA grades from FL/IF (flawless/internally flawless) to I1–I3 (included).

Popular “eye-clean” zone

  • Many clients choose VS1–VS2–SI1 for the best balance of beauty and value, often eye-clean (no visible inclusions without magnification). Always examine the location and type of inclusion (e.g., crystals vs. feathers vs. clouds).

Clarity map & type matters

  • Centered, dark inclusions can be more noticeable than small, white inclusions near the edge.
  • Step cuts (emerald/Asscher) show inclusions more easily; brilliant cuts hide them better.

Pro tip

  • If two stones look identical to the naked eye, choose the lower clarity (and better cut) to maximize sparkle and value.

Carat Weight — Size, presence, and balance

Why it matters: Carat measures weight (not exact dimensions). Two diamonds of the same carat can look different in size depending on cut and spread.

Smart sizing strategies

  • Consider “near-milestone” weights like 0.70, 0.90, 1.40, 1.90 ct—they often face up beautifully and offer value vs. jumping to the next round number.
  • Finger size & setting style influence perceived size. A thin, bright halo or slim prongs can boost presence without extra carat cost.

Pro tip

  • Always check measurements (mm), not just carat weight, to understand real face-up size.
Anatomy of A Diamond
CUT
COLOR
CLARITY
CARAT

Mined Diamonds VS Lab Diamonds

At Picasso Gold & Diamond Jewelry, we proudly offer a full spectrum of brilliance from natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds to a curated collection of precious gemstones, each ethically sourced and certified for quality and authenticity.

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Certified Beauty, Conflict-Free Origins, Endless Sparkle

  • Natural Diamonds

    Mined Diamonds

    Natural Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth over billions of years, making each one truly unique. Their natural rarity, enduring value, and timeless appeal make them a cherished choice for those who appreciate authenticity and tradition. All our natural diamonds are conflict-free and responsibly sourced from trusted suppliers.

  • Lab Grown Diamonds

    Lab Diamonds

    Lab-Grown Diamonds share the same brilliance and durability, created through advanced CVD or HPHT technology. They are sustainable, eco-friendly, and ethically produced, offering identical sparkle at a more affordable price.

  • Gemstones

    Gemstones

    Gemstones — from sapphires and emeralds to rubies and birthstones, add color, meaning, and personality to every piece. Each gem is hand-selected and certified, ensuring its authenticity, durability, and natural beauty.

At Picasso, every diamond and gemstone is GIA, IGI, AGS Or GCAL certified, offering full transparency in cut, color, clarity, and carat. Whether you’re drawn to the rarity of nature, the innovation of lab-grown brilliance, or the vibrance of fine gemstones, our experts help you choose the piece that best reflects your values and style.


Whether you’re drawn to the rarity of nature or the innovation of modern brilliance, Picasso helps you find a piece that reflects your values, love, and style.

Book a Free Appointment Today — Discover Your Perfect Diamond or Gemstone Bond.

Browse Diamonds Schedule your Appointment

Recycled Gold & Sustainable Metals

We integrate recycled precious metals wherever possible retaining purity and strength while reducing the need for new mining, waste, and emissions.

Our Ethical Promise

  • Conflict-free sourcing from verified and audited partners
  • Recycled and responsibly refined gold, platinum, and silver
  • Certified diamonds & gemstones (GIA / IGI)
  • Education-first guidance and honest disclosure

QUICK FAQs

Yes. They have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds and are graded by top labs like GIA or IGI.

Not at all. Recycled precious metals are refined to the same purity standards as newly mined metals.

Absolutely, our advisors will show both options side-by-side, explain certifications, and help you choose based on style, values, and budget.