About DiamondsThe ultimate gemstoneIts name comes from the Greek adamas, unconquerable. It was prized by ancient Indians and Roman emperors. Even today, when 8 out of 10 American men pop the question, a diamond is the gemstone they hold in their nervous hands. Diamond is the birthstone for any lucky person born in April, but of course diamonds are given year-round for important occasions and "just because". 4 CsDiamonds are graded on the 4 Cs — color, cut, clarity and carat. To learn more about the 4 Cs of diamonds, visit the Learning Guide and view our videos on each of the 4 Cs, or use our interactive tools to gain a better understanding of diamond quality. Taking it homeDiamonds rate a 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, the highest rating available. They resist scratching, breaking and chipping extremely well. Due to the hardness of diamonds, don’t store them with your other fine jewelry; they could scratch softer gems. Diamonds are best kept in soft pouches inside your regular jewelry box. Clean diamonds once a week by mixing one part ammonia to six parts water, and gently scrub your diamond with a soft brush, taking care not to scratch the metal. Every six months, bring your diamond to a Helzberg Diamonds store for a free professional cleaning and inspection. Visit the Learning Guide for more information on diamonds. About Sterling SilverSterling silver isn’t just for the table anymoreSilversmithing is an ancient art that, like crafting gold, dates back to the Egyptian empires. Throughout history, silver has been valued for its luster and utility, and was particularly prized by native people in Mexico, Peru, and the American West. Like gold, silver is so soft it often needs to be alloyed, usually with copper. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Visit the Learning Guide for more information on sterling silver. |