New York Diamond District is an excellent spot to shop for diamonds, fine jewelry and watches. Most stores are open Monday through Friday from 9AM to 5PM and some stores are open even on Saturdays and Sundays. Because of the abundant quantity of stores specialized in various types of jewelry, you can find almost anything you are shopping for.

Diamonds: A diamond is a single element of pure or nearly pure carbon. It is the purest of all the earth's gem minerals as it is comprised of a sole unadulterated element. Under intense pressure and heat, a diamond is born as a result of the transformation of crystal to diamond between 75-120 miles below the earth's surface. ( It takes one ton of ore to yield a stone of .33 carat weight; 250 tons of rock are required in order to obtain a fine one carat diamond.) A raw diamond crystal remains in this thin band within the earth until a massive volcanic eruption forces it through the earth's crust in order to surface through Kimberlite channel diamond pipes.

This incredible journey produces one of the hardest transparent substances known to man. Its unique powers of light within itself and radiate its brilliance out as an intense rain of sparkling light. It is not surprising then, that the diamond has become one of the most enduring symbols of love, purity, and perfection. It is a treasure worthy of celebrating life's grandest moments.

Diamond Shapes: Round, Oval, Marquise, Pear, Princess, Emerald, Asscher, Radiant are some of the most popular diamond shapes in the market. A diamond cutter with years of experience will select the best cut to take advantage of the rough diamond potential for the maximum weight and the best quality.

The 4Cs: A diamond's quality depends upon the four "C"s, which are Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight. These four categories are considered the universal standards in evaluating the fire and sparkle of a diamond. Recently a fifth "C" gas been added which is the Cost.

View the  educational online course from GIA { Gemological Institute of America}: The Four Cs: A Diamond Primer.