Diamond Quality
The Cedar Chest Fine Jewelry's experienced staff will help you select the perfect diamond. We welcome your questions and special orders, and we are proud to feature rare natural colored diamonds as a regular part of our designs.
Clarity
Almost all diamonds contain minute traces of non-crystallized carbon or small non-diamond crystals. Most are not discernible to the naked eye and require magnification to become visible. Called inclusions, they are nature's fingerprint and make every diamond unique. Minute inclusions neither mar its beauty nor endanger its beauty; however, the fewer they are, the rarer the stone will be.
Carat-Weight
As with all precious stones, the weight -and therefore the size -of a diamond is expressed in carats. The carat originated as a natural unit of weight: the seeds of a carob tree.
Diamonds were traditionally weighed against these seeds, however, the system was later standardized and one carat was fixed at 200 milligrams (1/5 of a gram). One carat is divided into 100 "points" so that a diamond of 25 points is described as a quarter of a carat or 0.25 carats. Size is the most obvious factor in determining the value of a diamond, but two diamonds of equal size can have unequal prices, depending on their quality. Diamonds of high quality can be found in all size ranges. A finished diamond can have one of several shapes which are known as "cuts". This cut should not be confused with cut, one of the four major factors (the "4C's") that helps to determine the value of a diamond, the others being color, clarity and carat weight. The most popular of all diamond "cuts" is the brilliant of round.
Cut
Of all the 4 C's, cut is the most directly influenced by man. The other three are dictated by nature. Diamonds are cut into a number of shapes, depending on the nature of the rough stone. The cut or make of a diamond will dramatically influence its fire and sparkle, for it is the cutter's skill that releases its beauty.
Color
Although the majority of gem diamonds appear to be colorless, others can contain increasing tinges of yellow or brown, some of which are referred to as champagne diamonds. It is a totally colorless diamond that allows white light to pass effortlessly and be dispersed as rainbows of color. The color grading scale is from totally colorless to light yellow. Rare stones of exceptional color – green, red, blue, pink or amber – are known as “Fancies”.
Extremely knowledgeable staff and excellent service! Great jewelry!
Angela Cary
Amazing place. The jewelry is exquisite. So much to choose from and wonderful one on one customer service. I highly recommend The Cedar Chest to everyone for all of their jewelry needs and wants.
Suzanne Benn
Awesome store and staff! I have been buying jewelry from them since 1975. They have a fabulous selection and really great prices. Their sealife selection is the best around. I love to peek into their Estate cases when I visit. I always find a treasure to bring home.
Just Barefoot
Really nice selection of jewelry, lots of sea-themed pieces. Julie helped me get a lovely larimar piece and aquamarine ring. Wanted to get more but couldn’t. Next time!
Carol dufinetz
My favorite store to visit on Sanibel. The staff is kind and knowledgeable. The jewelry is beautiful!
Kathy Thies
The Cedar Chest carries very beautiful, unique jewelry of the highest quality. I have made many purchases over the years, both in the store and online, and I've always been more than happy with the pieces I've chosen. My most recent purchase was online. I trust them completely. I ordered a medium size rose-gold periwinkle earring and pendant set with a diamond in the centers. They are so beautiful. I want to wear them always! Shelley handled my order with care. She was wonderful. Thanks again, Shelley!
L Makhoul
Absolutely 5-stars for originality, creative interpretations, exceptional service and being a generous supporter of the community.
Trailways Camp
Excellent customer service and absolutely beautiful jewelry!
Maureen Plunkett
Wonderful collection of authenticated coin jewelry as well as the kindest and most professional staff. Highly recommend. Bonnie is the best!
Wendy Johnson
Beautiful jewelry pieces and excellent quality. I highly recommend this jewelry.
Zayra Belfort
Beautiful jewelry and excellent customer service.
Leslie DiGiacomo
Excellent craftsmanship and great customer service!