Frequently Asked Questions - Diamond Cross Pendants

About the Diamonds used:

1. What is the quality of the diamonds used?

2. What is 'Color' in a diamond?

3. What is 'Clarity' in a diamond?

About the Pendants:

4. How do I determine the actual size of a cross pendant?

5. Do the cross pendants 'sit' well on their chains?

6. Are the chain clasps secure?

7. Are different chain sizes are available?

8. If I am not happy with my order can I return it?

9. How does each pendant come packaged?

1. What is the quality of the diamonds used in the pendants?

Shimmer & Stone is highly selective with the diamonds used in our cross pendants and ensure our customers that only high-quality diamonds of H color or better and a clarity of SI-1/SI-2 or better in our pendants. Shimmer & Stone does not use diamonds of lower color or clarity grades in any of our diamond jewelry.

For an explanation on 'Color' and 'Clarity' grades of a diamond and how they effect the beauty, sparkle and value of the stone please see below.

Diamond quality and color may differ by item (again not going bellow a H color or a SI clarity grade . . . only better) and specifications are listed on each item detail page.

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2. What is 'Color' in a diamond?

When you notice the beauty and "fire" of a diamond, it is the color of the stone that you are referring to. Color is a scale used to describe the color present within a diamond and is the one C's determined completely by nature. This scale ranges from D (indicating complete colorlessness) to Z (which indicates a distinct yellow-brown or grayish cast). As a rule the closer a diamond is to being 'colorless' the more valuable and beautiful it is.

The significance of the Color grade: A diamond can split light into a spectrum of colors like a prism and reflects this light as colorful flashes called "fire". The color in a diamond acts as a filter, and tends to diminish the spectrum of color emitted.

Thus the less color in a diamond, the more colorful the fire and the better the Color grade, contributing to a more beautiful and valuable diamond with increased sparkle.

Shimmer & Stone diamond Color standards: Shimmer & Stone recommends and only features diamonds of H grade or better in our pendants. We maintain this standard so that the diamonds are colorless enough to effectively enhance their 'sparkle' when in their pendant settings making the pendant more striking and of greater value. Diamonds of lower color grades tend to be more flat when set in pendants, thus not giving that much desired sparkle that a diamond pendant should have.

The Color scale's grade definitions:

D color: This grade refers to an "absolutely colorless" diamond and is the highest color grade given only to exceptionally rare diamonds. Due to color being a natural element of the diamond and the rarity in finding such stones the value of D color stones are very high.

E color: This is considered a "colorless" grade where only minute traces of color can be detected by an expert gemologist.

F color: This is the last of what is considered a "colorless" grade of diamond, where slight color can be detected by an expert gemologist.

G color: This is the highest of the "near-colorless" grades. To the naked eye, color may be noticeable if compared to diamonds of finer grades but otherwise will be very hard to notice. This grade of diamond offers excellent value and looks beautiful.

H color: This is also of the "near-colorless" grade diamond. Color is noticeable only when compared to diamonds of better grades. A diamond of an H color grade looks beautiful, and offers an excellent value.

I color: This is also of the "near-colorless" grades but lower than that of an H grade. Color may be slightly detectable upon close examination by the naked eye. This color grade offers an excellent diamond value.

J color: This is the last of the "near-colorless" grades. The color is slightly detectable to the unaided eye, but this grade of diamond still looks beautiful and offers an very high diamond value.

K-M color: This grade range describes "faintly tinted" grade diamonds, usually yellow and noticeable to the naked eye. Shimmer & Stone does not carry or suggest these grades for fine jewelry.

N-R color: This grade range describes "lightly tinted" diamonds, usually yellow and distractingly noticeable to the naked eye making them unattractive - Shimmer & Stone does not carry or suggest these grades for fine jewelry.

S-Z color: This grade range describes "inferior grades" that have very noticeable tinted hues, usually yellow and may progress to brownish. Tint is very visible to the naked eye, even when mounted - Shimmer & Stone does not carry or suggest these these grades of diamond for fine jewelry.

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3. What is 'Clarity' in a diamond?

Clarity refers to the inclusions present in a diamond (i.e. scratches, trace minerals or other characteristics that take away from the beauty of the stone) and is an indication of the purity of a diamond.

Diamonds that are absolutely clear are very sought-after and are therefore the most expensive. But many diamonds do have inclusions present. The GIA grades diamonds under 10x magnification and uses a detailed system of rules and standards to summarize the number, location, size, and type of inclusions present in a diamond as listed below.

The significance of the Clarity grade: The higher the Clarity grade, the more clear and valuable the diamond. For diamonds in jewelry, grades F through SI, inclusions or internal flaws are NOT visible to the naked eye. However, although the imperfections may not be visible through this range, the specific clarity of a diamond does significantly impact it's price due the rarity of finding clearer stones.

Shimmer & Stone diamond Clarity standards: Shimmer & Stone recommends and only features diamonds of SI2 grade or better in our pendants. We maintain this standard so that the diamonds are clear enough to effectively 'sparkle' when in their pendant settings making the pendant more striking and of greater value.

The Clarity scale:

FL-IF Clarity: "FL" = Flawless: No internal or external flaws. A completely unblemished diamond. "IF" = Internally Flawless: No internal flaws. This diamond may have negligible scratches on the outside, but is completely flawless on the inside. Diamonds of these grades are rare, and are the most beautiful.

VVS1-2: "VVS"; = Very, Very Slightly Included or Imperfect. A VVS1 grade is slightly better than a VVS2 grade. These are the finest clarity grades found at jewelers. Diamonds with this rare quality clarity have beautiful brilliance.

VS1-2: "VS" = Very Slightly Included or Imperfect. A VS1 grade is slightly better than a VS2 grade. These diamonds have inclusions that are typically not visible to the unaided eye also referred to as "eye clean", and are of a much lower price point than higher grades of clarity. Diamonds with this quality clarity are beautiful and offer the best diamond value.

SI1-2 Clarity: "SI" = Slightly Included or Imperfect. An SI1 grade is slightly better than an SI2 grade. Inclusions can be seen under magnification and may be visible with the unaided eye with some SI2 grade stones. These diamonds are also referred to as "eye-clean" and offer an excellent value for the price and quality.

I1-3: "I" = Included or Imperfect. These diamonds have noticeable inclusions. Shimmer & Stone Jewelry does not carry pendants with diamonds of this clarity grade and do not suggest them in fine jewelry.

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4. How do I determine the actual size of a cross pendant?

Visualizing the 'actual' size of a cross pendant can be an issue, especially when shopping on-line, because different screen resolutions will show images in different sizes.

In order to overcome this issue each of our item pages display a VIEW SIZE pop-up image on the left-hand navigation bar. Clicking the image will 'pop-up' an enlarged image* of the pendant showing you the item against a measuring ruler so you can get an exact idea of how big the pendant will be.

In addition, the exact measurement of the pendants dimensions are listed in inches and/or millimeters with the other item description details.

* Please Note: Clicking the 'VIEW SIZE' image/icon generates a pop-up window. Due to many browsers having pop-up blockers installed, this window may be blocked from opening. Please disable your pop-up blocker for this site -or- hold down the CTRL key while clicking the image which will manually bypass the pop-up blocker and open the new window.

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5. Do the cross pendants sit well on their chains?

Special attention has been given to this technical aspect in each pendant's design. Each pendant and chain have been matched by our designers for both aesthetic beauty and balance when worn.

Each chain is constructed not only to support the weight of the pendant and complement it's design, but also allows the pendant to "float" along the chain so that it does not need to be manually repositioned when the wearer is in motion. The pendant will float along it's chain so it will 'sit' back in position.

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6. Are the chain's clasps secure?

Yes, each chain's clasp is securely designed for durable wear. Chain clasps vary by item and include both lobster and spring clasps.

The type of clasp found on a chain is listed on each pendants description details and for a closer look at the clasp you can click on the 'VIEW CLASP' icon on the left-hand navigation bar.

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7. Are different chain sizes are available?

Yes they most certainly are. Each diamond cross pendant is available in a range of chain sizes.

The available chain sizes can be found on each items detail page under it's description and specifications.

To select your chain size select from the 'Select chain size' drop down menu and the add to your shopping bag.

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8. If I am not happy with my order can I return it?

Yes you can - we want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase, and if you are unhappy with your pendant  you have up to 30-days (from receipt of your order) to return your order for a full refund of the purchase price as per your invoice*.

Unfortunately and shipping or taxes will not be refunded. For more details on our 30-day return policy, please click here.

Please note that engraved or personalized pendants cannot be returned.

* Returned items will only qualify for a refund only if they are returned in their original, undamaged condition with it's packaging intact. Should an item be returned after wear and shows visible scratches and discoloration due to use, the return will not qualify for a refund, even if it is sent back.

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9. How does each pendant come packaged?

Each diamond pendant comes packaged in a signature S&S textured leather pendant box as shown, and comes with a complementary gift-card. You can submit your gift-card text by typing in your message during check-out.

Buying a gift?
If your purchase is intended as a gift, we would like to suggest our gift-boxing option available for an additional $4.95, where we will package your order nto a special textured gift box packer, tied with a white satin ribbon. You can select to add a gift box to your order during checkout.

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