the diamond grading report

Diamond certificates, or certs, as they are known in the diamond industry, are often called the fifth C, in addition to the well-known 4Cs of diamond stones: carat weight, cut, color, and clarity. A diamond certificate is the evaluation by a third-party, not by either the diamond buyer or seller. Unfortunately, an 3rd party certification is necessary, as it would be easy for an unscrupulous jeweller to take advantage of an uninformed buyer and sell a stone, which might be sold with higher qualities and value than it really does. While many of the diamond grader's certifications might be different from the next, the following are a list of the most commonly used diamond graders in North America:

• Hoge Raad voor Diamant (HRD) - Commonly referred to as the "Diamond High Council" is one of the highest standards in diamond grading. HRD's diamond certificates are considered legal documents in the European Union.
• Gemological Institute of America (GIA) - Is a non-profit organization that created the "4 C's" methodology as well as the International Diamond Grading System. Reports from this institute omit certain aspects of diamond cuts that other reports cover (e.g. crown height percentage, pavilion depth percentage, crown angle, pavilion angle). Keep in mind that GIA issues reports - not certificates.
• American Gemological Society (AGS) - Certifies diamonds based on their cut grade on a rating scale from 0 (most desirable) - 4 (least desirable). AGS is now more widely used for gemstone grading rather then diamond grading. 
• European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) - Has the least amount of structure in comparison to the above graders. EGL is an independent network of diamond grading laboratories. Grading standards tent to vary from one labe to another, making EGL less desirable and trusted than HRD, GIA, and AGS grading reports. 




As there are relatively less restrictions in diamond grading than any other retail industry it really is a buyer-beware market. Select a jeweller that will educate you on your stone and allow you to view the diamond loose. By hand selecting your stone and viewing the stones flaws under a microscope you are ensuring yourself that you are making an educated decision. Diamond qualities can vary from grading, report, and certification and it's beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.

the anniversary list

Dating back to medieval times, the 25th and 50th were "silver" and "golden" respectively - and by the 1930's, many milestone anniversaries had gift suggestions of their own. Over the years, the tradition has been updated and modernized to it's current form.

Here is the widely accepted list of the major anniversaries and their corresponding gifts, along with a creative idea or two for your significant other.

1st: Paper

Cards are the obvious choice, but don't be afraid to think outside the box and get creative! How about a custom journal or a set of personalized stationery? Tickets also totally count as paper, so a concert  or fun vacation are also game (as long as you print the itinerary, that is!).

2nd: Cotton

For your second anniversary, you could snuggle up with your spouse in matching terrycloth robes or monogrammed towels. Or how about a luxurious sheet set or some new bedding to perk up the bedroom? If you have a backyard or porch, maybe invest in a swinging chair or sturdy cloth hammock for relaxing time together spent enjoying the outdoors.

3rd: Leather

There are tons of possibilities for your third anniversary. A leather gift can mean a briefcase or folio for the businessman/woman, leather jewelry or even a pair of comfortable moccasins. Leather can be expensive, but remember that a good quality leather product can last for a lifetime - just like your marriage!

4th: Linen/Silk

Underwear is always a go-to gift idea, but have you ever considered that linen and silk are also used as canvases? Choose a beautiful painting that reminds you of the one you love - or get extra creative and make your own work of art!

5th: Wood

This sturdy material offers tons of choices! Go big with a piece of furniture like a new bedframe or rocking chair. And if you're not looking for something so large, consider a beautiful jewelry box, a cedar chest, a set of bookends or a decorative piece to display in your home. Remember - mokada sells bands with a wooden inlay as well!

6th: Iron

While maybe not the most romantic material, there are still lots of fun possibilities for this year. For example, an old horseshoe with a tag that reads "I got lucky when I met you," or a fishing hook that says "I'm hooked on you."

10th: Tin/Aluminum

Jewelry is pretty standard here, but if your significant other prefers something more rugged, take a look at an aluminum Swiss Army Knife. It’s original, unexpected, and useful! If that’s not a go, whitewashed tin products give a rustic and antique feel to a garden, ceiling, or any room in a house.

20th: China

This is the year to expand your dishware collection, so look at serving dishes, teacups, and soup tureens for an interesting alternative to plates and bowls. Alternatively, you can take the China Anniversary more literally and book a trip to Shanghai!

30th: Pearl

When shopping for pearls, remember that they come in lots of colors other than the traditional white. Look for pink, silver, rainbow, or other colored pearls for an interesting variation on the classic white.

40th: Ruby

Ruby's are one of our most favourite gemstones. Try custom designing her wedding band with ruby gemstones to mark the milestone anniversary!

50th: Golden

The fiftieth year of marriage marks the “golden anniversary,” and we think that warrants celebration. This is a time for gold jewelry (possibly along with renewed vows?), but don’t discount a trip to the city of “Gold Coast,” Australia or to Florida’s gold coast cities like Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. Gold is extravagant, so make this anniversary really count - after more than five decades together, you certainly have something to celebrate!