WORK BENCH

Adding Sparkle to Eyewear

By Tara Rosenzweig

Sama Eyewear's Pyramid of Diamonds boasts 1.77 carats of white diamonds in 18k gold

Gem-accented frames are an inspiration to many frame designers and high-end consumers who want to add a touch of elegant sparkle to their eyewear. Eyecare practitioners wishing to create such pieces need to acquire some basic gemstone lingo.

THE LANGUAGE OF JEWELERS

Knowing more about the Four Cs, color, cut, clarity, and carats, will help you speak the language of gemstones and communicate with jewelers. "The four Cs work for colored stones as well as diamonds," notes Jessica Sachariason of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

Color: A diamond's color is given a letter grading, such as the GIA's system of D (colorless) through Z (light yellow or brown).

Cut: Cut can refer to shape (such as a round brilliant or a marquise cut) as well as to the quality of the cutting. The GIA defines cut as the proportions and finish of a diamond or colored stone.

Clarity: Most diamonds contain "birthmarks." Diamonds that have only a few birthmarks are more rare and more valuable. Just as diamonds are rated for color, they're also given clarity ratings. The GIA gives clarity ratings from F (flawless) through 13.

Carat: A carat consists of 100 points. For instance, if a diamond has 50 points, it weighs 0.50 carats. Two gems with the same carat weight can still vary greatly in value depending on the other three Cs.