CONTACT

Shipping and Delivery? Payment for order? Returns Policy? Jewelry Quality Descriptions Conflict Diamonds What is "Jewelers That Care"? Gemstone Clarity Grading GIA Colored Gemstone Grading Gemstone Inclusions Diamond Grading Certificate and Make Price Calculation Factors Diamond & Gemstone Treatments Melting Points and Weights of various Metals and Alloys Sieve Sizes

Shipping and Delivery? Basis Shipping for most orders is $20.00 within the United States via USPS Priority Mail Delivery Confirmation and insured.  Express Mail service available for $ 25.00.   We combine shipping of all merchandise purchased so you pay only one shipping charge, and no per item fee. The merchandise will be shipped with a label from from Aper Trading Corporation, the parent company of mrkensgems.com Worldwide International Shipping via USPS Registered, FedX, UPS, Malca-Amit, or Priority Mail unless other arrangements are requested or are necessary because of the weight, value, destination, customs duties and tariffs of the order. Basic international shipping add $40.00 USPS Priority Mail normally takes 4-5  business days in transit, and up to 3 days for processing.  Some orders may incur additional shipping and insurance costs, especially  on large parcels and international orders weighing over 1800 grams ( 4 lbs.) Customized shipping methods are available for any order, CONTACT to finalize shipping and insurance arrangement. Payment for order? We accept Payment by Credit Card, cashier's checks, money orders, business or personal checks, wire transfer and International Money Orders should be made payable to Aper Trading Corporation. They should be mailed to 77-6425 Kuakini Hwy c2 pmb 44, Kailua-Kona, Hi 96740 USA Please contact us with any requests for customized parcel ordering, wholesale jeweler and retailer payment arrangements, shipping, and insurance information. Payment agreement is required on purchase before delivery. Personal checks may be held for 7 business days. Hawaii residents are subject to 4.16% sales tax. Returns Policy? We attempt to fully describe the color, cut, clarity, and grade quality of the merchandise. If not completely satisfied with the merchandise received you can return any purchase within 10 days for a full exchange or refund (excluding any shipping and processing costs), no questions asked. Custom made orders are not returnable. CONTACT us with the method of shipment and expected arrival date of the returned merchandise. We only require that the product be returned in original condition and packaging, returned via USPS Priority Mail, delivery confirmation, or by insured, registered mail, UPS, FedEx or DHL. We will not be responsible for any Items altered, broken or damaged in shipping, not actually received by us, or items not returned in accordance with these terms. Return merchandise to: Aper Trading Corp, attn: Mr. Ken 77-6425 Kuakini Hwy c2 pmb 44 Kailua-Kona, Hi 96740 USA Jewelry Quality Descriptions   Emerald               DESCRIPTION OF QUALITIES AAA  Colombian, Zambian, Intense Green Color, High Clarity AAA   -    Very fine green color, eye clean stones AA+   -    Fine green color, eye clean stones AA    Zambian, Colombian, Brazilian,  Leafy Green Color,  Good Clarity AA      -    Medium green color, translucent, surface clean  A+     -    Light Green color, clean stones A      Brazilian, Sakota, Medium Green Color, Medium Clarity A        -    Light Green color, less clean stones    Ruby              DESCRIPTION OF QUALITIES AAA   Blood Red Burmese, High Clarity, Nice Finish AAA   -  Vivid red color, eye clean stones AA+   -  Fine red color, eye clean stones AA    Good Red Burmese, Thai Origin, Eye Clean, Well Cut  AA     -  Pinkish red color, translucent, surface clean A+      -  Pink Color, clean stones A      Medium Burmese, Thai Origin, Medium Color and Clarity A         -  Light Pink color, less clean stones   Blue Sapphire                 DESCRIPTION OF QUALITIES  AAA   Ceylon, Palin , Royal Blue Color, High Clarity AAA   -   Very Fine blue color, eye clean stones AA+   -  Fine blue color, eye clean stones AA     Good Kancha, Australian, Palin, Ceylon Nice Blue Color and Good Clarity  AA      -  Medium blue color, translucent, surface clean A+      -  Light blue color, clean stones A        Medium Australian, Kancha, Palin Medium Dark Blue Color, Medium Clarity A         -  Light blue color, less clean stones Conflict Diamonds What is a Conflict Diamond? Conflict diamonds (also referred to as Blood Diamonds or a War Diamond) are diamonds that are mined in a war torn country. These diamonds are than illegally traded to fund or finance ongoing fighting between insurgents or armies. The United Nations (UN) defines conflict diamonds as ‘…diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments, and are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments, or in contravention of the decisions of the Security Council’. The history of these Blood or Conflict diamonds came to the attention of the world in the late 1990’s during a violently brutal civil war in Sierra Leone. Today, United Nations sanctions are still in effect against Liberia, The Republic of Congo, and The Ivory Coast. In December 2000, the General Assembly of the United Nations passed a resolution to deal with the Conflict diamond issues. In November 2002, the Kimberly Process was created and involved nations in the trade of diamonds, diamond-mining and production companies, such as De Beers and the World Diamond Council. The Kimberly Process requires participating nations follow strict guidelines to insure that Conflict Diamonds do not enter the mainstream diamond market. For example, rough diamonds are transported in sealed, tamper resistant containers. They also have forgery resistant certificates that declare them conflict free and each certificate has a unique serial number each time they cross an international border. In addition to the Kimberly Process, the diamond industry regulates itself by providing evidence to all purchasers in the trade that diamonds are from Conflict Free sources.  A'per Trading and Mr. Ken's Gems only buys from verified Conflict Free sources and only sells Conflict Free Diamonds. Currently, there is only one program that meets all of The Conflict-Free Diamond Council's standards for certified conflict-free diamonds. CanadaMark has instituted a “chain of custody” program that monitors the diamond throughout it’s production lifecycle (from rough crystal to polished diamond). Only a small number of wholesalers participate in this program, and market these diamonds under a select number of "brand names". The wholesalers then sell these branded diamonds through a network of jewelry retailers, and onto consumers. We supply Nenoir CanadaMark Diamonds and International Jeweltree Foundation Certified Conflict-free Diamond Melee Parcels. What is "Jewelers That Care"? Jewelers That Care is a non-profit whose mission is to energize development projects, such as building boarding schools and water well epicenters in rural Tanzanian villages. Alethe Clemetson, a Gemologist and jewelry industry veteran, founded JTC in 2007 and serves as its Executive Director. JTC operates ethically and transparently, adhering to the highest standards of integrity in everything they do. Every project they undertake is closely monitored to ensure our guiding principles are observed and, more importantly, to lend voice to those living in Africa’s villages and rural areas. In addition to its current school and well projects, JTC plans to expand its reach to support cooperative projects with Kilimanjaro Hospital to aid in the treatment of local cases of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. JTC is a non-denominational organization and holds no religious or political affiliations.  A'per Diamond Investment Royalty Trust will make a donation to JTC from every sale of International Diamond Laboratories Certified Conflict Free Diamond Melee Parcels. Gemstone Clarity Grading Gemstone Clarity Grades   IF - Internally Flawless contain no visible inclusions under 10x lens. Very Top Quality VVS- Very Very Slightly Included gemstones may contain inclusion detectable with 10x lens. Gem Quality  VS- Very Slightly Included gemstones have inclusions, small pin-pricks just visible to the close scrutiny of the naked eye. Easily visible under a 10x loupe. Jewelry Quality AAA  SI-1 Slightly Included gemstones have inclusions quite visible with the naked eye and under a 10x loupe the inclusions are large or numerous. Jewelry Quality AA  SI-2 Slight Inclusions becoming more prominent to the eye. Jewelry Quality A  I-1  Included gemstones display moderate effects on appearance and durability. Gems with less internal luster and brilliance. Commercial Grade A  I-2 Inclusions that severely effect the beauty and value of a gemstone. Gems with very less internal luster and brilliance  Translucent Gemstones will allow light to pass through Opague Gemstones will not allow light to pass through GIA Colored Gemstone Grading GIA Clarity Grades for colored gemstones   Type 1 Aquamarine, Morganite, Smokey Quartz, Citrine, Kunzite, Topaz, Green Tourmaline, Blue Zircon, Tanzanite   VVS  minute to not detectable VS  minor SI1   noticeable to obvious SI2  obvious to noticeable I1  prominent - moderate affect on appearance or durability I2  prominent - severe affect on appearance & durability I3  prominent - severe affect on beauty, transparency & durability     Type 2 Alexandrite, Amethyst, Garnet, Iolite, Peridot, Ruby, Sapphire, Spinel, Tourmaline (all except green, red, and pink), Zircon (all except blue)   VVS  minor VS  noticeable to obvious SI1  noticeable to obvious SI2  obvious to prominent I1  prominent - moderate affect on appearance or durability I2  prominent - severe affect on appearance & durability I3  prominent - severe affect on beauty, transparency & durability   Type 3   Emerald, Pink and Red Tourmaline   VVS  noticeable to obvious VS  noticeable to obvious SI1  obvious to prominent SI2  obvious to prominent I1  prominent - considerable affect on appearance or durability I2  prominent - severe affect on transparency or durability I3  prominent - severe affect on beauty, transparency & durability     Gemstone Inclusions VVS 1&2 Extra Fine Quality. These gems have microscopic inclusions which are difficult - slightly difficult to see under a loupe with 10x magnification.   VS 1Very Fine Quality. Small pin-pricks are just visible to the scrutiny of the close naked eye. However, the beauty of the gem is not diminished in anyway.   VS 2 Fine Quality. Small pin-pricks and feathers are just visible to the scrutiny of the close naked eye. However, the overall beauty of the gem is still not diminished.   SI 1 Good Quality. These gems have inclusions which are fairly easy to see to the close naked eye. However, the overall beauty of the gem is still high.   SI 2 Good to Medium-High Quality. These gems have inclusions which are fairly easy to see under the close naked eye. These inclusions are usually not really visible at an arm's length.   Included 1,2&3 Medium to the lower qualities. Included gems with internal features that range from eye visible to very easily seen to the naked eye. Diamond Grading Color   (The color used in this diagram is for presentation purposes and is not actual color.) Many experts name color as the number one consideration in choosing a diamond. A diamond's color is graded on an alphabetical scale from D-Z, with D being absolutely colorless and Z being light yellow. Beyond "Z", a diamond is considered to be an exotic or "Fancy" color. DIAMOND COLOR SCALE D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Colorless Near Colorless Faint Yellow Very Light Yellow Light Yellow Since color differences can be so subtle, they are impossible to determine by the untrained eye. To grade a diamond, gemologists often place it on a white background next to another diamond that has been previously graded. If all other factors are equal, the less color in a diamond or the higher color rating, the more valuable a diamond becomes. Likewise, as the amount of color increases, the price of a diamond decreases (though this does not necessarily reduce the beauty of a diamond.)  Clarity All diamonds have identifying characteristics, but most are invisible to the naked eye. To view a diamond, experts use a 10x magnifying loupe which allows them to see the appearance of tiny crystals, feathers or clouds. These natural phenomena are called inclusions.There are five categories in class that anyone interested in purchasing a diamond should be aware of when grading clarity.  DIAMOND CLARITY SCALE FL IF VVS1 VVS2 VS1 VS2 SI1 SI2 I1 I2 I3 Flawless- Internally Flawless Very Very Slightly  Imperfect Very Slightly  Imperfect Slightly Imperfect Imperfect  FL (Flawless) - IF (Internally Flawless) Flawless Diamonds reveal no flaws on the surface or internally are the rarest and most beautiful gems. Internally Flawless Diamonds reveal no inclusions and only insignificant blemishes on the surface under 10x magnification. VVS1 - VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included) Very difficult to see inclusions under 10x magnification. These are excellent quality diamonds. VS1 - VS2 (Very Slightly Included) Only looking through a 10X loupe can pinpoint the inclusions in this category and are nearly impossible to see with the naked eye. These are less expensive than the VVS1 or VVS2 grades. SI1 - SI3 (Slightly Included) Diamonds with inclusions easily identified under 10x magnification. Finding flaws in this category with the naked eye is difficult. The gems in this category maintain their integrity, depending on the location of the inclusions. I1 - I3 (Included) Diamonds with inclusions which may or may not be easily seen by the naked eye. The flaws on the stones in this category will have some effect on the brilliance of your diamond.  Carat weight One carat is the equivalent of 200 milligrams. One carat can be divided into 100 "points". A .75 carat diamond is the same as 75 points or a 3/4 carat diamond. Since larger diamonds are rarer than smaller diamonds, the value rises exponentially with carat weight. Cut & Shape  A diamond's cut will most certainly influence its fire (the lovely rainbow colors that flash from within) and brilliance (the liveliness and sparkle), as well as its perceived size and even, to some degree its apparent color. Different cuts reflect light in different angles. A diamond must be cut in a geometrically precise manner to maximize its brilliance. Certificate and Make Price Calculation Factors Certificate Price Calculation Factors   AGS          1.028 CGL          1.000 GIA            1.000 HRD           .981 IGI               .944 ELG            .935 None          .935   Make Price Calculation Factors   EX - ags 0                        1.05 Hearts & Arrows             1.05 EX - EX                             1.00 Fine                                  1.00 VG Built Up                      1.00 VG Spread                         .96 VG Average                       .90 VG -VG                               .90 VG - G                                .87 G - VG                                .87 G - G                                  .85 Poor                                   .80 Lower Makes                   .70 Diamond & Gemstone Treatments Nearly all of the genuine Jewelry Quality Colored Gemstone and Fancy Color diamonds available on the market today have undergone some form of treatment or enhancement, either in rough or finished stages of production,  including heating, oiling, irradiation, lasering, heat and pressure etc. and are all done prior to our importing or purchasing  the stones. Each country uses different methods, many are protected trade secrets, and we do not know all of the methods used. If required we can send the gemstones or parcels  for independent evaluation or certification. All purchases come with our 100% return guarantee.  Certified,  Natural, untreated gemstones are available in the higher quality grades.  Nenoir Diamonds, Certified Canadamark White Diamonds, Jeweltree Foundation Certified Diamond Parcels, Garnets, and the Emerald and Australian Sapphires we have made at our custom cutters in Thailand are guaranteed natural and untreated. Gem treatments have been around for decades. Some treatments are so commonplace that certain stones almost always receive them. Such treatments improve the appearance of the gem and do not negatively affect the stone in any way. They are considered the normal way of handling that particular gem. Other treatments are more limited and may not be stable. All traditional treatments, their purposes, and their effects, are listed in The Gemstone Enhancement Manual, a de facto standard endorsed by major jewelers' organizations.     Melting Points and Weights of various Metals and Alloys Melting Point and Weights of Various Metals and Alloys Metal Symbol Melting Point ºF Melting Point ºC Specific Gravity Weight in Troy Ozs/Cu In Aluminum Al 1220 660 2.70 1.423 Antimony Sb 1167 630 6.62 3.448 Beryllium Be 2340 1280 1.82 0.959 Bismuth Bi 520 271 9.80 5.163 Cadmium Cd 610 321 8.65 4.557 Carbon C - - 2.22 1.170 Chromium Cr 3430 1890 7.19 3.788 Cobalt Co 2723 1495 8.90 8.900 Copper Cu 1981 1083 8.96 4.719 Gold, 24K Pure Au 1945 1063 19.32 10.180 Iridium Ir 4449 2454 22.50 11.849 Iron Fe 2802 1539 7.87 4.145 Lead Pb 621 327 11.34 5.973 Magnesium Mg 1202 650 1.75 0.917 Manganese Mn 2273 1245 7.43 3.914 Molybdenum Mo 4760 2625 10.20 5.347 Nickel Ni 2651 1455 8.90 4.691 Osmium Os 4892 2700 22.50 11.854 Palladium Pd 2831 1555 12.00 6.322 Phosphorus P 111 44 1.82 0.959 Platinum, Pure Pt 3224 1773 21.45 11.301 15% Irid Plat - 3310 1821 21.59 11.301 10% Irid Plat - 3250 1788 21.54 11.349 5% Irid Plat - 3235 1779 21.50 11.325 Rhodium Rh 3571 1966 12.44 6.553 Ruthenium Ru 4500 2500 12.20 6.428 Silicon Si 2605 1430 2.33 1.247 Silver, Pure Ag 1761 961 10.49 5.525 Silver, Sterling - 1640 893 10.36 5.457 Silver, Coin - 1615 879 10.31 5.430 Tin Sn 450 232 7.30 3.846 Zinc Zn 787 419 7.10 3.7758 Sieve Sizes   Diamond Sieve Size Chart- sizes indicated may vary plus or minus 10% Plate Size # of Stones per Carat Weight MM Size . Plate Size # of Stones per Carat Weight MM Size . Plate Size # of Stones per Carat Weight MM Size 000     1.00 6½ 45   1.80 13½ 8/9 11 pt. 3.20 00     1.05 7 35   1.90 14 8 12 pt. 3.3. 0 200 ½ pt. 1.10 7½ 33 3 pt. 2.00 14½ 7.5 13 pt. 3.40 1 175   1.15 8 30   2.10 15 6.5 15 pt. 3.50 1½ 150   1.20 8½ 25 4 pt. 2.20 15½ 6 17 pt. 3.60 2 125   1.25 9 22   2.30 16 5.5 18 pt. 3.70 2½ 110/115   1.30 9½ 20 5 pt. 2.40 16½ 5.25 19 pt. 3.80 3 100 1 pt. 1.35 10 18   2.50 17 4.75 21 pt. 3.90 3½ 90   1.40 10½ 17   2.60 17½ 4.5 22 pt. 4.00 4 80   1.45 11 16 6/7 pt. 2.70 18 4.25 23 pt. 4.10 4½ 70   1.50 11½ 15   2.80 18½ 4 25 pt. 4.20 5 60   1.55 12 13 7/8 pt. 2.90 19 3.70 27 pt. 4.30 5½ 50 2 pt. 1.60 12½ 11 9 pt. 3.00 19½ 3.33 30 pt. 4.40 6 48   1.70 13 10 10 pt. 3.10 20 3 33 pt. 4.50

 Jewelry Quality Gemstones * 100% Satisfaction Guarantee * Immediate Delivery 

home   specials   diamonds   precious    semiprecious   cabochons   wholesale     faq    contact

Mr. Ken's Gems & Jewelry is

a branch of

A'perTrading.Com