| Here's some advice for you men: Never walk up | | | | the stone itself. Diamonds are the hardest stone |
| to a woman and ask, "Are those real?" That | | | | on earth and should never have a scratch |
| includes when you're just innocently asking about | | | | anywhere on them. |
| her diamonds! | | | | Real stones will have a certificate from the |
| In all seriousness, worrying about whether or not | | | | Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to ensure |
| you're purchasing the real thing, whether from a | | | | its authenticity. Be sure you're offered this |
| respected jeweler in the mall or when shopping | | | | certificate when you're looking at the stone. |
| elsewhere, is actually a commendable attitude. | | | | Also, have your diamonds appraised by an |
| After all, even the smallest of diamonds are going | | | | independent appraiser, preferably one that is a |
| to cost you hundreds of dollars and many view | | | | member of the American Society of Appraisers |
| them as an investment, not just a piece of | | | | (ASA). |
| jewelry, so of course being worried about | | | | Unfortunately it is getting harder and harder to tell |
| whether or not they're the genuine article is going | | | | the real diamonds from the fake, considering the |
| to cross everyone's mind. | | | | improved methods that producers use every |
| In some cases, people actually are after fake | | | | single year. This is good for those who just |
| diamonds. Cubic zirconias, or manmade stones, | | | | want a stone with some flash and sparkle, but |
| are very difficult to tell from the real thing at | | | | bad for those who want to invest in the real |
| least to the untrained eye. Some see absolutely | | | | thing. Consider purchasing your stones only from |
| nothing wrong with saving themselves some | | | | a reputable jewelry store that is well-known and |
| money by purchasing these if all they're after is | | | | that has been in business for some time now. |
| the flash and brilliance of the stone. Of course, | | | | Avoid buying anything at flea markets and resale |
| the difficulty in telling apart the fake from the real | | | | shops or thrift stores, no matter how well |
| may save you some dollars but will make it all the | | | | advertised they are or how good looking the |
| more difficult to avoid being fooled. And for | | | | piece is. By being careful, you're sure to be safe |
| most, they want real diamonds in that | | | | rather than sorry. |
| engagement ring or earrings that will be a | | | | Insist on a diamond certification before purchasing |
| Christmas gift or whatever other piece they're | | | | for investment purposes. It will tell you the |
| shopping for. | | | | stone's carat weight, its color and clarity, and its |
| So how can you tell the fake diamonds from the | | | | flaws if any. If the seller is unwilling or unable to |
| real thing, short of getting your degree in | | | | supply a certification with the diamond then he or |
| gemology? There are some things you can look | | | | she may not be telling the truth about the |
| for. One, notice the setting of the stone. Most | | | | diamond. After all, when you want to sell the |
| fakes are held by low-quality metal settings. See | | | | diamond, the new owner will want a certification |
| if the setting is a mix of metals or if it's pure | | | | from you. |
| platinum or gold. Second, take a close look at | | | | |