| A Guide To Buying Diamonds | | | | * Cut: the way the stonecutters have |
| Persons considering buying diamonds for | | | | shaped the gem, i.e. "round" or "square" |
| investment, for mounting in custom | | | | and how well this has been done |
| jewelry, or simply as an addition to a | | | | * Clarity: this looks at any internal |
| collection, it is a good idea to educate | | | | flaws, such as a "cottony" appearance |
| yourself on the subject. Not all | | | | within the gem |
| diamonds for sale are necessarily a good | | | | * Color: certified diamonds can range in |
| value; the old Roman advice caveat | | | | color from crystal clear to dark amber |
| emptor is especially applicable when it | | | | and even black. |
| comes to buying diamonds. | | | | This analysis is done prior to the |
| Getting Started | | | | actual appraisal, but is an important |
| There are two things you need before you | | | | part of the process. |
| start buying diamonds: | | | | The Appraisal |
| 1. A thorough knowledge of the diamond | | | | While a lab report is based on |
| market | | | | objective, observable criteria, an |
| 2. Where to obtain reliable appraisal | | | | appraisal is more subjective. The |
| services | | | | purpose is to determine the market value |
| The latter is especially important. Any | | | | of these gems, primarily for the purpose |
| appraisal of certified diamonds should | | | | of insuring them. |
| be performed by an independent appraiser | | | | So - how much will you pay when buying |
| with no ties to the company which is | | | | diamonds? This is what the appraisal |
| offering the diamonds for sale. | | | | will determine. |
| This may require a bit of detective | | | | Some cuts are more valuable than others. |
| work. The problem is that the world | | | | Princess cut diamonds, which have grown |
| diamond market is controlled by a | | | | tremendously in popularity over the past |
| relative handful of corporate and | | | | thirty years, are the product of a |
| international banking interests. | | | | unique cutting method developed in 1979 |
| However, it is well worth your while to | | | | by a Los Angeles jeweler. These princess |
| find such appraisal services so as to | | | | cut diamonds combine elements of "round" |
| insure that your interests are protected | | | | and "square" cuts; the princess cut |
| when buying diamonds. | | | | results in the lowest amount of waste, |
| The "Four Cs" | | | | so the diamond retains more of its |
| The laboratories that analyze diamonds | | | | original mass and weight. |
| for sale examine these gems for four | | | | These are only a few of the issues that |
| different objective characteristics: | | | | should be kept in mind when buying |
| * Carat: this is the weight and mass of | | | | diamonds, but they are the most |
| the gem, equal to .2 grams. | | | | important. |