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