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