| Congratulations, you are in the market for a | | | | for the buck. The resale value on a colored |
| diamond engagement ring. The average consumer | | | | stone with imperfections is not very high. |
| may need to rely much upon his jewelry store | | | | On the other hand, the resale value of a fine |
| clerk unless research is done before hand. | | | | grade colored gem is fairly high. |
| The consumer must do a lot more to become a | | | | |
| more intelligent customer of the diamond | | | | The next step in choosing a stone is the cut |
| merchant. The knowledge of the fact that | | | | or make. The cut more than any factor, |
| nature furnishes few absolutely white and | | | | determines the brilliancy of the stone. The |
| even fewer absolutely perfect diamonds, will | | | | brilliancy includes both the perfect |
| go a long way towards building frank and | | | | reflection of white light and the prismatic |
| cordial relations with the jewelry dealer of | | | | display of colored lights. The consumer can |
| choice. It is always necessary for the | | | | test the brilliancy of a stone without the |
| dealer to explain why a smaller finer diamond | | | | use of measurements. If the stone is cut |
| costs more than a larger not as fine gem. | | | | well it will have the same brilliancy from |
| The consumer must be aware that some small | | | | any distance up to twenty feet from the eye. |
| imperceptible defects may exist on the less | | | | At no distance should the stone appear weak |
| fine stone, but they do not hurt the | | | | or less brilliant in the center. Over thick |
| appearance of the it. These small | | | | stones will appear vacant, or dark, in the |
| imperceptible defects will however lower the | | | | center. The stone that is cut too thin will |
| price of the stone. It may make sense for a | | | | have a ring of brilliancy around the outside |
| consumer to buy a bigger less fine stone for | | | | around a black center, producing the fish eye |
| the price of a smaller fine stone for the | | | | effect. Over thick and over thin stones |
| same price. | | | | should be avoided. |
| | | | |
| The buyer must always beware that these small | | | | The buyer must also scrutinize the finish of |
| imperfections will hurt the resale value. | | | | a stone. All of the stones facets should be |
| High grade stones will always retain a lot | | | | symmetrically related to each other. The |
| more monetary value than a stone of a poorer | | | | facets should be above the girdle should |
| grade. It is also harder to resell a stone of | | | | match those below in position. The upper |
| poorer grade. If the buyer entertains the | | | | facets and the lower facets should directly |
| converting of the stone into cash, it is much | | | | line up and the edges should meet. The |
| wiser to buy only the better grades as | | | | finish of the stone should also be well |
| regards to perfection. | | | | checked. Most rough or chipped areas will be |
| | | | around the girdle. |
| In color, the public is also advised not to | | | | |
| go with the very highest of grades, but a | | | | Only a stone that appears perfectly round |
| stones of rather less rare tints. Never buy | | | | should be accepted. Stones of other contours |
| a low grade off color stone that is | | | | are much less salable. The buyer must be |
| perceptible to average eye. It is suggested | | | | aware that the price per carat advances |
| that colored diamonds be purchased in the | | | | rather rapidly with increase in size up to |
| grades of Crystals and Silver Capes. The | | | | somewhat over a carat. Smaller diamonds are |
| average retailer will probably call them blue | | | | much more abundant in the mines than the |
| white and fine white. Always insist on | | | | larger ones. The law of supply and demand |
| seeing the stone in broad day light, as to | | | | dictates the prices of diamonds on the |
| check for imperfections. In regards to the | | | | market. |
| cheaper colored stones they possess more bang | | | | |