Saturday, October 25, 2008

A Guide To Buying Diamonds

f you are considering buying diamond jewelry, it is essential that you educate yourself before purchasing.

Getting Started

he “Four Cs”

The laboratories that analyze diamonds for sale examine these gems for four different objective characteristics:

* Carat: this is the weight and mass of the gem, equal to .2 grams.
* Cut: the way the stonecutters have shaped the gem, i.e. “round” or “square” and how well this has been done
* Clarity: this looks at any internal flaws, such as a “cottony” appearance within the gem
* Color: certified diamonds can range in color from crystal clear to dark amber and even black.

This analysis is done prior to the actual appraisal, but is an important part of the process.

The Appraisal

While a lab report is based on objective, observable criteria, an appraisal is more subjective. The purpose is to determine the market value of these gems, primarily for the purpose of insuring them.
So - how much will you pay when buying diamonds? This is what the appraisal will determine.
Some cuts are more valuable than others. Princess cut diamonds, which have grown tremendously in popularity over the past thirty years, are the product of a unique cutting method developed in 1979 by a Los Angeles jeweler. These gems combine elements of “round” and “square” cuts; the princess cut diamonds results in the lowest amount of waste, so the diamond retains more of its original mass and weight.

These are only a few of the issues that should be kept in mind when buying diamonds, but they are the most important.

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