Important "Tips" to consider when buying a diamond

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The best place to start is at the beginning; Before retiring, after "50" years plus in the industry, I always disapproved of the method in which the Media on several occasions made statements that were not true,"Diamonds are not an investment, they have no intrinsic value." I would like to dispel this myth by explaining how this statement came about, once explained I will demonstrate to you how you buy a Diamond that becomes more than an investment.

What the media always demonstrated, either on the TV or in varied publications was never a fair/honest assessment of a product. It was always on a finished piece of jewellery, invariably a ring; the cost of the example unfortunately was always from $100 to $500. Their claim was, when you wanted to cash in on your say $500 "investment" the Jeweller would only offer you a couple of hundred dollars. The industry could not argue because in cold hard Dollar facts, the statement was true.

What they never explained to the public was that the size of the Diamond in a ring or piece of jewellery at this low price level obviously has to be relatively small. Reason being the bulk of the money/investment has is in the gold and fashioning of the piece. For example if the mount/ring in 18ct (750) costs you say $300, then what can one expect in a diamond for $200, it would most certainly not be a carat stone. So naturally when you go to the Jeweller to sell the piece, the jeweler is only interested in the diamond as small as it might be he has no great interest in the secondhand gold because it only goes into his Lemil box (old gold) and when he collects sufficient he is able to send it to the refiners and receives a minimal amount of dollars in exchange.

To overcome this problem, one should invest in at least a half carat (0.50ct) stone, this way the main part of your investment is in the Diamond. Example, half carat (0.50) "E" color VVS1 purity would cost in the vicinity $5,200 - a more realistic balance to compare than the $200 example.

Suggestions on how to improve your investment when buying a Diamond. We will take it that everyone understands the "4 C's" Cut, Clarity, Color & Carat weight.

1. I strongly suggest you buy Quality and not size, (or wait until you can afford it) because firstly you will received more compliments on how beautiful your Diamond looks. More importantly if you ever decide to sell, it will command top resale price. The following information/suggestions are of my opinion, this explains what and how I buy for my family. We have never lost or been disappointed over all these years.

2. Carat Weight, we all know 100 points equal one carat (1.00ct), now to explain one of the most important factors in not only saving money, but achieving the best value for your money. Always buy as close to 1.00ct, not for instance 1.15ct a 1.50ct, not 1.60ct a 2.00ct not 2.18ct a 2.50ct not a 2.64 etc these are only examples, I am suggesting not buying odd sizes if you do you will be loosing 1,000's of dollars because when you want to resell you will find people buy one carat, one and a half carat, two carat etc. I will show you some examples later in actual Dollars on just how detrimental this is to your investment.

3. Color, Is very important, it is not necessary to buy "D" color but definitely "E" or "F" (if it has slight Fluorescence this is OK) but if you go below "E,F" to G, H, I, of which most try to sell to you, because of price. Unfortunately even the best proportionate cutting will not make the stone as attractive. Also you will find that the new buyer will say to you "I would give you more only if the color was better".

4. Clarity, Again it does not have to be "IF" "internally Flawless" but strongly suggest "VVS1" or "VVS2" (Very, Very, Slight) below "VS 1 & 2 or S1 are certainly less expensive but once again when you want to resell the buyer is going to say "well!! I would pay you more if the mark was not near here.)

5. Cutting, This is sooo important, this can either make or break the appearance of your Diamond. If you don't understand cutting, I admit it is a difficult one to overcome because people selling Diamonds, will tell you it is an "Excellent Cut", "Ideal Cut" "Perfect Cut Plus all the other names they create that sound irresistible. If I were a novice I would look for a "Hearts & Arrows" certified stone the only reason for suggesting this is it would give you some form of comfort knowing that the stone has perfect Symmetry. Two more, check the Girdle that it is not thick and has been faceted to cover it up. Make sure it does not have an open Culet.

6. Certificate, This is a must, for Insurance and most importantly for the day you want to resell I can assure you that the buyer will downgrade every aspect of the stone enabling a better purchase price. With the certificate there is no argument and further more your diamond has the same dollar value in no matter what country you are in. Meaning if your Diamond was for instance a Brilliant cut "E" color "VVS1" It has the same base price in every country in the world. Don't accept any old certificates as some will offer their own company Cert.Unfortunately many of these are not quite correct - and legally they get away with it by saying "In my professional opinion the stone is......." Therefore you should be looking at perhaps GIA (Gemological Institute of America). EGL (European Gemological Laboratory) IGL (International Gemological Institute) or perhaps AGS American Gem Society. Another HRD (Hoge Raad Voor Diamant) this one I prefer reason being it is sealed; they have a Laser service you can have an inscription on the Girdle. Best of all it comes with Micro film of the certificate of which you can always carry with you in case you need.

As promised above, examples how you can loose money quicker than you can make it. The stone dollar values I use in the following are only approximate prices but close enough to indicate what you could loose without this knowledge. Let us say we are buying a; 1.00ct. "E" VVS1 cost approx $14,500 pc (per carat) you pay $14,500. But if you were sold instead a 1.18ct it would cost you $17,110 a difference of $2610. When you go to sell the stone, buyers will offer you a one carat price. Hurts the old pocket doesn't it!! A little lesser quality, 1.00ct "F" VVS2 costing approx $12,000pc you pay $12,000, but if it was a 1.20ct the cost would be $14,400 difference $2400. Buyers will only offer one carat prices. Let us try a 1.50ct "E" VVS1 costing approx $20,200pc you pay $30,300, but what if you were sold for instance a 1.63ct it would cost you $32,926 a small difference of $2,626. When you sell they will still only offer you the price of a one and a half carat.Perhaps a 2.00ct "E" VVS1 costing approx $27,500 pc you would pay $55,000, supposing they sell you a 2.14 ct instead, you pay $58,850. A difference of $3850. 2.50ct "E" VVS1 cost approx $37,600pc you pay $94,000, but perhaps they only had a 2.61ct then your cost would be $98,136 difference of $4,136.

I hope I have explained in a manner of which you can understand. It does not matter what the size or quality it is all relative when you go away from those magic numbers.

May I take two more minutes of your valuable time by telling you a true story that might make you consider investing your spare "Pennies" into Diamonds?

I had a very good client many years back he was a Frenchman that fought in the French underground during the war, he always said "D" you should always wear something for little trouble and something for big trouble. Eventually for more peace than anything I had a heavy yellow gold chain made (small problems) and I made up into a "Pinky" ring a 2.00 ct stone (for whatever the big problem might happen). I collected historic cars and loved to restore them back to "better" than original. There was a car in England that I really wanted. So every time I went to the UK I went to see the car, I had a verbal agreement with the owner that if it was ever for sale I would pay the same price as he was offered. Years past, then one day I arrive and the owner said "how about that I just sold the car" and the buyer is supposed to be coming today at 3 o'clock with the money. Embarrassed, but he offered to ring the other person and explain the situation if I bought the money by 3 pm. Impossible to get the funds over to England in five hours - then all of a sudden it hit me - I could not get into "Hatton Garden" quick enough - sold my 2.00 ct ring and bought me a masterpiece. As I mentioned above Diamonds have the same pricing structure in every country, all over the world - and are not so heavy/cumbersome to carry around.

Hope the above assists in someway if & when you are making your next Diamond purchase. Cheers for now, Darryl.

Looking for a really special gift? Consider a dazzling diamond ring

There are certain situations that ask for special gifts. Weddings, birthdays, anniversaries – there are so many times when an ordinary gift just won't do. As a truly unique gift is required, you should consider giving your special someone a dazzling diamond ring.

A religious event, such as a baptism or christening adult, certainly demands something special for the participant. If the recipient is a gentleman, consider him the Sterling Silver Red Cross & Champagne Diamond Ring. These handsome ring in sterling silver has been manufactured and presents in a subtle but male fashion. The cross design is set with eleven round full sliced red and champagne colored diamonds, each in a prong setting is protected. These diamonds have a total of sixteen carats with clarity of I2 to I3. It is a wonderful gift that someone will be excited to receive such a special occasion.

A beautiful ring to celebrate a wedding anniversary is the 14 Karat White Gold 1.00 Carat Diamond spring washer. White gold is the basis for this unusual ring, which is equipped with a feather-shaped design. The spring is made of one hundred full round cut diamonds in prong settings. The glitters beautifully in a light, and the woman who receives it will wear it with pride.

Another nice choice for a wedding anniversary gift is the 14 Karat Gold Diamond data telecommunications Diamond Ring. Yellow Gold is the base for duplicate rows with round cut diamonds. There are 131 of these precious Gemstones in prong settings that total 0.50 carat. The clarity of these diamonds is wonderful, and the ensemble of yellow gold and shimmering diamonds is designed to shine for the rest of your wedded life together.

If your Ghent wild at heart, give him the 925 Fusion Black & White Diamond Accent Panther cigar Band Ring for every special occasion. This vigorous ring comes in a choice of polished 18 carat yellow gold or Platinum plating on sterling silver. Both choices come with Black diamonds in the form of a Panther's head, marked with two circular single-cut diamonds. Black and white rhodium has added to this handsome piece of jewelry to give even more sparkle. He will wear this ring pride every day of the week.

A beautiful engagement or wedding ring is the Sterling Silver Diamond Eternity Band Ring. They will love it-and you-when you hair with this beautiful piece of jewelry. Sterling Silver has a high gloss are polished and then set with 22 faceted round cut diamonds in prong settings. 0.72 carats, with a brightness of I2 to I3, will these diamonds prong-set shooting fire, reminds her to the fire of your love.

On your mother's birthday, give her something that her friends will envy. The 14 Karat Rose Gold Ruby & Bypass diamond ring will be nice to do the work. This unusual ring is made of 14 karat rose gold, a real feminine material. Sixty-six round single-cut diamonds are prong settings in rhodium-plated, while thirty-four round-cut diamond set in rubies pave settings set. These elegant bypass design is a really striking ring that will all Mama's friends sighs.

On a special anniversary, your father will enjoy the diamonds, to receive. The Sterling Silver Black Onyx & & White Diamond Ring for men is a handsome choice. Sterling Silver and black and white diamonds are merged in a classical style that suits his taste perfectly. Dyed onyx accents the sides of this ring, making it the rich weight that it – and your father-deserve.

When your daughter of college graduates, show her how proud you are of her by her the 14 Karat Gold 0.75 Carat Diamond Milgrain Band. This beautiful ring is just perfect for a young woman from stepping into the world. Seven full round cut diamonds sit in bezel settings on 14 karat yellow gold, which has a high gloss are polished. This ring has flash and style, and everyone will think your daughter doing, even if they are in her adult life moves.

Your husband just a big promotion at work, and you want to let him see how proud of him you are. Why not Show your pride-and love-with a diamond ring as the Sterling Silver/Rhodium Platinum Black Blue & White Diamond Ring for men. This is a fat ring which also just glitzy enough for him. Platinum and black rhodium about sterling silver is the basis of these handsome ring. Thirty-two white round cut diamonds prong settings while sit in another sit six cut blue diamonds in pave settings round. This is a ring that remind him of your love will remember every time he put it on, that will likely every day. When you're shopping for special gifts, think of diamond rings. They are really the most beautiful gifts around.

The four Cs you should consider when buying engagement rings

If you are a part of the many people who are clueless about jewelry especially about engagement rings, you must read this article, as this might be what you need! There are lots of things to consider before purchasing an engagement ring, so you must first learn more about it. This is not something that should get you wrong because it is an important thing for a woman to receive a ring that they will like and to nurture her beloved. Most rings are expensive, so you must ensure that this is something that is worth your money and will be appreciated by your fiance.

First you need to know about the four Cs when considering engagement rings-the cut, color, clarity and carat. You must weigh all of these aspects and they must balance out perfectly to find yourself a good ring. The reduction of the diamond is important because it determines the brilliance of the stone. The cut dictates how the light will reflect and close in the diamond and this makes it look brilliant when worn. The cut also determines the shape of the diamond, or round (the most common), the emerald, pear, marquise, Princess, oval or heart. You must look at the different forms to give you an idea on which one is best for your bride have will look like.

A diamond is colorless is the rarest of its kind. There are qualities when it comes to the color of the diamonds in engagement rings. Colorless diamonds are graded D, and goes down to z. Some diamonds are ' fingerprints ' own and can only be seen using a jeweler's loupe. These inclusions are like clouds or feathers and can affect the light reflection on the diamond which will make it less sparkly. Diamonds are also classified according to their clarity as something included, better, and internally flawless that the best quality.

The carat is finally, the weight and size of a diamond. A carat equals 0.2 grams or 200 milligrams. This is then subdivided into 100 smaller units, which are referred to as points. The average size for diamonds in engagement rings is a half carats to a carat. Carats are of course different from karats, which determine the purity of the gold, so keep this in mind.

If you are unsure or are confused about these things, you need an expert jeweler you can trust and ask for his or her advice. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions, such as these jewelers will be happy to help you out in getting the best ring for your fiance '. There are also stores that sell diamonds that are certified and classified using a laser by a gemological laboratory. This will ensure that the diamond you will buy high quality. You will have to pay a fee for getting your diamond classified.

There's actually a fifth c when determining best engagement rings and that is the cost. How much you spend is actually a personal issue, but the most common practice is to spend a month or so of your total salary in a ring. However, you must only spend the amount that you are familiar with what you can afford and actually realistic. Measure your love is not the same as how much you spend on your ring and you should just concentrate on making your partner happy by presenting her with a.