Author: Kirsten Katz Added: August 19, 2008
Unlike other jewellery items, diamonds do not go on sale because they do not have huge profit margins or over inflated prices. Do not buy a diamond just because it has been "discounted"or the diamond dealer is offering a "special price". Diamonds, just like your marriage, are an investment, and have been an investment device for several thousand years. Diamonds are a symbol of love and commitment so buying the perfect diamond for an engagement ring or that special occasion is a crucially important decision. Do not confuse a diamonds carat weight with the size of a diamond. Even though two diamonds may have the same carat weight their appearance in size and diameter measurements can very greatly. A poorly cut 1.00ct diamond may look like a 0.75ct diamond from the top because they have the same diameter measurements even though their carat weights are different. Diamonds are sold by their carat weight. A diamond cutter always tries to retain as much carat weight and as few inclusions when cutting a diamond. Sometimes the cut of a diamond might be sacrificed in order to produce a diamond with a higher carat weight. Excellent, Ideal and Very Good cut diamonds will sparkle with more brilliance and fire than diamonds which are poorly cut with a lower cut grade. Buying a loose diamond for an engagement ring is a daunting task with so many jewellers, diamond dealers and diamond internet websites these days. There is an abundance of information available to consumers, but not all of it is accurate. This is probably one of the most important considerations to make when buying a diamond. There is alot more to diamonds and their prices than just learning about the diamond's cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. Every diamond is unique, no two diamonds are the same and to fully understand them requires lengthy study, specialized equipment and years of experience. Buy your diamond from a reputable diamond dealer. Most diamond buying guides advise you on the 4 C's and suggest that you only shop at honest, reputable diamond dealers, but how does the average consumer determine this? Our advice is to ask if the diamond is certified and to see which laboratory issued the certificate or grading report. The quality of the certificate, or lack thereof, goes a long way towards telling if you are dealing with someone reputable and professional. A diamond certificate or grading report is only as good as the laboratory who issued it. A diamond certificate, is only useful if it is reliable and has been issued by a reputable independent laboratory which has no financial interest in the stone. If you've never heard of the institution that is offering a grading report, don't hesitate to ask about its credentials and that of the people who graded the diamond. a diamond certificate or grading report is a blueprint of a diamond which documents the details and statistics about a loose diamond such as the shape, colour, clarity, carat weight, proportions and finish of the diamond. A diamond certificate also confirms that the diamond is natural and is not synthetic or man-made. There is also the undeniable fact that some diamonds are treated or enhanced in some way, and these diamonds are very difficult, and in some cases impossible to identify, without the correct laboratory equipment. Synthetic diamonds are the latest threat to the uneducated consumer. If you are buying a diamond with out a recognized certificate (IE; a certificate recognized by either the WFDB, IDC, or CIBJO) it is possible that it may not be a Natural diamond at all. Diamond certificates from respectable labs, meaning GIA, HRD, AGS or DCLA, are totally necessary if you want to compare diamonds intelligently. Laboratories such as GIA, HRD, AGS and DCLA issue grading reports of the highest international standards. All of these diamond grading laboratories utilize strict procedures, have the most advanced equipment, and affiliations which meet the strict requirements for recognition by international trade organizations. It is up to you, the consumer, to verify the credentials of the diamond grading laboratory and the diamond merchant, wholesaler or jeweller you are dealing with when buying diamonds or engagement rings. Be even more cautious of website dealers who issue their own 'in house diamond certificates' or 'manufacturer's grading reports' as these simply are NOT independent certificates and they are NOT from a compliant laboratory. Not all diamond grading laboratories certify and grade diamonds with the same set of strict specifications, parameters and guidelines. In fact, some laboratories are popular with certain diamond dealers because they have a reputation for being generous with grades and are known not to be as strict as others. As a leading diamond wholesaler we choose to only sell independently certified loose diamonds that have been graded by compliant, internationally recognized laboratories such as DCLA, GIA, HRD & AGS. This translates to Global Assurance. Diamond grading laboratories which grade to IDC International Diamond Council rules, do not just use the opinion and expertise of one person. They must grade the diamond and have the opinion and consensus of three qualified diamond graders before the grade is applied to any diamond. In Australia, DCLA is the only IDC diamond grading laboratory. Valuations or appraisals are NOT the same as a diamond certificate or grading report. It is important to remember is that a grading report or diamond certificate does not include an appraisal, or any kind of statement about the monetary value of the diamond.
--- Diamond Imports is one of Australia's largest importers of loose diamonds specialising in Excellent Cut and Ideal Cut diamonds, Certified diamonds and fancy shape diamonds. Diamond Imports will teach you everything you need to know about diamonds to make an informed decision when buying diamonds.
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