Facts About Diamond Appraisals

noreply@blogger.com (aztek) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:56:00 +0000

By Jonathon Blocker

If you are planning to invest in diamonds, you'll need two things: (A) a thorough knowledge of diamonds, and (B) diamond appraisal services. The latter is particularly important in determining the value of and diamonds you are planning to purchase, and should be performed by a party that is independent of any diamond wholesalers with whom you are considering transactions.

This can be challenging, because the entire diamond industry is controlled by a handful of corporate entities throughout the world. It may take a bit of detective work, but the time and trouble taken to locate and secure independent diamond appraisal services can be well worth it when it comes to insuring the value of your investment in precious gemstones.

What Are "Loose Diamonds"?

Simply put, loose diamonds are just that - diamonds that have not been placed in a setting, such as a ring, bracelet, necklace or other type of jewelry. Investors, diamond dealers and retailers usually purchase these from reputable diamond wholesalers, either as a hedge against inflation or for use in the manufacture of retail commercial jewelry.

Diamond Appraisal and Lab Analysis

These diamonds are cut and ready for mounting, and the quality of this cutting work can have a great effect on the value of such stones. A certificate from a gemology laboratory can provide a great deal of objective, quantifiable information about diamonds, including:

- carat (basically the weight and mass of the stone; a carat equals 1/5 of a gram)

- grade (the overall quality of the stone in terms of color and clarity)

- dimensions

- quality of the cut and shape of the stone

Such a report, while important, does not necessarily determine the value of diamonds however.

In contrast to a lab report, a diamond appraisal determines the market value of the stones. Essentially, a diamond appraisal is required in order to place a dollar value on the stones, particularly for insurance and marketing purposes.

While the lab report contains information that remains constant, a diamond appraisal can change depending on numerous factors, not the least of which is market conditions. Due to currency fluctuation and exchange rates, diamonds may command a greater price in some parts of the world than others. Should stones be re-cut, this can also affect the value.

It's a good idea to keep all of this in mind whether you are an investor or are among the diamond dealers seeking stones for commercial jewelry settings.

Avoiding Conflict of Interest

It may seem obvious, but it bears repeating: do not, under any circumstances, have your loose diamonds appraised by the diamond wholesaler. While most are reputable and adhere to ethical standards, it is human nature for a merchant to place an elevated value on his own wares. An independent appraiser with nothing to gain but his own standard fee will provide much more reliable figures.

Jonathon Blocker specializes in loose diamonds and diamond appraisal. He is known among diamond dealers and diamond wholesalers as an expert in his field. He is a consultant for GemFind.net, a trusted name in the jewelry industry since 1999.

This article was provided by Jonathon Blocker. He is an expert author and has written so many articles in various topics.

Diamond Facts and History

noreply@blogger.com (aztek) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 01:44:00 +0000

By Joseph Schubach

Before diamond stud earrings and diamond engagement rings adorned the fingers and lobes of modern women everywhere, the Romans were using them to ward off evil spirits and Indians were wearing them as talismans. As fascinating as this ancient practice may be, it's only the tip of the iceberg. Here are six more fun facts about the sparkling jewels beloved by us all:
- The word "diamond" comes from the Greek word "adamas," which means "unconquerable and indestructible" - making diamond engagement rings the perfect symbols of everlasting love.
- About two-thirds as old as the Earth itself, most diamonds are between one and three billion years old. And the sparkly stone on your diamond engagement ring? It was likely formed somewhere between 100 and 400 miles below the Earth's surface.
- Diamond jewelry didn't appear in its modern sparkling, brilliant form until 1456 - that's when facet-cutting and polishing were introduced in Europe by Louis Berghen of Bruges.
- The ring given to Mary of Burgundy from Archduke Maximillian of Austria in 1477 is the first recorded diamond engagement ring. Today, they're a standard around the world.
- Any woman who has ever owned a pair of princess-cut diamond stud earrings knows how beautiful this royal shape can be. But what you might not have realized is that the gems adorning your lobes were actually cut to bring out the fire of the diamond rather than its luster. (Which means your Princess-cut diamond stud earrings may actually appear more brilliant than your round diamond stud earrings.)
General Electric has been producing synthetic diamonds for industrial purposes for years. However, until Gemesis cultured diamonds began commercial production in 2002, gem-quality lab-created diamonds that were large enough to cut for diamond stud earrings or diamond engagement rings were unavailable.

This article was provided by Joseph Schubach. He is an expert author and has written many articles in various topics.