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Viewing How to Choose a Diamond for an Engagement RingHow to Choose a Diamond for an Engagement Ring
By otaffy
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The average consumer may need to rely much upon his jewelry store clerk unless research is done before hand. The consumer must do a lot more to become a more intelligent customer of the diamond merchant. Congratulations, you are in the market for a diamond engagement ring! The average consumer may need to rely much upon his jewelry store clerk unless research is done before hand. The consumer must do a lot more to become a more intelligent customer of the diamond merchant. The knowledge of the fact that nature furnishes few absolutely white and even fewer absolutely perfect diamonds, will go a long way towards building frank and cordial relations with the jewelry dealer of choice. It is always necessary for the dealer to explain why a smaller, finer diamond costs more than a larger not-as-fine gem. The consumer must be aware that some small imperceptible defects may exist on the less fine stone, but they do not hurt its appearance. These small imperceptible defects will, however, lower the price of the stone. It may make sense for a consumer to buy a bigger, less fine stone for the price of a smaller, fine stone. The buyer must always beware that these small imperfections will hurt the resale value. High grade stones will always retain a lot more monetary value than a stone of a poorer grade. It is also harder to resell a stone of poorer grade. If the buyer entertains the converting of the stone into cash, it is much wiser to buy only the better grades as regards to perfection. In color, the public is also advised not to go with the very highest of grades, but stones of less rare tints. Never buy a low grade off-color stone that is perceptible to the average eye. It is suggested that colored diamonds be purchased in the grades of 'Crystals' and 'Silver Capes'. The average retailer will probably call them blue-white and fine-white. Always insist on seeing the stone in broad daylight, in order to check for imperfections. In regards to the cheaper colored stones: they possess more 'bang for the buck'. The resale value on a colored stone with imperfections is not very high. On the other hand, the resale value of a fine grade colored gem is fairly high. The next step in choosing a stone is the cut or make. The cut, more than any factor, determines the brilliancy of the stone. The brilliancy includes both the perfect reflection of white light and the prismatic display of colored lights. The consumer can test the brilliancy of a stone without the use of measurements. If the stone is cut well, it will have the same brilliancy from any distance up to twenty feet from the eye. At no distance should the stone appear weak or less brilliant in the center. Over thick stones will appear vacant, or dark, in the center. The stone that is cut too thin will have a ring of brilliancy on the outside around a black center, producing a fish eye effect. Over thick and over thin stones should be avoided. The buyer must also scrutinize the finish of a stone. All of the diamond's facets should be symmetrically related to each other. The facets above the girdle should match those below in position. The upper facets and the lower facets should directly line up, and the edges should meet. The finish of the stone should also be well checked. Most rough or chipped areas will be around the girdle. Only a stone that appears perfectly round should be accepted. Stones of other contours are much less salable. The buyer must be aware that the price per carat advances rather rapidly with increase in size up to somewhat over a carat. Smaller diamonds are much more abundant in the mines than the larger ones. The law of supply and demand dictates the prices of diamonds on the market. About the Author: Mitch Endick is a short article writer for the popular jewelry site, http://www.JewelerWeb.com. This site provides informative advice on buying rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches. The site also has information on diamonds, birthstones, gemstones, pearls, gold, sterling silver, and platinum. Article Source: 1st Rate Articles - http://1stRateArticles.com |
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