What's Your Diamond IQ?

You've heard about them and perhaps seen some of them, the famous, unique and notable diamonds of the world. Just a few examples include the British Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, safely kept and defended by armed guards in the Tower of London, some of which came from the spectacular gems cut from the famous Cullinan Diamond, the largest rough diamond ever found in South Africa more than 100 years ago. The Smithsonian in Washington is home to the Hope Diamond, the world's largest vivid blue diamond. All are extremely priceless and special in that they represent the finest found and the most rare of this hardest of all minerals.

For us ordinary folk, a diamond for an engagement or special gift such as a pendant, represents a large purchase that must be handled with diligence so that you know what you are buying. Diamonds have several unique properties that make them stand out from the crowd in the broad gem stone market. "A diamond's extreme hardness enables a diamond polisher to finely place highly-polished facets onto the rough diamond until it is completely faceted," said Michael Roy, owner of Dallas-based Texcape Diamonds with over 35 years in the diamond industry. "When complete, these highly-polished facets present the diamond in its most beautiful form. Also, cutting and polishing a diamond to specific and unique angles and diameter versus depth brings out a diamond's brilliance or 'fire' that would otherwise lay trapped and never be seen. With correct proportions, these attributes elevate diamonds above all other stones; its superior brilliance sets it apart."

In today's diamond world, many diamonds are certified by independent gem labs, which state the physical properties of the stone and allow even a novice to perhaps view a diamond with extra knowledge to make the buying process easier. "However, not all the information available is that easy to interpret," said Roy. "For example, what happens to the brilliance when the depth percentage on a round diamond changes from 62 percent to 59 percent? Or, what is the effect of fluorescence caused by UV rays in daylight on a diamond that is reactive to fluorescence?" These characteristics and others make up the complex properties that must be evaluated by a professional trained to assist in the purchase of a diamond gem stone. Working with a trained diamond expert will ease the process and enable you to know exactly what to buy and what to avoid.

Budget is very important in the purchase of a diamond, especially in today's changing economic environment. A diamond expert knows the market and what a diamond should sell for relative to the four Cs-the carat weight, cut, color, and clarity. Further detail goes beyond the four Cs and a diamond expert can make all the difference to knowing what is available for your special purchase.

Do you really know what you are buying online? While mountains of information is readily available via the Internet and online diamond web sites, etc., you shouldn't always trust what you see on the computer screen. Thousands of web pages flash diamonds of all sizes and types; prices vary and quality varies. It's confusing after awhile, and in a nutshell, you are making a big and important purchase from a source and person you don't know. When you are making one of the most important decisions of your lifetime by buying a diamond engagement ring, rather trust the naked eye and hold that beautiful gem in your hands. Seek out professional diamond experts for the special moment when you buy a diamond, whether that's an engagement ring, diamond earrings, or a pendant.

Sources:

Famous, Historic and Notable Diamonds

Texcape Diamonds