November 30, 2010
Buying Tips: Goldilocks and Color
Color is the ultimate optical property of a gemstone. After the investment in education, a credentialed gemologist must invest time to develop a keen eye for the most subtle color differences that can result in hundreds if not thousands of dollars.
With each gem, regardless of how pleasant the color, there is usually a narrow range of color that is prized and priced about all others. Generally, it is the purest form or the most saturated color a gem can be, coupled with neither being too light nor too dark, but having a just right hue. Even experts often disagree on the single best color for some gems.
You may hear about pigeon-blood rubies or Colombian emeralds, but have a Certified Gemologist or Certified Gemologist Appraiser explain about color and how it affects the value of the gem. Then, pick out the one that you love the best… Dii
November 23, 2010
WARNING!
Black Friday is fast approaching. In fact, some stores are offering Black Friday prices today!! But the buyer must beware. Do you know the “regular” list price? If not, you won’t be able to determine that the “special” price is all that special.
You might be more familiar with the price of a pound of chicken than with the price of a piece of jewelry, so how do you know the “sale” price is not just another “sell” price? There are legitimate reasons to discount jewelry – there are no legitimate reasons to represent an item’s price at some inflated figure just to make the discount sound more enticing. What’s even worse is that the lower price is often more than the item should sell for in the first place!
This makes it very important to shop with a jeweler who is committed to consumer protection and does NOT have a “two-price” system. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is… Happy Thanksgiving. …Dii
November 19, 2010
In the Pink
Sotheby’s set a record when they sold a rare pink diamond recently – almost 25 carats – for over $46 million! Laurence, Graff, a well-known diamond merchant, won the bidding war.
It’s a beautiful pink color – and big – but not what most of us will ever own, let alone even try on in a jewelry store. What could we hope for? If it’s a natural color pink, it would probably be too small to appreciate on your finger! Does man have the technology to “color” a diamond pink? Not really; however, there are diamonds that are grown by man and then treated to pink.
How would you know the difference? If the price tag doesn’t tell you, your jeweler certainly should! Shop with someone who knows and cares – an American Gem Society member. Have a great weekend. … Dii
November 12, 2010
Diamond Drill-Down
Not every diamond gets polished for jewelry. Did you know that most of the diamonds that are mined are used for industrial purposes? Yes – because of their unique hardness and ability to conduct heat, diamonds are used to for medical tools, industrial tools, and even to polish other diamonds.
The sad thing is that some diamonds are polished for jewelry that should really make the industrial heap. Some are even treated to “hide” the inclusions. Unfortunately, this treatment isn’t permanent, so you end up with a diamond that ISN’T forever – at least not its beauty.
This makes it so important to shop with a professional who knows how to evaluate a diamond and best advise you on the factors that are affecting its value. Shop with an American Gem Society jeweler. Have a great weekend… Dii
November 5, 2010
Diamonds, Muck & Luck
Over two years ago, a woman in England lost her diamond ring in the toilet.
According to the disposal company, “We did everything we could. We emptied the sewage tank and put a camera into it to see if the ring had got lodged anywhere. …We even sent a guy into the tank with a metal detector. …We took out 12,000 gallons of sewage and put it through a filter we had built specially.
Recently, though, something sparkling caught the eye of one of the workers who was working in the “muck”! Yes, it was the ring!
Thanks to some very special cleaning, it’s back with its owner, who is thrilled to have the keepsake from her now-deceased husband.
Who said diamonds AREN’T forever… Have a great weekend. …Dii
November 2, 2010
AGS Q & A with Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordon Jewelers
AGS Q & A with Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordon Jewelers
Daniel Gordon recently had a chance to speak with Diane Flora, Director of Education at American Gem Society. See his interview with her on the Samuel Gordon Blog.
