Be careful when buying diamonds: DIC expert<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Be careful when buying a diamond, otherwise
\nyou'll be very disappointed, warns a diamond expert.<\/p>\n
\"Two diamonds that look alike may be very different. And two
\ndiamonds of equal size can be very different in value. Diamonds
\nare unique. Unless we are knowledgeable, all diamonds may look
\nsimilar,\" said Nanny Budiman of the Diamond Information Center
\n(DIC).<\/p>\n
Buyers, Nanny said, should have adequate information on
\ndiamonds and other gems to ensure the precious stones they buy
\nare genuine.<\/p>\n
DIC, a subsidiary of the London-based De Beers, provides all
\nthe necessary information on diamonds.<\/p>\n
\"DIC is a non-profit organization which disseminates
\ninformation on diamonds to the public. But, we do not have a
\nlaboratory to check the quality of the stones,\" she explained.<\/p>\n
Anybody can obtain various facts and data as well as history
\nof diamonds at the center, Nanny said.<\/p>\n
During a recent talk, organized jointly by the National Museum
\nand the DIC, several diamond experts, including Nanny Budiman and
\nmuseum curator Suhardini, shared their knowledge with local
\njewelers and the public.<\/p>\n
The meeting included a discussion on the origin of diamonds,
\nthe diamond industry, the process of making diamond jewelry, the
\nquality of diamonds and tips to take care of the gemstones.<\/p>\n
Origin<\/p>\n
Diamonds consist of pure carbon that crystallized under very
\nhigh pressure (up to 70,000 kg\/cm2) and temperature (up to 2,000
\ndegrees Celsius).<\/p>\n
According to a Sanskrit text found in the 4th century B.C.,
\nthere was an active diamond trade in India. Until 18th century,
\nIndia remained the only supplier of diamonds in the world. Since
\nthe second half of the 19th century this has changed. African
\ncountries including Zaire and South Africa emerged as the largest
\nproducers. Australia also took the lion's share of the world's
\ndiamond production.<\/p>\n
Characteristics<\/p>\n
What makes a diamond special is its unique ability to handle
\nlight. It is because of this that diamonds sparkle with such
\nbrilliance, fire and glitter.<\/p>\n
A diamond's brilliance lies in its ability to capture and
\nreflect light. No other gemstone can match it.<\/p>\n
A diamond's unique beauty -- the spectacular light show -- is
\ncaptured in every stone. The higher the quality of a diamond, the
\ngreater its ability to handle light, which intensifies its beauty
\nand increases its value. Nothing can begin to rival the diamond
\nfor fire, brilliance, sparkle and hardness.<\/p>\n
As the beauty of a diamond depends on the way it reflects
\nlight, the cutter must shape the facets in such a way as to allow
\neach facet to admit and reflect the maximum amount of light,
\nenabling the diamond to sparkle.<\/p>\n
Four Cs<\/p>\n
When you're ready to buy a diamond, you'd better visit a
\nreliable jeweler or a diamond expert first. The following Four Cs
\n-- Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat-weight -- may help you as they
\nare the most important guidelines.<\/p>\n
Cut: Many people confuse cut with the shape of a diamond. Most
\ndiamonds are cut with a full 58 facets. A good cut will produce
\nmore sparkle. The shape of a diamond, however, is largely a
\nmatter of personal preference and does not really affect the
\nstone's value<\/p>\n
When a diamond is in proportion, light is reflected from one
\nfacet to another and then dispersed through the top of the stone.
\nIf the cut of the diamond is too deep, some light escapes through
\nthe opposite side of the pavilion. If the cut is too shallow,
\nlight escapes through the pavilion before it can be reflected.<\/p>\n
Color: The best color for a diamond is no color at all.
\nColorless diamonds are prisms which allow light to pass
\neffortlessly through the stone.<\/p>\n
Clarity: Diamonds, more than any other gemstone, have the
\ncapability to produce the maximum amount of brilliance. And a
\ndiamond that is virtually free of interior or exterior
\ninclusions (commonly called flaws) is of the highest quality,
\nbecause nothing interferes with the passage of light through the
\ndiamond. Determining a diamond's clarity is done with a 10-power
\nmagnifying glass and a trained eye.<\/p>\n
Carat-Weight: The size of a diamond is measured in carats. One
\ncarat is divided into 100 points, so a diamond of 75 points
\nweight has 0.75 carat. Size is the most obvious factor in
\ndetermining the value of a diamond, but two diamonds of equal
\nsize can be very unequal in value, depending on their quality.<\/p>\n
Most things you buy depreciate in value as they're used. A
\ndiamond, on the other hand, maintains its value and can grow more
\nprecious with time.<\/p>\n
Diamonds are available for a wide range of prices. The larger
\nthe diamond, the rarer and higher in carat value it is.<\/p>\n
One thing should be understood, diamonds have appreciated
\nover the years. You cannot expect to pay what your parents or
\ngrandparents paid. But, a diamond will not fade. (raw)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/be-careful-when-buying-diamonds-dic-expert-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}