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