Description
Book SynopsisNewly updated and expanded, Diamonds gives you all the information you need to buy, collect, sell—or simply enjoy—diamonds with confidence and knowledge. Whether you are buying a diamond for an engagement ring, anniversary, to commemorate a special moment or for personal pleasure, today it is more important than ever to understand what you are buying. There are new shapes and cuts, fancy colors, high-tech treatments and sophisticated frauds. There are new ways to buy—such as Internet auctions. Buyers need a source of expert guidance. Practical, comprehensive and easy to understand, this book offers in depth all the information you need to buy sparkling diamonds with confidence, including: What is a diamond? An in-depth look at factors affecting differences in quality and cost. Diamond grading reports—why all the information is important, and what it tells you. How to compare prices. How to spot differences in stones that may appear to be the same quality. How to protect yourself from misrepresentation. Questions to ask when buying any diamond. What to get in writing. How to get what you want within your budget. Important information about buying on the Internet … and much more! Written by an "insider," this easy-to-read guide is the “unofficial diamond bible” for anyone who wants to get the most for their money and enjoy what they have purchased.
Trade Review"The book you can't do without … all the information you need, in no-nonsense language." —Rapaport Diamond Report "An appropriate book for the uninformed public, but more than that, it is a good reference book for jewelers and their staffs, gem collectors, students of gemology, travelers, teachers and even those who know gemology but want a state-of-the-art review." —Lapidary Journal “Almost every newly engaged couple is eager to know as much as possible about their once-in-a-lifetime purchase … the diamond engagement ring…. [This book] take[s] the guesswork out of this important decision … [and helps you] obtain the best value for your money.” —Modern Bride “The information needed for investing and purchasing gems of all types. Highly recommended.” —Library Journal “To answer critical buying questions, it takes an author who has been immersed in the jewelry business, has seen the full range of material, and is able to share those experiences in a thorough yet easy-to-read manner. Antoinette Matlins has managed to do just that with her Colored Gemstones and Diamonds buying guides.” —Gems & Gemology “Provides consumers with a virtual 'key' to getting the stone they really want at the right prices.” —Canadian Diamonds “Restores the magic! [Will] entertain and enlighten all its readers and save some from heartbreak. Recommended reading.” —Paul Harvey, Paul Harvey News
Table of ContentsList of Price Guides List of Special Charts and Tables Acknowledgments Preface to the Fourth Edition Introduction Part One: Appreciating Diamonds 1. The Magic of Diamonds 2. Becoming Familiar with Diamonds 3. Looking for a Diamond That's a "Cut Above" Part Two: Diamonds 4. What Is a Diamond? 5. The Importance of Cut & Proportion 6. Body Color 7. Clarifying Clarity: How Flaws Affect Diamonds 8. Weight 9. How to Read Diamond Grading Reports 10. False Claims & Costly Bargains: How to Spot Fraud and Avoid Misrepresentation 11. Comparing Colorless Diamond Prices 12. Fancy-Color Diamonds 13. Comparing Fancy Natural-Color and Treated-Color Diamond Prices 14. A Word about “Synthetic” Diamonds Part Three: Design & Style—Getting the Look You Want … and Keeping It That Way 15. Choosing the Right Metal 16. Choosing the Design of the Setting 17. Caring for Your Diamond Jewelry Part Four: Important Advice Before & After You Buy 18. What to Ask When Buying the Stone 19. How to Select a Reputable Jeweler & Gemologist Consultant 20. Buying on the Internet: E-Commerce & Online Auctions 21. Choosing the Appraiser & Insurer Appendix: A Selected List of Recognized Laboratories Selected Readings Credits Index
