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New Technology to Measure a Diamond's Sparkle New artificial-intelligence technology rates a diamond's brilliance by measuring how light travels through it. Only 5 percent of the world's diamonds obtain the highest rating of exceptional while a whopping 70 percent rate poor to standard. Brilliance is primarily affected by the diamond's cut and somewhat by the placement of inclusions. One VS2 diamond could rate exceptional brilliance while another VS2 rates standard or even low. Performed by an independent company that doesn't sell diamonds, an electronic brilliance report includes a complete 360-degree view of the diamond magnified 10X so inclusions are visible, eliminating the need to use a jeweler's loupe—an exercise most people find awkward at best. A brilliance report (or Gia Report) and in-person examination with guidance from a knowledgeable jeweler provides the most comprehensive information available to make a great choice for a diamond that'll be in your family for many generations. Reputable independent jewelers individually hand-pick their diamonds. eir survival depends on quality, particularly in the absence of a multimillion-dollar advertising budget. Whereas lower quality diamonds (the aforementioned 70 percent) are purchased in bulk by large chains and online sellers; hence purchasing online is akin to spinning the wheel of chance. Keeping it in the Family ere are three interesting factors to keep in mind regarding the value of natural diamonds. First, on average, 250 tons of kimberlite ore is mined to yield a single one-carat gemstone- quality diamond. Second, one-carat gem-quality natural diamonds are increasingly rare as existing mines are depleted, new sources are seldom discovered, and the demand continues to rise—particularly from emerging economies around the globe. ird, as lab-grown diamonds infiltrate the marketplace, a block-chain system is being developed by DeBeers and others to prove the provenance of each natural gemstone coming out of the ground. Given these factors, the price of natural diamonds undoubtedly will continue to rise. So, what can be done to protect your investment? Do an online search; it's amazing what hasn't been on the evening news. Incidences of diamond- switching have increasingly been reported over the past several years and while laser-inscription can thwart possible switching during a repair, the inscription can be polished off by professional thieves, making retrieval virtually impossible. Now, top-quality suppliers are having their diamonds scanned with Gemprint, the world's most sophisticated technology for diamond security used by both the FBI and the Canadian government. e resulting report includes infrared pictures showing a diamond's individual peculiarities for identification, and upon purchase, you are registered as the diamond's owner. Just like humans, no two diamonds have the same exact carbon markers or "fingerprint." is technology ensures the return of the diamond if it's recovered by law enforcement—similarly to microchipped pets. Major insurance companies have endorsed this extra security with up to 10 percent discounts on annual insurance premiums. Maureen Uphoff-Brady, M.A. and her husband own Craig Brady Fine Jeweler. Members of Jewelers of America and Retail Jewelers Organization, they specialize in superior quality natural diamonds, custom design, repairs, appraisals and gis for every budget. Serving the community since 1996 as Valley Jewelers in Upper Montclair, they rebranded in 2017 during an expansion and relocation to Montclair Center. Find out more at www.craigbrady.com. Prior to having their daughter, the author was a television executive and communications professor. Today, in addition to managing the business, Maureen writes, consults, presents educational seminars, and speaks on women's empowerment panels. V U E N J . C O M 59

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