VUE

T he world of diamonds is unfamiliar to most of us, and there are sellers posed to take advantage of any naiveté. ese days, it's hard to know if you're looking at a natural diamond or one that's been radiated, heat- or pressure-treated for color enhancement, or laser-drilled to remove an unsightly spot ("inclusion") and then resin-filled to be sold as a higher quality diamond. Furthermore, lab-grown diamonds and simulants have become commonplace. ese treated and manufactured diamonds have infiltrated the supply chain, sometimes unidentified. Savvy shoppers know the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) report is the "gold standard" method of 4C rating (carat, cut, color, clarity). ese highly trained gemologists whose opinions are recognized world-wide disclose any "enhancements" the diamond has undergone, as well as verify that it's a natural diamond. e understandable conclusion is to shop for the lowest price amongst diamonds with identical 4C ratings, right? Aren't all G-VS2, one-carat round diamonds created equal? No, they aren't. e same 4C rating does not equal the same appearance in two diamonds. ere are additional details, beyond what the GIA report covers, which affect the diamond's appearance and therefore its value. While the amount and general location of inclusions get the diamond its GIA clarity rating, the specific location and type of inclusions are also important factors in how the diamond's value is determined. Rather than solely shopping numbers and ratings, it's best to look at diamonds individually under magnification and with the naked eye to determine what you find acceptable. e key is to have an expert guide you through the examination, educating you on exactly what you're seeing. An inclusion near the edge ("girdle") of the diamond is generally preferable to an inclusion closer to the center ("table") where it's the most noticeable. Yet, both diamonds could have the same 4C rating. On average, a woman looks at her engagement ring 70X/day. At some point, the black spot that looks like a sesame seed near the middle of her diamond is going to bother her, whereas when located near the diamond's edge it can get lost in the diamond's faceting or be hidden under a prong. Even better is if that inclusion is a "feather" or a "wisp" generally colorless marks inside the diamond. BY MAUREEN UPHOFF-BRADY THE SAVVY GUIDE TO DIAMOND BUYING V U E N J . C O M 58

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