How to Buy a Diamond

Prestige Jewelers Sales Meeting Sales Presentation

The 4 C’s Determine Diamond Grade and Value• Cut

– Refers to a diamond’s reflective qualities, not its shape

– Angles and number of facets determine how diamond reflects light• In well-cut diamonds, light enters form

the top, reflects from one side to the other, and exits out the top.

• In poorly cut diamonds, light enters from the top and “leaks” out the bottom.

• Color– Colorless is most valuable, reflecting the

most light– Graded on alphabetical scale from “D”

(colorless) to “Z” (traces of yellow or brown) • Fancy color diamonds do not follow this

rule (i.e., blue, yellow, pink, diamonds)

• Clarity – Refers to a diamond’s flaws (or

inclusions) • Internal air bubbles • Surface cracks

– Diamonds range from Flawless (no inclusions) to Included 3 (flaws visible to the naked eye)

• Carat – Refers to the unit of weight by

which a diamond is measured– The greater the carat weight,

the more expensive the diamond (all other characteristics being equal)

Determining a Diamond’s Quality

• Microscope/Loop– A microscope or jeweler’s loop (10x magnifying glass)

will show any inclusions in a diamond.• Diamond Tester– Uses light to verify that the diamond is real– Does not guarantee quality of stone, just authenticity

• Certification– Certifies the quality of a diamond– Certificates should come from a reputable source– Certificates could cost up to $200

Buyer Beware of “Treated” Diamonds

• Filled with glass to enhance clarity • Treated with heat to enhance color– Used to turn yellow or brown diamonds into a

fancy-colored – Colors may change over time

• Painted for color to offset yellow color – Wears off quickly– Easily detectable

Caring for Diamonds

• After you purchase a diamond, be sure to care for it carefully

• Diamonds are brittle and can crack, scratch, and be badly damaged– For prevention of damage, store diamonds

separately from other jewelry• When the diamond needs cleaned– Use a jeweler's cloth– Bring it to your jeweler