When you are picking up a diamond, you don’t really think about the history that came with it. We’re not talking about tracing it through all the people it has come into contact with, but making sure it is what is known as a ‘certified diamond’. Here are some pointers to make sure you are getting your money’s worth.
What is a ‘Certified Diamond’?
A certified diamond provides the item with a set of standards, correlating to colour, clarity and cut. It lets you know that you’re dealing with the real deal. It will come with a grading certificate compiled by one of the world’s leading diamond grading laboratories. Of all the people whose opinions you’ll hear on all things related to diamonds, the diamond graders are the ones you should be listening to.
Don’t Seal the Deal with Enhanced Diamonds
Now, no one’s saying that jewellers would try and sell you a lump of rock they had found on the pavements (anyone with eyes would spot the difference). But there are some diamonds out there known as ‘enhanced diamonds.’ They have previously undergone a makeover to give them the impression of looking authentic, with the scratches removed, offering a higher colour. But they won’t have any of the value that comes with an actual diamond. It’s like trying to pass off a piece of glass with a glorified paint job. That’s what your money would be buying you if you went down this route. Diamond graders make a point of steering clear of enhanced diamonds.
The So-Called ‘Perks’ of an Uncertified Diamond
Now, you could buy an uncertified diamond and not have to worry about the certificate. They are typically cheaper than a certified diamond. If you prefer to go easy on the wallet, you may well be tempted to forgo looking at documentation. But then you run the risk of not getting what you paid for. For all you know, you could find yourself paying a large amount for what amounts to a fake relic. A diamond will come with a colour grade such as grade E, but may not be advertised as such. Some retailers could drive up the value with an inflated grade. And without the certificate to verify, you’re none the wiser.
A Verifying Third Party
Your jeweller may give an exquisite monologue on the beauty and value of this diamond and what it means for you. But that doesn’t mean anything if it can’t be verified by an independent source, such as a diamond certification institute. As mentioned earlier, the diamond grading labs offer the most intricate opinions on diamonds you will probably ever hear and therefore, they should have the final word.
Attaching Sentiment
Another thing to take into account is not just the monetary value, but also the emotional value. You’re investing a lot of money into something that will become a part of your identity. Maybe one day it will become a family heirloom that you will pass on to your relatives. A lot of memories could one day come from that diamond. But you’re hardly likely to get teary-eyed over a fake that may have been worth a tenner, are you?
If you feel confident enough to know what to look for and what to avoid, good luck on finding a certified, beautiful diamond that will bring you happy memories for years to come. If you feel like you need to know a bit more, feel free to continue your diamond education at: https://www.whiteflash.com/about-diamonds/diamond-education/vvs-diamonds-1600.htm
