What should you consider before purchasing a diamond?

KNOW YOUR BEST FRIEND!

A GLIMPSE OF ITS SHEER MAGNIFICENCE IS ENOUGH TO CHARM ANYONE INTO SUBMISSION. AS SUCH, THERE IS AN IMPERATIVE NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE ASPECTS THAT BEQUEATH THE STONE ITS PRECIOUS VALUE. INDUSTRY EXPERTS ANSWER SOME OF THE COMMON QUERIES

Q. What should you consider before purchasing a diamond?  
Ask yourself, ‘What is the purpose for which I need the diamond?’ Is it for daily wear, an investment, engagement, etc? “The customer has to understand whether he/she wants to buy for investment purposes in which case the quality, colour and cut play an important role, or to use it as jewellery, wherein the size becomes important,” says Sunil Datwani, director, Gehna Jewellers. Eventually, move on to other important aspects like budget. Ashwin Shah, head, retail sales and operations, Ciemme Jewels advises customers to research well on diamonds and understand how variations in the four Cs (cut, colour, carat and clarity) can alter the diamond prices. “The sum of these four
Cs affects the fifth most important factor—price.” After that you need to understand what size, colour and quality will fit in that price range. Bhavin Rupani, President, Jasani - The Jewellery Lounge opines, “If you want a bigger diamond, then you can compromise a little on the quality, colour and cut. If you’re looking for both, good quality and colour, then a smaller size is recommended.” Also, a first-time buyer should always go to a reputed jeweller and be aware of all jewellery certifications. 

Q. Which is the most important of the four Cs? 
 “Although a change in any of the Cs alters the price of a diamond, the key is to choose a well-cut piece as it enhances the stone’s ability to reflect light and maximise its fire and brilliance,” opines jewellery designer Renu Oberoi, Mahesh Notandass. “Colourless diamonds are the most desirable since they allow maximum refraction of light. The quality of your diamond depends on how many natural flaws it has and how prominent they are. The more there are, the less expensive the diamond will be. Look for diamonds that fall just under popular carat weights such as 1/2- carat, 3/4-carat, 1-carat, etc. Since these diamonds fall just shy of the popular weight, they are often sold at a slight discount compared to diamonds of full weight,” she says. 

Q. What is the best way to spot flaws in a diamond?  
The flaws in a diamond are rarely visible to
the naked eye unless it is on the outer surface of the diamond like a scratch or chip. In order to see the internal flaws, you need a microscope. The best way for a customer to spot a fake from a real diamond is to see the quality certificate or get the diamond valued from a trusted source. Oberoi advises, “The best way to spot a flaw in a diamond is to place it in bright light; if the diamond only gives off a little sparkle and shine, it most likely is not real. Also, a real diamond cannot be scratched. Remember the saying, ‘A real diamond can scratch glass.’ It’s true. If your stone has any surface scratches, it’s not an original.” 

Q. Are diamonds good investment options?  
Diamonds have an emotional value attached to them and people don’t usually purchase diamonds with an intention of selling it. Thanks to this limited re-sale, the prices remain high. Also, diamonds have become a universal commodity and they can be bought and sold all over the world. However, the customer needs to be aware that it might be difficult to sell in times of urgent need, as finding the right buyer may take some time. On the other hand, Devyani Khosla, sales director – Damiani India, states that since diamonds are the hardest substance known to exist, not much can tarnish them. “If you have the perfect cut, clarity and colour, the value of the diamond will appreciate with passing years, or you will get exactly what you paid, taking into account the appreciation as well. Though you should have thorough knowledge and do proper research on the current market scenario before purchasing diamonds for investment.”