How to Buy a Diamond

1. How to Buy a Diamond Prestige Jewelers Sales Meeting Sales Presentation

2. The 4 C’s • 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 from 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. • Clarity • Refers to a diamond’s flaws • Interal air bubbles • Surface cracks • Diamonds range from Flawless to Included 3 • Color • Refers to a diamond’s 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. • 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)

3. Determining a Diamond’s Quality • Microscope/Loop • A microscope or jeweler’s loop 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

4. 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 • Color may change over time • Painted for color to offset yellow color • Wears off quickly • Easily detectable

5. Caring for Diamonds After you purchase a diamond, be sure to care for it so that it does not get scratched or damaged. Remember, diamonds are brittle and can crack if banged. Diamonds should be stored separately so that they do not scratch other pieces of jeweler’s polishing cloth or bring it to your jeweler.