Shopping-Adviser

Not Insured?

We hear sad and tragic stories every week from our clients about a broken, lost or stolen diamond and come to find that they have not been insured.  Proper insurance is the only way to protect yourself from not being able to replace your special diamond with the same quality and size you have.

Many consumers are under the impression that diamonds can not break and therefore do not need to be insured.  Or that they are automatically covered under renters or homeowners insurance if lost or stolen.  Both of these statements are false.  A diamond can break and unless the diamond is specifically listed on your insurance policy or you have separate coverage in the form of a rider on your renters or homeowner’s policy the ring would not be covered in the event of breakage, loss or theft. 

Making sure that you purchase a certified diamond and having the proper description and photos on the appraisal are also key elements when having your diamond insured.  Without the proper carat weight, color, clarity, depth and table percentages and millimeter measurements as well as a report on the fluorescence of the diamond the type of diamond that your insurance company will agree to replace could be vastly different from your original stone. 

At Diamond Source of Virginia we always encourage our clients to price compare their homeowner’s coverage with and independent insurance company.  Two such companies that we have recommended to our clients in the past for exceptional coverage and honest business practices are Jewelers Mutual and Chubb Group of Insurance Companies.

The biggest mistake that consumers make is either having too much insurance or not having any at all.  The more you know about insurance the more informed you will be in making the right insurance decision for the future.

Purchasing A Diamond Ring

The first step in the shopping for a diamond for an engagement ring is to narrow down the desired shape. Unless you are very certain about what your significant other would like to have it would be a very wise decision to subtly gather some input from her prior to purchasing.  If she has her heart set on a round cut diamond and you present her with a pear shaped stone you are most likely not going to get the reaction you had hoped for. Do some shopping with her before hand.  The where and when of the engagement can still be a surprise.

Most of the shapes pictured to the right are considered to be the traditional “classic” shaped engagement diamond. Different shapes take on a different appearance on each person.  Your finger size, shape of finger and skin tone all play a role in how a particular diamond will look on your hand.  Trying various shapes on is the only way to truly tell how the ring will look on your hand.  What looks good on your best friend may not be what suits your hand.

Today, many of our clients would prefer a three stone mounting as opposed to a solitaire.  There are many different side stone options (many shown below).  The most important thing to keep in mind when matching up side stones is not go up or down any more than one color grade from the center stone and to make sure you have proper millimeter measurements of the center diamond in order for the side stones to fit up properly.  You have many prongs to consider with a three stone ring and you want to make them as invisible as possible.  The side stones should not be any longer than the center stone and should tuck up right underneath the center diamond making it appear that it is one diamond. 

There are also many other cuts on the market that are advertised everyday on the radio and TV that are only available through select retail stores. The majority of these diamonds (shown below) are extremely similar to the classic cuts but are more expensive due to the marketing strategies of the retail system.

At Diamond Source of Virginia we can help guide you through the process of buying a diamond that you will be proud to wear for a lifetime www.diamondsourceva.com

Customer Satisfaction

If there is one thing that I have learned in the five years I have been in the diamond business at Diamond Source of Virginia it is that most people appreciate honest, hard working business owners who’s main objective, other than to make a modest living, is to advise and educate the consumer about diamonds and the diamond buying process.  We do not just sell diamonds we provide the necessary information, both on our web site and when talking to our clients on the phone, to help them make the best possible choice based on their shopping parameters as well as their life style and budget. 

I talk with great people everyday that are convinced that they need a particular color or clarity in a diamond because of what they have been told by a jeweler or a friend and that information may cost them hundreds if not thousands of dollars more than is necessary and the diamond will not appear any more beautiful than going down in color and clarity and saving some money.

It does not happen very often, maybe once a year, but we will encounter a client who for a variety of reasons just won’t let us help them and we finally have to wish them the best of luck in their diamond search and send them on their way.  This usually happens when they have a stead fast pre-conceived notion of what they “must’ have and their budget isn’t in sink with their expectations; they have seen a diamond in a jewelry store and were told it was a particular color and clarity but they failed to ask if it was a certified diamond by the GIA and what they were actually seeing under the sparkle lights in the store was a poorly cut diamond, or sometimes the client simply does too much research and is so confused by all of the varying opinions that are out there that they can not decipher good information from bad. 

We had a client recently that sent us a photo of a ring that he wanted to duplicate.  We always appreciate it when the client does some homework in advance and knows what they want the finished product to look like so we were thrilled.  Unfortunately in this case the only thing that the client liked about the mounting was the actual mounting (the metal) itself.  They wanted to change the shape of the stones, it was a three stone ring with the center being one shape and the sides being another shape, and the combination of diamonds were such that they would never fit together properly.  Many customers do not understand the dynamics of a mounting in that in order for the mounting to be secure, functional and beautiful certain factors have to follow suit.  For instance, you do not normally want to set a rounded diamond with flat edged side stones.  They just don’t fit together properly.  We tried desperately to convince them that what they were doing was not going to end up looking like the photo even going so far as to explain to them that the jeweler that we would be using had never done a ring with the combination of diamonds that they were requesting and that there was a reason for this but they were completely unbending and we finally just had to bow out. 

We pride ourselves on selling high quality diamonds and putting together pieces that our clients will be proud of for years to come.  Whether you have a $1,000 budget or $100,000 we want you to get the best diamond and mounting for the money and we won’t just sell a diamond or a mounting simply to make money.  Believe me there are plenty of folks out there who will, we are just not one of them.

Spring/Summer Fashion Trends 2007

Now that Spring has finally arrived I have been in search of the top trends and must haves for the up and coming warm weather.  Here are some of my favorite items.

Shorts are very hot this season and you are seeing them in any length from just at the knee to short short.  They have a wonderful array of flared, buttoned and cuffed styles to choose from and can be worn just as well with ballet flats or high heals.

When it comes to hand bags anything goes.  For those who want just enough room to carry their cell phones and iPods a small wonderful clutch or shoulder bag is perfect.  If you need a bag that can carry everything including the kitchen sink this season’s other essential accessory is the extra large tote.  Go bold for the summer months and pick something in a bright color or one of this season’s most popular metallic.

I am a self proclaimed shoe fanatic and I love what I am seeing for spring and summer shoes.  Wonderful wedges, stilettos that you can actually walk in, feminine ballet flats, peep holes in flats as well as high heals plus ankle wrapped espadrille sandals in every color and pattern imaginable.  And you do not have to break the bank to get numerous different styles.

Airy short dresses and skirts are everywhere as well that can be paired with a tee or a light weight sweater set.  These can be worn during the day with flats or dressed up for a night on the town in any number of wonderful high heals. 

On the jewelry front you are seeing lots of bold pieces in necklaces, bracelets and large statement rings.  Pile on the bangle bracelets with any of your outfits and make an instant fashion statement.

Have a wonderful Spring/Summer season.  Enjoy all of the color, sparkle and warmth of this time of year and please don't forget the sun screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Five years ago I did not know anything about diamonds or the diamond business other than the fact that I loved the product.  I knew nothing about the abundance of shapes, the color and clarity for any given shape, the fact that diamonds are certified and that you should only stick with certified diamonds to make sure that you are getting exactly what you are paying for.  The list went on and on of what I did not know. 

Now that I have been in the diamond selling business for almost six years I am never surprised that most people looking to purchase a diamond do not know any more than I did.  Yes, there is a great deal of information on the web regarding the diamond buying process but that can be overwhelming to many shoppers. 

I talk with wonderful people every day that simply want to find a beautiful diamond for the best price possible.  While I am certainly not an expert in the field I thought I would render some advice and helpful hints to guide you through the maze of the shopping experience.  Here are some of the frequently asked questions:

What shape diamond is the most popular?

I always encourage our customers to try on as many different shaped diamond rings as possible.  You may have fallen in love with a diamond that your friend has but it may not be the right cut for your particular hand.  When in total doubt and if the proposal is going to be a complete surprise I would encourage you to chose a round cut stone.  It is the easiest shape to do something else with in the future should you decide to upgrade either as an earring or a side stone. 

How much do most people spend?

The old rule of thumb was two months salary.  Again, the dollar amount is what you are comfortable with. Most people I work with either have a very specific budget or a particular carat weight that they are shooting for.  I have found that the best value is just under the carat mark.  For instance if you can find a round cut diamond that weighs 0.90 carats but that measures 6.5 millimeters you have a diamond that is priced less but that looks like a one carat stone.  We find beautiful diamonds everyday at every price point from a budget of $1500 to over $100,000.

What is considered good color and clarity?

It varies from shape to shape and it depends on whether you are buying a diamond to be used for an engagement ring or for earrings or a pendant.  We recommend at least I color for most shapes and at least SI1 clarity for most shapes.  Some of the fancy shaped diamonds we would go up to at least H color and VS2 clarity.  Obviously, again, it is personal but for every color and clarity grade you go up so does the price.  Color differences can be seen and to some people higher color is very important but as far as clarity is concerned as long as the diamond is eye clean it adds no additional value to the diamond to up any higher in clarity. 

Do you take diamonds in for trade?

Since we don't own inventory and only order in diamonds that precisely meet our client's requirements, we generally do not buy diamonds previously owned by our clients.  My first suggestion is that you consider keeping your diamond and using it for a different item of jewelry such as a pendant, earrings, or a side stone for a ring.  If you must sell the diamond, jewelry stores and pawn shops are the last place you should try because these establishments will often only offer a third of what they could buy it for on the wholesale market.  My advice for selling a diamond you already own is to advertise in the classified section of the local newspaper in the hopes of finding a consumer who needs a diamond but does not have access to the Internet and low price suppliers like us.  If the diamond you are considering selling is a GIA certified diamond we would consider brokering the diamond for you and have had great success in this area. 

What is a certified diamond?

A diamond certificate (also called a "diamond grading report") is a document containing the characteristics about the diamond that will make up its value. It is the pedigree that goes with the diamond and becomes a valuable document in case of loss because it will ensure that your insurance company will replace your stone with another certified stone of like quality. Certificates are not appraisals since they do not contain any information regarding the value or price of a diamond.

I have fun everyday at work talking to wonderful folks all over the country and finding them beautiful diamonds.  I hope I can provide them with the information they need to make a qualified decision that they live with both financially and emotionally. 

Upgrading your diamond

As the De Beers advertising campaign states, “A Diamond is forever”, that does not necessarily mean it is forever on your finger.  The beautiful and well intentioned diamond you were given upon your engagement may have sentimental value but there is nothing wrong with upgrading to something larger, a different shape or adding side stones to your current diamond somewhere down the road. 

My first piece of advice is to go shopping.  Go to as many local jewelry stores as you can and try on a variety of rings.  My experience, after being in the diamond business for four years, is that many women think they want a particular shape of diamond based on what they have seen in magazines and on television but in reality what looks good on their particular hand could be totally different.  The biggest challenge in shopping is that most jewelry stores only carry rings in a certain size.  There might be fifteen rings to look at but the majority of them are a finger size six.  This is ok if you have a smaller finger size but can be very frustrating if you have a larger finger.  It is so important that you are able to try the ring on and know that the ring will be comfortable to wear all the time. 

Once you have determined the shape of the diamond you are interested in do some research into color and clarity.  For a round shaped diamond starting with at least I color and SI1 clarity is perfectly fine.  For a fancy shaped diamond I would suggest at least H color and VS2 clarity.  Above all make sure that you are looking at certified diamonds.  Most jewelry stores will tell you that the diamonds in their cases are certified but in fact they only have paper work from the store not from the GIA or AGS.  Ask to see the certifications and if they say you can only have that information when you purchase the diamond run out of the store quickly.  The diamonds could be any color, clarity and carat weight that they say and you would have no idea what you are actually buying. 

A big question is what to do with your current diamond.  Clients call us everyday wanting to sell their diamonds and there is really no good outlet for that kind of sale.  I would encourage anyone to either incorporate their diamond into the new ring as a side stone or turn it into a new piece of jewelry in the form of a pendant or earring.

Jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed.  Keeping a piece of jewelry in its current mounting, that you feel is outdated, so in turn you never wear it, is such a waste.   Using the diamond in another way preserves the sentimental value and gives you a new piece to enjoy and cherish. 

To read more about diamonds and the diamond buying process please visit Diamond Source of Virginia at http://www.diamondsourceva.com/

Asking For “Permission”

It is a time honored tradition to ask for the blessing of the girls’ parents before proposing marriage.  Young men have been taking on this responsibility for hundreds of years and it is most likely more stressful than popping the actual question.

Today, it is becoming more popular and politically correct to ask both parents.  This way you will not offend your future mother in law and that is a smart idea.  These days with so many different family arrangements you may want to ask who ever she has lived with most recently or who she has a closer relationship with.  If her parents are separated or divorced it is a good idea to speak with each parent separately. 

Most young men choose to sit down with the parents secretly before they propose to let the family know how they feel about their daughter, that they will cherish her forever and provide and care for her. 

Before you sit down with your girl friends parent or parents or get them on the phone if there is a long distance between you and her family, take the time to think about what you are going to say.  In other words, be prepared.  Explain the depth of your feelings toward their daughter and how much she means to you.  Inform them of the plans you have made for their future together and that you will do everything in your power to make their daughter happy.  Assure them that you fully understand the commitment that you are making and that you have given serious consideration to the matter of marrying their daughter.

Sitting down with your girl friends parents and having a serious conversation about your future not only shows respect but will set the tone for your relationship with them going forward. 

Celebrity Misbehavior

Is it just me or are there lots of others folks who are just plain sick and tired of celebrities and their truly awful behavior.  It is not enough that you have all of the twenty some year olds cat fighting over each others boyfriends, dumping drinks on each other in night clubs, and denying the obvious drug/eating disorders or the Tom Cruises of the world who can not seem to keep his feet on the ground when sitting on a couch or out of his mouth when talking about child bearing, a subject that even if he thinks he is an expert on he is clearly not, but now you have Babs swearing at an audience member during a recent concert.

Barbara Streisand may be loved by many but it is my guess that there are a lot fewer fans out there after her recent raunchy behavior on stage.  She was there to do a benefit concert not conduct a political debate.  Everyone likes a good comedic routine but enough was enough and in my opinion she more than crossed the line when using the f*%$#@ word directed to an audience member who clearly was there to hear her sing not bash the President of the United States.

Yes I am a loyal republican but even if I were not I still would not condone the behavior of any public figure who uses that podium to spout out their own political views.  If specifically asked they can say whatever they please but if I had spent good money to see Babs sing, then that is what I would want her to do. 

I feel like Hollywood has run amuck.  I used to idolize the celebrity crowd and admire them for their grace, class and poise.  I would buy every glossy magazine that hit the news stands and could not read enough about their lifestyle.  Nowadays I specifically do not buy magazines that feature the celebs that have just plain behaved badly.  Why would I want to read about another famous person who has just plain lost it. 

Nothing To Wear

We have all looked in our closets, let out a big sigh, and lamented the fact that we have nothing to wear.  What is truly puzzling is that it is not that there is nothing in our overstuffed, disorganized closets it’s that what is there has never been the right size to begin with or the proper fit. 

According to a recent survey conducted by Talbots, 80 percent of women do not wear at least 25 percent of the clothes that are in their closet.  The survey concludes that women ages 35 and up claim to know what size they are but do not know their measurements and in a time when you may be a size 6 in one brand you could very easily be a 10 in another brand.  Add to this that 40 percent were willing to go up one size and only 20 percent were willing to go up two sizes. 

Further interesting statistics include that 85 percent of the respondents determine if something will fit simply by looking at the size marked on the tag.  Only 16 percent of the women said that they regularly check the manufacturers’ size chart when determining fit.  More than 40 percent admitted to buying clothes that they planned on fitting into in the near future and 60 percent admitted to having “fat” clothes and “skinny” clothes when what they really want are clothes that are comfortable and flattering.

The bottom line is, if you really want to wear and enjoy the clothes you have in your closet ignore the size on the tags and go for what really fits and looks good on your figure.  If you have to go up a size or two so be it.  If the size on the tag bothers you that much either cut it out or join a gym.

Charming Jewelry

I was helping my college age daughter clean out her room this past weekend in an effort to get her organized for the packing extravaganza that was going to take place this week in preparation for her return to college.  She left today : (   I love to go through every nook and cranny and weed out items that are not longer wanted or used.  I am not by nature a saver.  In going through her jewelry we came upon her charm bracelet.  A delicate gold chain with about 20 charms hanging around it.  We gave each of the girls a bracelet for Christmas one year when they were probably 6 or 7.  Each birthday, holiday or special vacation we would try to find an appropriate charm to add to the bracelet. They were small charms and the girls have since out grown them but love them just the same.  It was such fun to look at each charm and talk about the significance or special memory behind them. 

I have always loved charm bracelets and don't feel that they have ever gone out of style.  They are timeless and represent our lives as we evolve and grow old.  My grandmother had wonderful charm bracelets and my mother still wears hers with the addition of the charms she inherited from my grandmother. 

I am in the diamond business and a client came in the other day with an engagement ring and wedding band that were his grandmothers.  He wanted to do something with them and present them as a gift to his wife for an anniversary. The rings certainly held great emotional significance to this client but were small and due to the age, they were his grandmother’s rings, the cut was not what it should be on the round diamonds and they did not have any sparkle, fire or brilliance.  We very kindly suggested that maybe he should consider another alternative versus simply resetting them in a piece of jewelry that his wife may or may not ever wear.  We suggested starting a charm bracelet and adding the rings to it in there original form.  That way they would be preserved and the bracelet could be added to in the future.  He was thrilled with the idea and thanked us for all of our help.

Taking a sentimental piece of jewelry that would, under normal circumstances, just sit in a jewelry box and turning it into something that can be worn and enjoyed as well as being a conversation piece I think is a wonderful gift.

Go to http://jewelry.about.com/cs/charmbracelets/tp/charm.htm for great charm bracelet options