Who knows diamonds?

[trilinearmipmap]

Years ago I bought a diamond engagement ring.

I recall it was one instance where the seller had all the power.

For most transactions the buyer has a lot of power. You can research a car or a flat panel TV, you can read reviews and compare prices online. If you don't like the price you go down the street to the next place.

Most of us (me included) have no idea how much any particular diamond is worth. You have to rely on the salesperson who tells you its quality and value. Of course they will tell you it is a $12,500.00 diamond but they will sell it to you for $8,000.00 (that is what I was told). Because most people know nothing about diamonds we are buying on blind faith. And hopefully we only have to buy a diamond once, so we have no experience in shopping for diamonds.

The consumer has no knowledge and therefore no power.

The best advice I read was to get an independent appraisal of a diamond before buying it.

[fishguyxd]

if you want a little diamond lesson first hand stop by spence diamonds you will learn for yourself hands on with no pressure to buy.

[woodcarver]

This is an interesting thread . First I think we all wish Sean well and I suppose the cardinal rule is 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder '.
I think we should be able to have an exchange of information and opinion without getting personal.
Sean did ask for help in determining ' quality and price' which ,of course opened up the debate.
I have never been one who attached any priority to the purchase of "serious " jewellery . As an earlier post suggested other demands seemed to me to be more pressing in raising a family buying a house etc.
Before reading the articles about the diamond trade I had independantly come to the opinion that diamonds are a "one way trade '. The assesments are not really of any value ( other than maybe for insurance ).
To give an example ,my partner had a diamond studded watch left to her in her mothers estate . A reputable jeweller assessed its value as $17,000.00.

Another jeweller ,again very reputable has the watch for sale at their suggested resale price of $8000.00 of which my partner will receive $4500.00 if sold . So far no takers . Ignoring the actual watch it says lot about
' quality and price' of diamonds. !

So ,for my penn'orth if you girl friend wants it and you wish to show her your feelings for her, have a great time picking the nicest one you can find and dont worry about value or quality as these are ethereal ,not quantifiable and will in all probability never be put to the test.

Wow ,that feels better

Best wishes .................Dave

[Tarolisol]

Thanks for all the advice and well wishes.
I have become quite knowledgable in diamonds in the last couple day and now know what to look for.

So ,for my penn'orth if you girl friend wants it and you wish to show her your feelings for her, have a great time picking the nicest one you can find and dont worry about value or quality as these are ethereal ,not quantifiable and will in all probability never be put to the test.

Although resale value is of no importance to me quality of a diamond is. A good quality diamond looks alot different then a poor one. As well as colour and cut can have a huge impact of the diamonds apperance.

[andresont]

Well.. looks like what I could do for sure is stirrup a lot of sand.(emotions).
I think the best is to be informed and make your own decision based on that.
My wife has a diamonds too, just because that what she wanted.
I see no value in diamonds,only have tiny one (gift from wife) my live rock have way better resale rate as well as other SW equipment compare to our furniture and TV. LOL !

The good thing is that we are having civilized discussion right ?

[BCOrchidGuy]

Wow, my girlfriend and I are both gun shy (gun = marriage) her a bit more than me, so after seeing this thread I'm really glad she's the smart one.... although with her standing over my shoulder she eloquently reminded me that diamonds are her birth stone and she'd still like one someday.... ewoops

Doug