Why would anybody ask for this kind of advice from/.???? As a geologist/gemologist/college dropout/ex-gem trader, I have to say Diamonds are not "worthless pieces of carbon." They are quite valuable as Russian mafia in 'limited partnership with DeBeers' keeps it that way. After all, it is in their very best interests.
Many large investment portfolios contain investment-quality diamonds (>1ct, D-E color, flawless to VVS1), and the Prices of Diamonds have risen steadily over the last 20 years except for a brief period during the 1980s.
People are used to the retail on general jewellery being 300% of cost. The diamond business is cut throat and although your setting will probably be market up that much (or 500%+ if purchasing from Tiffany, etc), your diamond is likely to be marked up only 20%.
Is the guy who spent $300 paying 20% over. Not likely, he's probably paying much more and his diamond was absolutely cut by child labor. They have better eyesight and less skill, which puts them in the position of routinely cutting very low quality, small stones. Is the guy who spends $3000 on a diamond getting more for his money? Yes, a stone that was likely cut by an adult in a civilized country. $30,000 stone? Cut by a master cutter in a major diamond center such as Antwerp, Israel, or the US.
Someone said he bought a sapphire as an engagement ring, that is a great idea; and one that is increasingly popular in Europe. However quality sapphires can approach diamond prices easily. Dark blue, opaque sapphires are not relatively that rare. Princess Diana actually had a sapphire engagment ring.
And for Jewellers not buying back their merchandise. I know for a fact that Lenoir Jewellers 601-924-7755 (web site sucks) will buy back any diamond it sells to you for up to one year after purchase for the same amount you purchased it for. -Something that was handy during the first marriage.
Slashdot Mirror
Why would anybody ask for this kind of advice from /.???? As a geologist/gemologist/college dropout/ex-gem trader, I have to say Diamonds are not "worthless pieces of carbon." They are quite valuable as Russian mafia in 'limited partnership with DeBeers' keeps it that way. After all, it is in their very best interests.
Many large investment portfolios contain investment-quality diamonds (>1ct, D-E color, flawless to VVS1), and the Prices of Diamonds have risen steadily over the last 20 years except for a brief period during the 1980s.
People are used to the retail on general jewellery being 300% of cost. The diamond business is cut throat and although your setting will probably be market up that much (or 500%+ if purchasing from Tiffany, etc), your diamond is likely to be marked up only 20%.
Is the guy who spent $300 paying 20% over. Not likely, he's probably paying much more and his diamond was absolutely cut by child labor. They have better eyesight and less skill, which puts them in the position of routinely cutting very low quality, small stones. Is the guy who spends $3000 on a diamond getting more for his money? Yes, a stone that was likely cut by an adult in a civilized country. $30,000 stone? Cut by a master cutter in a major diamond center such as Antwerp, Israel, or the US.
Someone said he bought a sapphire as an engagement ring, that is a great idea; and one that is increasingly popular in Europe. However quality sapphires can approach diamond prices easily. Dark blue, opaque sapphires are not relatively that rare. Princess Diana actually had a sapphire engagment ring.
And for Jewellers not buying back their merchandise. I know for a fact that Lenoir Jewellers 601-924-7755 (web site sucks) will buy back any diamond it sells to you for up to one year after purchase for the same amount you purchased it for. -Something that was handy during the first marriage.