Diamonds as Portable Wealth for Beauty, Pleasure and Investment
Diamonds, what makes them so attractive to us? Most people find the glitter, flash and rainbow dispersion colors fascinating while a diamond’s rarity and value have their own allure. With the advent of the internet, the consumer has access to an unprecedented level of information about diamonds, diamond qualities, prices and availability.
The appearance of a diamond results from its unique chemical composition and it’s journey through the high pressure, high temperature environment in which it grows. These beautiful crystals of carbon, when mined and given the high quality cutting and shaping they deserve, capture, refract and reflect light in a way that borders on the hypnotic.
The value of diamonds tends to increase steadily. Using diamonds for investment purposes is not a new concept. Stocks and bonds, gold, silver and real estate all have in common the possibility that their value will increase over time. This possibility makes them reasonable investments. When purchased through a reliable broker at below wholesale costs, the probability of value enhancement is high. The G.I.A. diamond grading system has helped standardize objective grading standards and nomenclature worldwide. The G.I.A. diamond grading certificate is the go to standard in the industry. Diamonds can be laser inscribed with the certificate number to assure authenticity. This allows people to have confidence in the accepted quality of a diamond as well as establishing a provenance. The Kimberley process has helped ensure that diamonds are sourced responsibly from “non-conflict” sources. With the advent of the internet, the customer has an unprecedented access to information about diamonds, diamond cutting, quality and availability as well as information about marketability and re-selling potential. New scanning software can now even allow an individual a 3-dimensional and/or 360 degree view of many of the stones listed online.
Still, nothing compares to holding a stone, observing for one’s self the flash and scintillation of a well-cut stone. A trusted, reliable broker can source stones and guide an investor to a diamond that will bring the maximum return for the investment. With proper sourcing, quality investment diamonds can be procured directly from the source at a minimal margin to insure the maximal return on any investment stone.
Whether in small sizes or large, this combination of beauty and rarity makes for a unique investment potential; an investment whose value grows over time while being a wearable display of wealth and beauty. There are standards of beauty and quality that are perceived as “ideals” for investment purposes. In general, larger, cleaner stones in the D, E, F color range were considered the Rolls Royce of investment commodities but now, any diamond when procured at the right price with (G.I.A.) certification has the potential to grow in value. The American market tends to run in the SI2 – VS1 clarity range and from G – J colors but even darker colors that do not yet reach the “fancy color” designation have value and appeal.
One of the major improvements in the past couple of decades is the quality of cutting. Formerly the retention of weight was the main focus of cutting resulting in many stones that were too
deep or too shallow and which allowed light to leak out causing stones to appear dark inside. With a well cut stone, light that enters through the top of the stone (the crown), bounces around inside and then back out through the crown. This results in the rainbow colors we see (dispersion) while the light reflected from the facets causes the flash and glitter. To the discerning eye, the difference between a well-cut and a poorly cut stone can be seen from across the room.
With your local expert, your exact needs can be individually accommodated. With the necessary experience and a discerning eye towards value, a savvy broker can assist you in finding the perfect investment stone or piece of jewelry to fit your needs and desires.
Indra Jhaveri, owner of AMI Diamonds and Jewelry in Phoenix can help you find the perfect diamond for yourself or your significant other. We have a large selection of rings, wedding sets, bracelet, necklaces, pendants, earrings and stacking bands. Stop by our showroom today at the Southwest corner of Cactus and Tatum across from the Paradise Valley Mall. We are a jewelry wholesaler to the public and offer 60-80% below retail prices. Layaway Programs available, call 602-923-8200 for more information.
