|
Your Guide To The Five C's |
|
|
|
Certification |
Diamond Certifications - A diamond grading report is commonly known as a certificate or “cert.” A cert is the product of a gemological laboratory, an independent scientific establishment not connected to any jeweler or diamond supplier. This unbiased, expert third-party opinion of the quality of a diamond provides written documentation substantiating the carat weight and quality grade. In most cases, diamonds are examined by two or more gemologists who must agree on the grades the diamond receives.
The cert will contain information on identification, enhancements, cut, color, clarity, carat weight, shape outline and measurements. Many laboratories will include diagrams, top and bottom views, of the diamond's clarity and the diamond’s natural inclusions will be plotted to show type and position. A formal diamond grading report will be prepared, signed, dated and assigned a report number for authenticity.
All of this certification will help you make an informed diamond buying decision, but do not confuse a cert with an appraisal. An appraisal, discussed below, provides a market value for a stone. Ideally, the two documents should work together with the cert providing the scientific data and the appraisal providing what the data means in the marketplace.
Diamond certs give you the assurance of knowing what you are getting when buying a diamond. As technology advances, new ways are created to mimic or enhance the apparent quality of a diamond. Diamonds can be whitened using high temperatures and high pressure. Diamonds can have their impurities blasted away by lasers and the tiny channel the beam creates can be refilled. Technology is also improving the quality of synthetic diamonds which have the same molecular properties as diamonds. The few tell-tale signs of synthetic diamonds are likely to be discerned only by a sophisticated lab.
Diamond certs can also provide a certain level of security with diamonds that have been laser inscribed. Laser inscription is the latest in security technology where a unique number is assigned to each diamond, inscribed onto the diamond and kept on record. Laser inscription assures a diamond owner the stone you sent in for cleaning or repair is the same stone you get back. It also allows diamonds to be traced should they be lost or stolen and resold into the market. Unfortunately, laser inscription is not necessarily forever as it can be removed with a polishing wheel.
There are many diamond grading systems available from a variety of sources worldwide. Only two systems, the Gemological Institute of American (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS), qualify and quantify grades with specific and accurate terms detailing the grading factors for a diamond. When jewelry professionals turn to these organizations, they place their trust in impartial leadership in the industry, expertise, and customer service. You should remember the total beauty of a diamond cannot be completely summarized on a quality document. For example, the beauty of fancy shaped diamonds is more subjective than the beauty of round brilliant diamonds.
The best recommendation when buying a diamond is to buy from someone you trust and buy a diamond you love. So when choosing a diamond, ask your jeweler about certified diamonds and observe the differences between diamonds before choosing the diamond you prefer.
|
Jewelry Appraisals -
Appraisals are written records of the identity, design quality and
value of a piece of jewelry. The appraised value is not the amount
you would receive if you sold the item. The appraised value for
insurance is an estimate of the retail replacement price that will
cover the cost of making an exact duplicate of your items including
both the wholesaler’s and the retailer’s profits. In fact, insurance
value is usually significantly higher than the actual cash value. In
addition, jewelry values change constantly and it is recommended to
have your jewelry appraised every five years to keep with changing
prices in the market and changing styles.
When you have an appraisal done, jewelers appraise at the
duplication cost, but often jewelers ignore the fact that jewelry
can depreciate in value, and often does, as the item becomes worn or
styles change. Appraisals frequently ignore the condition, age and
marketability of the item being appraised.
A competent appraisal report should contain at least the following:
- Cover document explaining the type of value being appraised
- Complete and accurate description of the property written in such a
manner that it can be identified without photographs
- Date and location of inspection
- Effective date of value
- Appraiser’s qualification and signature
- Photograph of the item
Do not accept an appraisal if it is handwritten or unsigned or the
appraiser charges a fee based on a contingency or upon the value of
the property as this would clearly be a conflict of interest. Hourly
fees, flat rates, or per item charges are acceptable.
Antique & Estate Jewelry Appraisals - An antique or estate
appraisal is also a written record of the identity, design quality
and value of a piece of jewelry. Rather than an "educated guess,"
the professional appraiser's value conclusions are based on
prescribed methods of evaluation, research, and report writing. The
appraiser you hire should be familiar with the type of property you
want appraised and know how to value it correctly. Many appraisers
lack market experience and may use formulas to compute “fair market
value.” Too often, people find out the appraisal they have is
inaccurate or misleading.
Whenever there's a question about the value of your personal
property, there's also a risk involved. It may be the risk of
selling too low or paying too much, being under or over insured, not
getting your fair share in a division of property or incurring tax
penalties or being audited when claiming a deduction for charitable
contribution or when calculating estate taxes. A professional
appraiser helps you manage these risks by providing a written
opinion of value upon which you can base your financial decisions.
Juniker Jewelry Co.
4500 I-55 North
Highland Village Suite 116
Jackson, MS 39211 US
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30am to 6:00pm - Closed Sun
Email
601-366-3754
1-800-796-3754
Fax: 601-362-6079
© Copyright 2005 Juniker Jewelry Company. All Rights Reserved