How to

How to Sell an Antique Diamond Ring

antique diamond ring

carats (0 mg) round diamond engagement ring. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Selling an antique diamond ring, probably belonging to your grandma, could be frightening. There is a certain level of skepticism involved regarding whether you will be able to crack a fair deal or not. In order to get a reasonable price, you must set the price according to the ring’s craft and the diamond’s worth. This sounds easy, but in reality, it can be a troublesome task.

Read on to know how you can sell a vintage diamond ring at a fair price:

Get the Ring Appraised

Before setting a price, it is advisable to get the ring appraised, preferably from a jeweler. Make sure the jeweler is not interested in buying that antique diamond ring because his advice could influence you and the price of the ring. Try to obtain an unbiased appraisal relating to the antique diamond ring’s cut & uniqueness, condition, and to what extent it meets the antique ‘style’ quotient.

Acquire a Certification

If possible, try to get hold of a certificate from a genuine gemologist. This will permit you to set a higher price for the ring and attract more genuine buyers willing to pay that price.

Find Buyers Exclusively

At first, try to place an ad in a newspaper or a jewelry publication at a price you think is appropriate. Estimate the response of the market and how many buyers you are able to attract at this price. The reaction will help decide whether you scroll the price up or down.

Jewelry Store

It is a good idea to sell your ring at a store that sells antique jewelry. Since you now know the worth of your antique diamond ring, there are high chances that you will get a satisfying price from the buyer. If you feel the price being paid is unmatched to the ring’s worth, you can go elsewhere.

Online Selling

Consider selling your antique diamond ring at an online platform. This will not only permit you to place the lowest possible price that you want for the ring, but there high chances that people may end up biding higher (in case you attract more buyers). It will be plus point if you attach the appraisal and any certification obtained to substantiate your antique diamond ring.

How to Choose the Perfect Pink Diamond

choosing pink diamonds

If you thought pink diamonds were so last year, than you’re in for a surprise. Just last week, a fancy vivid pink diamond was sold at an auction for nearly $17.8 million, which makes it officially the most expensive pink diamond sold at an auction so far. Yes, pink diamonds are like a magnet for the ladies in particular, so how does one choose a pink diamond that’s both beautiful and of high quality at the same time?

Pink diamonds have this interesting color due to some physical abnormalities or impurities found in their structure. Most pink diamonds come from Australia and natural pink stones are pretty rare, making them some of the most expensive fancy-colored stones. When buying pink diamonds, the most important things you should pay attention to are the size and the color density, because these two elements will set the price higher or lower and you’ll notice the difference in your wallet.

How important is the color of pink diamonds?

The color for pink diamonds is evaluated by three components: tone, hue and saturation.

  1. Tone is what tells you how light or dark a color is. Naturally, it comes to the personal preference how you choose the diamond, but usually too light or too dark stones don’t have a discernible primary color and are not so desirable. Medium-dark stones on the other hand, have a well-defined hue, so the color looks more beautiful.
  2. Hue is the visible color of the fancy diamond. The most common hue for pink diamonds is, naturally, pink. However, in a stone you can also see secondary hues of a primary color. Secondary hues usually enhance the primary color, making the diamond even more valuable.  If the secondary hues outshadow the primary color, distracting the eye from it, the value is automatically lower, because the color won’t appear as vivid. Common secondary hues for pink diamonds are orange, purple or brown. Purple and orange give value to the stone, while brown or yellow secondary hues are not sought out by buyers. Pink diamonds with no secondary hues, but with a vivid pink primary color are the most expensive ones because they are very rare.
  3. Saturation is the intensity of the color. Not just pink diamonds, but any kind of fancy diamonds are more expensive if they have a saturated color. Therefore, deep pink diamonds are more valuable than pink diamonds with light coloring. The most expensive pink diamonds in terms of saturation are those who have a hue closer to red, because red diamonds are the rarest colored diamonds.

Carat weight

Like for any diamond, carat weight is also very important to set a price. As fancy-colored diamonds are rarer, bigger diamonds are more expensive. Especially with pink diamonds, because these stones are so much in trend, a diamond bigger than 0.3 carats is considerably more expensive than smaller but otherwise comparable stones. Pink diamonds bigger than 0.5 carats are extremely rare and therefore very expensive.

Clarity

For pink diamonds, clarity is graded the same way as it is for other types of diamonds, although it should be mentioned that clarity is not as important for fancy-colored diamonds like for colorless ones because flaws are not so visible due to the coloring. So at least in this aspect you don’t have to pay more for a flawless pink diamond, because flaws are unnoticeable for the naked eye. Something in the SI1 or SI2 clarity range looks stunning and it’s  a little more budget-friendly (as much as pink diamonds can be).

Cut

Colored diamonds are not cut with proportions used to maximize brilliance, like in the case of colorless diamonds. This is just a secondary characteristic for colored diamonds, therefore they are cut to enhance and showcase the color intensity. Brilliance is something to be considered, only if you’re satisfied with the diamond’s color saturation.

If you plan on buying a pink diamond, or any type of diamond, or if you already have a diamond and would like to know how much it’s worth, AGI New York provides certified appraisal services.

The Antique Jewelry Appraisal Guide

antique jewelry

Over the last decades, Americans started to take much more interest in antiques in general and especially in antique jewelry. But, before you start digging through your grandmother’s old chest eager to find some unusual treasures, take a step back and be realistic.

If you want to put a price tag on antique jewelry, it’s most likely you won’t be able to, without the help of an expert, and here’s why: you’ll probably end up setting a much bigger price than what your jewelry is actually worth, or even worse you’ll end up throwing away genuine valuable pieces, because you don’t have the knowledge and experience to identify them.

Especially unexperienced antique jewelry owners should avoid the common pitfalls of this trade, by following some simple guidelines that helps them not to get ripped off.

Don’t sell to the appraiser!

This is the first and most important rule. Don’t sell antique jewelry to the dealer, or auction house or jeweler who’s appraising it. If a person is interested in buyong your jewelry, than you can be certain they will try it to get it at the lowest possible price. If you do go to a certified appraiser, be careful thou, because some of them will offer to buy your jewelry and this could create a conflict of interest. The best way is to get an appraisal from an independent appraiser, but be careful who you choose. If an appraiser charges you a percentage of your property’s value, find another one, because you can’t be certain your jewelry won’t be over evaluated, just to get a higher commission.

Internet appraisals are not accurate

Although no one says you can’t find plenty of information on the internet, an accurate appraisal can only be done by a specialist who is able to see and handle the jewelry. Pictures and descriptions do help a lot, but you can’t rely on merely opinions. And while it’s great you do your own research, to find out what you might be dealing with, it doesn’t mean that diamond ring you found in an old jewelry box is a real diamond.

Get recommendations

If you don’t know which appraiser to choose, it’s very easy to search for recommendations online. It also helps to ask around at bank managers or lawyers, because they have to deal with jewelry appraisals all the time in their line of work.

Ask before you choose

Get an estimate of the costs and how much will it take for the appraisal to be completed. Some appraisers are just very busy and you’ll have to wait even a month for the appraisal. If you’re in a hurry or have some sort of deadline, than this is something you need to think about.

Decide what you’ll do with the jewelry

Antique jewelry could be part of your own collection, you might want to sell, or it has sentimental value for you and you just want to know if it’s worth something to insure it. Make it clear for the appraiser how you want to use the jewelry. If the jewelry is for selling, the appraiser will look at the fair market value, meaning a price that is less than what retailers would sell it for. If you insure a piece of antique jewelry, the appraiser will establish the replacement value, using similar items as guiding. Usually, the appraised fair market value is lower than the value for insurance.

Don’t fix it!

If you have broken jewelry or scratched pieces, you’ll be tempted to fix it. Don’t do this on your own before you get a proper appraisal. You might even reduce the value of a piece next to nothing if you do a “repairing” on your own. Better have an expert look at it and then you’ll probably receive counseling regarding craftsmen or other places where you can get high-quality repairs.

Get appraisals in writing

Although this seems like something obvious, many people get fooled and even pay for verbal “appraisals”. An appraisal report should include the reason why the appraisal was asked, the methods that were used to determine the value of the jewelry and detailed descriptions. You should also get a clear statement of an item’s worth, not just an estimate.

Renew old appraisals

Especially on the antiques market, things are constantly changing. Even in this market, there are trends or times when the market is oversaturated with certain pieces and the prices are lower. That’s why appraisals should be done every 3 or 5 years.

If you want to have your antique jewelry appraised, our team of professional appraisers and qualified gemologists is ready to provide assistance in different type of appraisals, according to your needs. Just schedule an appointment and we’ll take care of the rest!

Photo credit: Pixabay.com, user: JamesDeMer

7 Ways To Spot A Fake Diamond

how to spot a fake diamond

When it comes to jewelry, it’s always difficult to establish the true value of a piece, especially if it’s of unknown origin or you suspect it to be fake. Most fake pieces of jewelry on the market are diamonds, because these gems are so high in demand. They make the perfect gift for engagements, birthdays, anniversaries, you can basically never go wrong with diamond jewelry. However, what if some of these gifts are not diamonds at all? Before checking with an expert, you can easily spot rough imitations of real diamonds with the help of some tricks.

Here is How to Spot a Fake Diamond:

  1. The transparency test. Place your diamond on a newspaper or any piece of paper with writing on it. If you are able to read through the diamond, than it’s most likely you have  a quartz or glass diamond. Real diamonds bend light because of their high refractive index, which makes it difficult to see through them, let alone read.
  2. The fog test. Diamonds are very good heat dispersers. If you hold a diamond to your mouth and blow on it, like you would when cleaning a mirror or a glass surface, a real diamond should evaporate the fog instantly. If it stays on the diamond for more than 3 or 4 seconds, you’re probably dealing with a fake.
  3. The weight test. If you own a carat or a gram scale, check the weight of your diamond. Fake ones usually weight 50-60% more than real diamonds of the same size.
  4. The sparkle test. Look very closely at your diamond’s sparkle. If you see many rainbow reflections, as beautiful as they may seem, they’re a sign of a low quality diamond or even a fake.
  5. The light test. This test can be made only if you have UV light or Black light at hand. The diamond should be placed under UV light or Black light in a dark room. If it has a blue, fluorescent glow, than it’s a real diamond. The absence of blue glow doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a fake, it could mean you have a high quality diamond. Green, yellow or grey fluorescence under UV light are common mostly for fake diamonds.
  6. The flaw test. Even though they are so expensive, diamonds are not flawless. They have tiny cracks, pinpoints or traces of carbon, called inclusions. These tiny flaws can affect the clarity of the diamond. Check with a magnified glass for inclusions and if you can’t spot any, there are two possibilities: you either have a very rare and expensive diamond that scores high on the clarity chart, or you have a fake.
  7. The metal test. As diamonds are expensive, they are usually set in precious metals, such as Palladium, Platinum, Gold or Silver. Check the jewelry for a hallmark. If  the hallmark has a (CZ) on the stamp, than your diamond is a fake, because it stands for “cubic zirconia”.

Keep in mind all these little tests don’t guarantee you accurate results, they might just help you spot really bad diamond fakes. There are so many great imitations out there, that you simply have to request professional help and get your diamonds appraised by a certified gemological laboratory. Not only will you be ensured about the quality of your diamonds, but they will be authenticated and certified. Even more, you can get insurance for your diamonds, as you would for your house or your car.

The Accredited Gemological Institute AGI New York, provides all the services above, and much more. Visit us and find out more abut our services.

Photo credit: PublicDomainPictures.net

How to Clean Diamond Jewelry

how to clean diamond jewelry

Diamond is the hardest substance found on earth and it also has the tendency to attract grime and dirt. Whether your diamond jewelry is brand new or old, you will want to keep it sparkling for many more years to come. With continuous usage of diamond jewelry, the gems will start losing its shine. This especially happens in the case of diamond rings. Products like lotions and creams along with other grime can create a thick layer of dirt on your precious jewelry which blocks the light and as a result the diamonds becomes lifeless and dull.

 

You must know How to Clean a Diamond? and How to Clean Diamond Jewelry? The good news is, with a few cleaning tips; you can make your diamond sparkle as good as new.

 

Ways to Clean Diamonds

Diamonds lose their brilliance with everyday dust and with the usage of soaps, powders, lotions and creams. Additionally, the chemicals present in the air result in the discoloration and oxidization of the diamond’s mountings. Here are a few ways to clean your diamonds and retain the beauty and sparkle of your precious jewelry:

 

1.     Detergent Bath

In a bowl filled with water, add a mild liquid detergent (without chlorine). Mix it till warm foams are formed. Use a soft brush to clean your diamonds till some lather is created around them. Wash off with warm water. Afterwards, place your jewelry on a soft towel and pat it dry.

 

2.     Soak in Cold Water

In a bowl, make a mixture consisting of 1 part mild liquid detergent (without chlorine) and 4 parts cold water. Place your diamond jewelry in the bowl and leave it for 10-20 minutes. Take the jewelry out of the water and using a soft brush, tap all the mounting sides. Rinse the jewelry in the same solution and pat dry with a towel.

 

3.     Quick-Dip Technique

Use a branded jewelry cleaner liquid to clean your diamonds. Make sure it is suitable for the types of metals and gems used in your jewelry. Dip your items in the liquid and take them out immediately. Brush the gems and the mountings with a soft brush and pat dry with a towel.

 

4.     Ultrasonic Technique

There are several jewelry cleaning machines available in the market today. You will be able to clean your jewelry with this machine in just a few minutes. Majority of these machines include a metal cup for filling with detergent and water. They ensure that your jewelry comes out as good as new.

 

Few Tips

  •  Protect your jewelry from harmful chemicals. You always protect your hands from any kind of chemicals, so why not your precious jewelry too? The chemicals can take the shine and brilliance away from your diamonds.
  • When you are doing your daily housework tasks or gardening or any other rough activity, make sure you remove any diamond jewelry you are wearing.
  • Protect your diamonds from exposure to chlorine or bleach.
  • Never clean the diamonds with your fingers as the oils in your skin will leave residue on your gemstones.
  • If you have doubts about cleaning your diamonds yourself, ask your jeweler to clean them for you. Majority of them clean the jewelry without charging anything.