Terri Moore
Manager, The Summit

Interview with I Do magazine

Q. What is the most common misconception people have about buying a diamond?

A. Disregarding the importance of proportions. I often see buying decisions based solely on the idea that if weight, color, and clarity are the same, the best buy is the least expensive diamond. Many people completely miss the value built into the cut or
proportions of a diamond. A fine cut can be 40% higher than a poorly proportioned diamond.

Q. What is fluorescence?

A. Florescence is that mysterious ability that causes some diamonds to change color when subjected to ultraviolet light. Usually this color is blue. Since there is ultraviolet light in sunlight, I personally think moderate to light blue fluorescence in a diamond brightens the appearance in sunlight. However, if yellow fluorescence occurs, it is unattractive, as is extremely strong fluorescence. Strong fluorescence may make the diamond appear "oily" or "fuzzy".

Q. So two diamonds with the same weight, color, purity, and certificate may not necessarily have equal value?

A. Every diamond is unique. They may look the same on paper, but they are not. Let's use, for example, a written description of the face of two women. On paper, you see that the hair color of both is reddish brown, their complexions are flawless, the shape of their face is about the same. The size of their nose and space between their eyes is the same. Therefore, on paper they should look the same. However, one may be Julia Roberts and the other may be Julia Child.

Q. And heavier is not necessarily bigger or better?

A. A heavy diamond probably won't look like its actual weight. A deeply cut diamond usually appears smaller. The diameter will be smaller with the weight concentrated in the bottom. A diamond may weigh more, but have no sparkle and exhibit the color and clarity
of frozen lemonade.

Q. What about GIA certifications? Isn't this the way to be sure that you are getting a desirable stone?

A. I feel that GIA Diamond Grading Reports and Diamond Quality Reports from the American Gem Society are the most strictly graded of the laboratory reports. This report would be useful, but should not be the determining factor in your selection. Remember every diamond in the world is unique, and you should choose the diamond that really appeals to you. Diamond grading is subjective, especially the lower clarity grades. A lab report is an opinion of an expert, not a warranty.

Q. If certification is not a guarantee of value, what characteristics should the consumer look for?

A. A diamond grading report is not certification of anything. It is the opinion of an expert within a diamond-grading lab. The best advice I can give is to buy your diamond from an accredited jeweler that you like and trust. Diamond buying is a very emotional purchase. It is a celebration. You need to feel good about the purchase.

Q. What other questions should the consumer ask?

A. I think one question often overlooked is: "In 10 years time, what will I think of this buying decision? Will I wish I had purchased the more expensive diamond I found so exciting?" In the "Big Picture" price differences are not as important as lifetime satisfaction.

Q. You hear a lot about depth and table percentages. Are these measurements important?

A. Yes, they are very important in considering proportions. Other factors that affect how well a diamond sparkles are the thickness of the edge (the girdle) and the size of the bottom facet (culet). With fancy cut diamonds the length to width ratio and the pleasing shape of the diamond are important indicators. You will want to consult an expert to learn how these variables affect the overall beauty of the diamond's cut.

Q. Can a diamond have one or more imperfect elements and still be desirable?

A. Absolutely. Unless you are Bill Gates and money is no object, you will need to prioritize the factors, of size, color, cut, and clarity to reflect what is important to you. Will you be willing to accept a diamond that has a little more color or slightly less internal perfection in order to possess a certain size? Everything is a trade off. You must determine what is acceptable for you.

Q. What do you think makes a good design?

A. Every design says something special to a certain person. That is why they make vanilla and chocolate ice cream. If there is a style you love, that is the design that speaks to you, and that is the design you should choose. Don't make an outsider's opinion of design your basis of choice. After all, you may be a vanilla person relying on the opinion of a creme de menthe.