Sparkle Bright Used Diamonds
Diamonds are the enduring symbol of everlasting love, and so it should be. Diamonds are the hardest natural material known to mankind. What could better represent everlasting love than something that is virtually indestructible?
Tradition has it that the custom of giving a diamond engagement ring began in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring and married her the next day. At that time, all diamonds came from India and the common man had little hope of offering one to his sweet love.
But if diamonds are so indestructible, should a gentleman give his lady a freshly mined and cut diamond? I say no! The opportunity for a real bargain exists in a pre-owned diamond.
Regular retail jewelry stores have a huge markup on the price of their jewelry, but great deals can be found by looking beyond traditional jewelry. Sure, you can get a deal at the most famous stores, but does your lady want to wear the same ring that thousands of women across the country have just chosen? What about the 4 C’s of diamonds: cut, color, clarity, and carat? You might want to make sure that one of your 4 C’s doesn’t stand for “cheap.”
Investigate potential bargains found at jewelry stores and loan stores, also called pawn shops. Well-established lenders function well within the framework of land law and provide a valuable service to the community. A person who may not have a terrible credit rating, but needs a loan for an emergency need, has a place to turn. People often have old jewelry that might be better used as cash for groceries or a car repair bill than as a brooch reminder of great-grandmother.
How do you make sure you’re getting what you’re sold? Regardless of where you buy your diamonds, insist on getting a certificate of authenticity and quality from a reputable source like the GIA, the Gemological Institute of America. GIA was established in 1931 and was the originator of the 4 C’s diamond grading system. IGI, the International Gemological Institute, and AGS, the American Gem Society, are also respected sources for certifying diamonds.
After they fall off the pawn, the gems are separated from the metal and the diamonds are reconditioned to like-new condition. Now that the price of gold is over $1,000 an ounce, an experienced goldsmith can regenerate gold found in rings, old-fashioned brooches, and twisted necklaces to give it new life. Combine gold with a rejuvenated used diamond and her lady can wear a brand new and unique engagement ring that will delight her for decades. By avoiding standard retail jewelry, her budget will deliver a larger diamond to make her eyes sparkle even more.