Kamis, 18 April 2013

Diamond buying responsibly

We live in a time engulfed in greed and violence, where some will go to any lengths to make a profit or to contribute to their cause. This time, however, it is also one in which ethical consumerism and social responsibility is a growing trend. Just as certain foods and packaging are purchased because they are organic and recycled products, eco-friendly are preferred over those that are ecologically harmful, diamonds must be purchased with the understanding that they are 100% natural and conflict free.

I believe that every contribution to resolving or mitigating a problem, no matter how small, is a contribution nonetheless. This is not to say that all diamonds are blood diamonds, because most of the diamonds on the market are completely legitimate, however, it is important to make sure that you are buying from a dealer who investigated his sources and can confirm, in conformity with the guidelines established by the WFDB, that diamonds are conflict free.

In addition to conflict diamonds, there are other concerns that should be taken into consideration from a buyer before purchasing a diamond. Is the stone that you are buying all natural? Natural diamond is one that was created in the earth over millions of years of intense heat and pressure, brought to the surface in volcanic pipes, polished and sold to the end user without any enhancement of any kind. The market, however, contain simulants, synthetic and treated diamonds.

Simulants

Diamond simulants refers to the stones that are made to look like diamonds, but they do not possess the chemical composition or the quality of a diamond. Examples of this are Zircons or Moissonite. These features are in addition to diamonds, but one must look carefully and never assume that a rock that looks like a diamond or presented as a diamond, is actually a diamond.

Diamonds

Synthetic diamonds are diamonds that are not created in the traditional manner. These diamonds are basically “grown” from diamond particles in a laboratory. The particles are subject to conditions similar to those of traditional, natural formation, diamonds and are built layer by layer under pressure and intense heat. The process is dramatically shorter, taking a few hours to create a diamond instead of millions of years.

Treated diamonds

Treated diamonds are those that are created naturally but subjected to procedures which increase their color or clarity. For example, a diamond may be subjected to heat and pressure to bring out a better color. Only certain types of diamonds can benefit from this treatment, but it is important to make sure that the diamond you are buying is completely natural, so you pay for what you are getting.

To make sure you are getting what you are paying for and that diamonds are completely natural and without conflict, it is important that you deal with reputable dealers who have some credit and credibility in the field. Another important tool is to make sure that diamond is certified by an independent laboratory. Laboratories to disclose if a diamond has been treated or is natural and does not certify the fracture filled diamonds. More 0.38 carats of diamonds should always be certified and the buyer should insist on receiving the certificate.

In conclusion, the majority of diamonds on the market are good, however, when you buy a diamond, one should be careful and should develop a relationship of trust with his dealer. The buyer must ask questions, be satisfied with the answers and not rushed into decisions, because if the seller is trying to rush you, there is usually a reason.

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