Issue 6 2019

Acquisition International - Issue 6 2019 75 Dec18155 Shine Bright like a Diamond Beautiful, unique and reassuringly expensive – diamonds are as much an asset as investments and property, which is why it’s important to understand their value before and at the time of purchase. The World Gemological Institute is a leader in the industry of identifying and valuing diamonds and other precious gemstones. ust like all snowflakes are different, diamonds also have their own unique make-up, with no two ever being alike. It wasn’t until the middle of the twentieth century, when an agreed- upon standard in which diamonds could be judged to determine their value was created. It was the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) which came up with the first, and now globally accepted, standard for describing diamonds, this being Colour, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight. Today, the 4C’s of Diamond Quality is the universal method for assessing the quality of any diamond, anywhere in the world. World Gemological Institute (WGI) is a global company that has been offering expert evaluations for more than 30 years. Its team of gemologists and expert staff have built a strong reputation as one of the leaders in the industry, and WGI’s appraisals and lab reports are recognised worldwide by insurance companies, retailers, private jewellers and wholesalers. With no vested interest in the outcome of appraisals apart from ensuring an expert report is received, all evaluations are fair and unbiased. The WGI gemologists havee graduated from the Gemological Institute of America and have many years of industry experience. All staff are required to continually improve upon their education and training by regularly attending seminars, lectures, and advanced gemological studies, including the coveted and highly regarded Fellowship (FGA) through the Gemological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A). Gemstone Identification Reports are requested for standard identification and verification of diamonds and coloured stones. The diamond colour evaluation of most gem-quality diamonds is based on the absence of colour. A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue, like a drop of pure water and consequently has a higher value. The D to Z colour-grading system assesses the presence or absence of colour by comparing a stone to masterstones, which are stones of established colour value. Diamonds are renowned for their ability to transmit intense light and sparkle. We often think of a diamond’s cut as shape (round, emerald, pear), but a diamond’s cut grade is really about how well a diamond’s facets interact with light. Precise artistry and workmanship are required to fashion a stone so its proportions, symmetry, and polish deliver the magnificent return of light only possible in a diamond. Natural diamonds are the result of carbon exposed to tremendous heat and pressure deep caused by volcanic activity in the earth. This process can result in a variety of internal characteristics called ‘inclusions’ and external characteristics called ‘blemishes.’ Evaluating a diamond’s clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and position of these characteristics, as well as how they affect the overall appearance of the stone. While no diamond is perfectly pure, the closer the diamond is to pure, the higher the value. Diamond carat weight is the measurement of how much a diamond weighs. Ametric “carat” is defined as 200milligrams. Each carat can be subdivided into 100 ‘points.’ This allows very precise measurements to the hundredth decimal place. A jeweller may describe the weight of a diamond below one carat by its ‘points’ alone. Thanks to this internationally-recognised system, diamond quality can be communicated in a universal language, and diamond customers know exactly what they’re purchasing. J “The diamond colour evaluation of most gem-quality diamonds is based on the absence of colour. A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond has no hue, like a drop of pure water and consequently has a higher value.”