Q. Buying a diamond engagement ring
Where is the best place in the Tidewater area to buy a diamond ring as far as value, selection and service is concerned - especially value? - Va. Beach

A. I appreciate the question and hope I can give completely unbiased advise. At least, I hope I can give you some things to consider when selecting a store. Diamonds are very difficult to price compare because the critical determination of value, the cut, is not easily quantified. Even with the American Gem Society cut grade, it does not provide the best way to buy a diamond. The AGS cut grade is based on a two dimensional study of light from a 1919 paper. We know that light travels three dimensionally, and therefore must be considered more fully when evaluating cut. I have addressed this in my web site where I have linked to two GIA articles by Dr. Ilene Reinitz. We talked at length about the dilemma about addressing cut and felt that the only way to get a good value was to rely on a knowledgeable Gemologist. We use some patented equipment to help the customer see how the light travels through the diamond effecting cut. Most people rely only on a comparison of diamond weight, clarity and color in price shopping and are quite surprised to find a staggering variety of prices. If you look at all four quality characteristics, and how they effect each other, (this is critical to getting a good value) you can, and will, come a lot closer to the perfect diamond then you ever thought possible. What constitutes a “knowledgeable Gemologist” is worth considering. I have found that many people sell diamonds, even “wholesale”, but do not really understand diamonds. These people are very sincere, but are often sincerely wrong at times. A diamond ring will be one of the largest purchases you will ever make and one that you will live with for forty years, if you are average. I would therefore make sure I shopped at an independently owned, local, store that has good credentials, as a business, like membership in the American Gem Society (where one must meet the highest industry standards for membership), and Better Business Bureau. I would only want to deal with a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) at minimum, and preferably a Certified Gemologist Appraiser (AGS), or Master Gemologist Appraiser (ASA). I address these titles more fully on my web site and in a response to a question in December. The Master Gemologist Appraiser must maintain an accredited Gem lab on premises and be tested annually for knowledge and ethics. As to value, this is very subjective, as some people need more service than others do. However, there will almost always be a cheaper diamond someone is willing to sell you "at or below wholesale", as the saying goes. Beware of these “great deals.” Diamonds are well controlled and similar qualities will not vary much in price from similar stores, unless the store is not completely forthright, or honestly mistaken, in their representations. I would add finally, that most stores will work hard to make sure you are satisfied with your purchase, so do some homework and shop around. Oh yes, and please consider David Nygaard Fine Jewelers; I hear the owner is a nice guy! All the best, David Nygaard

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