Diamonds (4th Edition) - by Antoinette Matlins (Paperback)

About the Book

Newly updated and expanded, this full-color guide gives you all the information you need to buy, collect and sell diamonds with confidence and knowledge. Includes an in-depth look at factors affecting quality and cost, diamond grading reports, and ways to protect yourself from frauds and fakes. Practical, comprehensive and easy to understand.

Book Synopsis

Newly updated and expanded, Diamonds gives you all the information you need to buy, collect, sell--or simply enjoy--diamonds with confidence and knowledge.

Whether you are buying a diamond for an engagement ring, anniversary, to commemorate a special moment or for personal pleasure, today it is more important than ever to understand what you are buying. There are new shapes and cuts, fancy colors, high-tech treatments and sophisticated frauds. There are new ways to buy--such as Internet auctions. Buyers need a source of expert guidance.

Practical, comprehensive and easy to understand, this book offers in depth all the information you need to buy sparkling diamonds with confidence, including:

• What is a diamond?
• An in-depth look at factors affecting differences in quality and cost.
• Diamond grading reports--why all the information is important, and what it tells you.
• How to compare prices.
• How to spot differences in stones that may appear to be the same quality.
• How to protect yourself from misrepresentation.
• Questions to ask when buying any diamond.
• What to get in writing.
• How to get what you want within your budget.
• Important information about buying on the Internet ... and much more!

Written by an "insider," this easy-to-read guide is the "unofficial diamond bible" for anyone who wants to get the most for their money and enjoy what they have purchased.

Review Quotes

"The book you can't do without ... all the information you need, in no-nonsense language."
--Rapaport Diamond Report

"An appropriate book for the uninformed public, but more than that, it is a good reference book for jewelers and their staffs, gem collectors, students of gemology, travelers, teachers and even those who know gemology but want a state-of-the-art review."
--Lapidary Journal

"Almost every newly engaged couple is eager to know as much as possible about their once-in-a-lifetime purchase ... the diamond engagement ring.... [This book] take[s] the guesswork out of this important decision ... [and helps you] obtain the best value for your money."
--Modern Bride

"The information needed for investing and purchasing gems of all types. Highly recommended."
--Library Journal

"To answer critical buying questions, it takes an author who has been immersed in the jewelry business, has seen the full range of material, and is able to share those experiences in a thorough yet easy-to-read manner. Antoinette Matlins has managed to do just that with her Colored Gemstones and Diamonds buying guides."
--Gems & Gemology

"Provides consumers with a virtual 'key' to getting the stone they really want at the right prices."
--Canadian Diamonds

"Restores the magic! [Will] entertain and enlighten all its readers and save some from heartbreak. Recommended reading."
--Paul Harvey, Paul Harvey News