It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Of course it is - 40% of all engagements take place between Christmas and Valentine's Day, according to the latest wedding survey from WeddingWire. And it’s round about now that my inbox starts filling up with questions on how/where/what to look for when buying a diamond. The questions come equally from men and women. Everyone wants transparency when make an investment in a diamond, and they make sure they know exactly what they are purchasing!
With this in mind, I turned to industry expert, Debbie Azar, co founder of Gemological Science Institute (GSI), to get her expert opinion. Debbie has an extensive knowledge of the jewelry and gem lab industries and is a specialist in working with multi-billion dollar retailers globally. Her entrepreneurial skills and clarity of vision have helped GSI achieve rapid and continuous growth worldwide. GSI is headquartered in New York, NY, and has 13 laboratories on four continents and in a number of countries: the United States, India, Dubai, Israel, Belgium, Hong Kong, and Botswana. This makes GSI one of the largest independent gemological organizations in the world.
Debbie began her jewelry industry career by starting her own successful costume jewelry business. She then expanded her knowledge of the industry with sales, marketing and business development roles in various companies. In March of 2005, Debbie joined Mark Gershburg to establish GSI. Distinguished by her commitment to meeting customer and industry needs, Debbie currently serves as a Board Member of Jewelers for Children (JFC), Diamonds Do Good, Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) and the Responsible Jewellery Council.
Our conversation covers a broad range of topics, from key questions such as "how important is it for a diamond to be certified?" to more personal ones delving into Debbie's ideas on which jewelry pieces are staples and her favorite diamond cut. Grab a coffee, get reading - I hope you enjoy learning from this industry dynamo as much as I did!
1. When did you first become interested in diamonds and jewelry? What sparked your interest?
DA: I’ve always loved diamonds and jewelry, and I especially love luxury fashion and accessorizing! But what really sparked my interest once I started working in the industry was the people and everything that happens behind the scenes- before that beautiful diamond or unique piece of jewelry ends up behind the counter on display. Every time I look at a diamond, I can’t help but be mesmerized by how old ( a billion years old!) and unique each one is, and the journey it took and the lives and economies its touched and helped around the world and along the way. And the fact that I can be a part of it is surreal!
2. Most women in jewelry typically tend to follow a design path, but you have done something completely different, with your involvement and leadership of Gemological Science International (GSI). How did this come about?
DA: I have to admit, I never thought I’d end up in a gemological laboratory. It is definitely not as glamorous as jewelry design and some other areas of the industry, but there is a novelty to laboratories that most people don’t know- unless you experience it firsthand. And once I got the proverbial taste, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Especially since gemological laboratories are an integral part of the diamond and jewelry industry. When we founded GSI back in 2005, we had a vision of creating the most modern and technologically advanced laboratory in the world, and we did just that. We created a global gemological organization that embraced all the traditional values, and we combined state-of-the-art technology with our industry expertise, high standards, and integrity. We became the “disruptor” in the gemological laboratory space.
GSI quickly grew into one the largest and most respected labs in the world with 13 laboratories globally.
3. Why is diamond grading so important?
DA: Diamond Grading involves evaluating and analyzing the unique qualities and characteristics of a diamond. Trained professionals evaluate diamonds based on the 4C’s scale - Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight – using professional tools and advanced technological equipment. The 4C’s help determine the unique price of a diamond. At GSI, during the grading process, the diamond, or diamond jewelry, is thoroughly evaluated by a team of trained experts and is tested on a series of sophisticated equipment to ensure the quality and to make sure any important elements are noted – such as treatments for example, which could effect the price of the diamond. A diamond grading report shows you exactly why the diamond has the price it has. Just like the bank will not issue a home mortgage without a real estate appraisal from a respected appraiser, so, too, you should never buy a diamond without a grading report from a highly respected gemological lab.
4. I get so many requests from followers asking if a particular diamond is a good buy, based on the certificate. What should my followers - or any diamond buyer - be looking for when they view a diamonds certificate?
DA: This is a great question. When reading or viewing a diamond certificate, look specifically at the four C’s – carat, color, cut and clarity. Each will have a grade so you can assess its ranking compared to other similar stones. Also look out for any additional comments and disclosures such as treatments or enhancements.
The price of the diamond should always be properly assessed. The price should reflect the beauty and quality of the diamond and how the 4C’s interact with each other - on the certificate and to the naked eye. A certificate from a reliable and reputable gemological laboratory, like GSI, will also include information such as if the diamond is natural or laboratory grown, if it has been treated or enhanced in any way, all of which can affect the price. If you are looking for a diamond online, many sites now have a 360-degree video image of the diamond which is helpful to identify any inclusions, color, and make of the stone. ( Note from TDG: there are four wonderful GSI videos providing invaluable insight into the 4C’s at the end of the blog post. Be sure to watch them!)
It is important to make sure that the gemological laboratory issuing the certificate is unbiased – truly independent (no ownership stake by a retailer or manufacturer) and has no vested interest in the sale of the diamond.
5. How important is it for the consumer that a diamond has a certificate?
DA: It’s essential that a consumer has a certificate for a diamond or diamond jewelry. A certificate will provide the consumer with important information about the diamond or jewelry and to make sure it actually is what the seller claims it is.
As I referenced above, I like to compare it to buying a house – you find a house you love, the house looks great, the price is in your budget and you trust the broker or agent, however you wouldn’t buy the house until you have an independent, reliable engineer evaluate the house to make sure everything is what it appears to be.
6. Is there a difference in certificates? There are a number of certificates available, such as GSI, GIA, HRD Antwerp, and IGI. What, if any, are the differences between them?
DA: All diamond grading is subjective, and there is no centralized or universally accepted standard of grading. Each gemological laboratory grades and describes diamonds differently. This is why it is important to make sure the diamond or jewelry is graded by a reputable, reliable, and unbiased laboratory that is independently owned and operated. Consistency is also important especially when comparing diamonds with certificates from the same laboratory.
At GSI, all of our certificates are backed by our commitment to the highest standards and level of integrity. These standards are based on consistent, strict, and accurate grading results in all of our laboratories around the world.
7. Holiday season is coming up fast! What are the staple diamond pieces that every woman should strive to have in their jewelry box?
DA: Every woman needs jewelry staples that can work with every outfit and occasion. Diamond hoop earrings give some subtle attitude and can easily transition from day to night. Stud earrings are simple and add sparkle for any occasion- including date night or the gym!
Pearl necklaces are handed down from generation to generation, so they will never go out of style- personally I love a double strand. And right now, according to the Natural Diamond Council, pearls with diamonds are specifically trending.
Another great diamond option that is making a huge comeback is the tennis bracelet – one of my favorite classic pieces. Recently, jewelry designers have re-imagined the tennis bracelet, so they now come in all different styles!
A cocktail ring is another staple, and it is designed to impress. It is typically a large center colored gemstone surrounded by smaller diamonds or gemstones and usually worn on the right hand, so as not to be confused with an engagement ring. The Couture fashion world is embracing multi-finger bling, so feel free to wear more than one. The only limit on how to wear a cocktail ring is your imagination!
Last but certainly not least, is a statement necklace. Statement necklaces can be worn anywhere from a casual pool party to an evening out or to dress up your look on a Zoom meeting!
8. Many couples get engaged during the holiday season, any tips for people looking for an engagement ring?
DA: An engagement ring is a timeless symbol of your love and will always be a classic regardless of whether it is in vogue. Whichever style of ring you choose, the most important thing is finding the perfect match for your partner – even if that means leaving not-so-subtle hints (like leaving an engagement ring page open on your laptop).
I always recommend going to a jewelry store to try on different styles and see the diamond up close. Make sure to look at the diamond you are considering in a variety of lighting environments – even outdoors. You’ll notice the diamond interacts with light differently in each environment. And of course, make sure the diamond or ring is accompanied by a certificate from a reputable laboratory like GSI so that you know what you are getting.
9. On a personal note, what’s your favorite diamond cut?
DA: I love the full spectrum of diamond cuts. Every diamond cut has its own style. I love the elegance and simplicity of an emerald cut with its elongated stepped facets and broad bright flashes of white light. But I also love the modified cuts that have lots of small kite-shaped facets, specifically in modified round brilliants and modified cushions, because that means the diamond will sparkle from across the room. Every diamond cut has its own personality, and it really just depends on my mood and the occasion.
Thank you to Debbie for her valuable insights. The GSI website has tons of additional information, including sample diamond reports, and a great industry news and research section. Visit the website by clicking here.
To learn more about the four C’s – carat, color, cut and clarity - watch these brief yet insightful videos courtesy of Gemological Science Institute. CUT
COLOR
CLARITY
CARAT
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