buying a diamond Archives

How to Buy and Where to Find High-Quality Gemstones: Buying Gemstones is Easier With Our Gem Guide

May 3, 2021

Whether you’re buying gemstone jewelry for yourself or a loved one, there are a few things you should keep in mind while shopping. The 4Cs of diamond buying—carat, color, clarity, and cut—can be used for many gemstones as well. However, the specifics will differ. You will also want to keep in mind the differences between natural, lab-created, and imitation gemstones. Similarly, some gemstones are enhanced or treated. And, finally, wondering where to buy gemstones and related jewelry? Let’s break it all down in this gem guide. Gemstone Buying Guide When buying a diamond, you should look at cut, color, clarity,

Tips from Jewelers Mutual: Popular Engagement Rings to Make Your Holiday Proposal Perfect

November 13, 2015

Are you planning to make one of your holiday gifts an engagement ring? With all the excitement and holiday hubbub, where do you begin? Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company has compiled a wonderful list of what to look for, based on latest trends, hottest colors and alternative alloys. But keep in mind, it’s most important to be conscious of what your beloved most desires. Learn more by reading their blog, Popular Engagement Rings to Make Your Holiday Proposal Perfect.

August is Romance Awareness Month!

August 7, 2015

By Amanda L. Colborn Even though the American Gem Society is a professional organization dedicated to credentialing jewelers and consumer protection, we understand that one of the biggest reasons people give jewelry is to show their love. And we love…..well, love! So this blog is a celebration of romance, and lucky for us, August is National Romance month. So we thought we’d take the opportunity to celebrate Romance Awareness Month in all its glory, and hopefully inspire you to remember to add some romance to your life as well. The online dating site, Zoosk, conducted an annual Romance Awareness Survey. From

The Benefits of Jewelry Appraisals

July 10, 2015

By Phillip Bosen, CGA and Director of Business Development at Von Bargen’s JewelryA critical step in protecting and preserving the value of your jewelry is getting an updated appraisal on a regular basis. In fact, if the most recent appraisal of your jewelry took place five or more years ago, it’s time to get a new appraisal.You may be asking what a jewelry appraisal does for you. The obvious answer is that an appraisal sets a value for your jewelry. And with today’s roller-coaster values for gold, platinum, silver and gemstones, knowing what your jewelry is worth can save you heartache

It’s Okay to Get an "F" in Diamond Color

June 19, 2015

By John Carter, CGA, CEO & President of Jack Lewis Jewelers Choosing the diamond that is right for you means that you need to become a Jedi Master with the answers to these two questions: What area(s) should I spend money on? And more importantly: In what area(s) should I save money without it being obvious that I did so? Ok. So, there you go. I’ve summed up this whole frustrating process with two questions. Now, go out there and make the right choice! Not really that simple, I know. If it was, I wouldn’t have a job. Understanding those questions

Your sneak peek into Jewelry Week!

May 29, 2015

By Amanda L Colborn May 26 – June 1 is known as “Jewelry Week” this year in Las Vegas, NV. With major trade show events hosted at both Mandalay Bay and the Wynn, you could say that the jewelry industry has taken over the Las Vegas strip. Many of the exhibitors that have flown to Vegas to showcase their jewelry pieces are none other than American Gem Society members, of course! We are very excited to give you a behind-the-scenes peek into some of the amazing pieces these designers have brought with them! This first image showcases three stunning pieces from Simon

Graduation Gifts!

May 22, 2015

By Amanda L Colborn Time sure does fly, right? Perhaps you’ve been dreading it…or maybe you’re looking forward to this new chapter of your loved ones’ life. Whether you’re ready for it or not, your favorite graduate is going to be walking down that aisle and accepting that diploma or degree that they’ve worked so hard for. Witnessing this significant step in your loved ones’ life will likely bring some tears to your eyes. But have no fear, you can return the favor when you gift them an amazing piece of jewelry, as a congratulatory token of your love, during this most momentous of times. This is

Go Retro: The Beauty & Benefits of Estate Jewelry

May 15, 2015

By Amanda L. Colborn When it comes to jewelry, more and more people are looking to the past for their present jewelry inspiration. It’s not just about style and fashion, estate jewelry has benefits to both your wallet AND the environment! But first, what is “estate” jewelry? Estate jewelry is, in the simplest of terms, jewelry that has been previously owned by someone else. Is it the same as “antique” jewelry? Yes and no, estate jewelry is not considered an antique until it is at least 100 years old, according to 4cs.gia.edu. So, why would estate jewelry be something for

Happy Birthday April! It's your time to shine!

April 2, 2015

By Amanda L Colborn At the American Gem Society and especially in AGS Laboratories, we look forward to April all year long! With the diamond being April’s birthstone, it’s yet another opportunity to celebrate our favorite things: bright, shiny diamonds! Don’t get us wrong, all other months and their birthstones are just as special! However, being part of an organization that offers you the highest quality diamond grading reports…we do have a special soft spot for diamonds. History of the Diamond as the April Birthstone Diamonds are a thing of beauty and the ultimate gift for a loved one. Thought to

Celebrating Cushion Cut

February 20, 2015

By Amanda L. Colborn One of the most popular and consistently trending diamond and gemstone shapes is the cushion cut. Originally referred to as the “old mine cut,” the cushion cut is essentially a square cut with rounded corners, much like a cushion…hence it’s name. Arguably, one of the top most popular cuts today – the round cut diamond being the first – the cushion cut has been around for approximately 200 years. Cushion cuts have evolved over time, refinements have been made since the 1920’s to improve the brilliance and light return of the cut causing a big increase

buying a diamond