Imitations need not apply
How did jewellers feel when, in 1970, General Electric (GE) announced the synthetic diamonds it had created were actually gem-quality? Despite their existence, however, the stones were too expensive to produce and could not compete in the jewellery market—whew! That was a relief.
Nonetheless, designers and retailers had to contend with an array of imitations (for the moment). Anyone remember Strontium Titanate or the Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG)? Do you recall the spreading ‘fear factor’ we experienced when cubic zirconia (CZ) first entered the market? And, of course, let us not forget synthetic Moissanite, which now is available with improved white colour.
There have been countless imitations through the years. We learned how to identify and deal with all of them through educating ourselves, as well as investing in electronic probe instruments and picking up knowledge of other quick tests along the way.
Our home and native land
We are lucky to live in Canada, which is an incredible source of non-conflict diamonds. Now more than ever, it pays to sell our own natural diamonds with confidence.
Many associations ask their members to promise the diamonds they sell and the suppliers they work with are in no way associated with terrorist or rebel groups that finance violent missions with the illegal movement and sale of diamonds. We should be grateful for the Kimberly Process (KP), an international certification scheme whereby members certify shipments of rough are conflict-free and that ‘blood diamonds’ do not enter our trade.
Of course, the diamonds we sell carry other potential concerns. Many years ago, we learned of irradiation and other altering treatments. Florescence in diamonds is not something that can be romanticized; depending on its severity, the degree of florescence can cause can cause a diamond to lose a percentage of value.
Further, gone is the notion that synthetics are too expensive to produce for the commercial market. Today, these stones can be created cheaper than ever before and have become an aspect of everyday business. As such, gemmologists must educate themselves on the testing available for synthetics (i.e. if a lab-grown stone was created via high-pressure, high-temperature [HPHT] or chemical vapour deposition [CVD]).
Growing and changing
In the early 1900s, jewellers did not have to wonder if a line bracelet, with its multitude of small diamonds, was set with anything but natural, untreated diamonds, but, nowadays, we need assurance our jewellery is not ‘salted’ with synthetics (‘salting’ refers to adding synthetics to parcels of natural diamonds—most often small melee). Are you equipped to do the preliminary tests on your stock so you know for sure if you are buying natural or lab-grown diamonds?
To keep up with an ever-changing industry, we have to invest in different equipment, some of which is expensive and requires its user to have some degree of training to understand the results. Are you ready for these changes? Do you know how to test with short wave and long wave ultraviolet (UV) units? Will you be looking at words such as ‘requires further testing’ in the years to come?
Simultaneously, we need to relax, enjoy the industry we chose to work in, and look for how the business of diamond buying and selling could become simpler than it is right now. Education, without a doubt, is very important for our industry. If you are selling to the end consumer, you will want to make diamond dealing as straightforward as possible, so stay educated. Look into courses which are offered by associations, gemmology institutes, and educational leaders.
When it comes to simplifying the world of diamonds, no one can help you more than you can help yourself. While we can’t be expected to know everything, we should prepare for everything we may encounter and remain aware of the best way to deliver confidence in our diamond products.
Sonja Sanders grew up in a jewellery industry family, and learned goldsmithing and gem appreciation as a teenager. She now operates her family’s jewellery business with her husband Joe and two of their children—the store’s third generation. She is a master goldsmith, Graduate Gemmologist with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and teaches appraisal courses in Toronto. Sanders also enjoys her work with the Canadian Jeweller’s Association where she is involved with the Accredited Appraiser Program and education. She is a lover of antiques and estate jewellery, and can be reached via e-mail at shopwithsonja@bellnet.ca.
