[dba-Tech] VSI Diamonds

Jim Lawrence accessd at shaw.ca
Fri Nov 9 22:23:25 CST 2007


Hi Arthur:

As I can tell VSI means Very Slight Inclusion... or very slight imperfection
or almost imperceptible flaw. Below is a list of how to choose a Diamond...
(Engagement ring?)

Buying A Diamond:

Buying a diamond can be exciting, but often purchasers are confused by
conflicting claims about quality and price. Make sure you are dealing with a
jeweler you can trust. Shop around to compare prices and quality as you
would with any other major purchase. Don't be deceived by comparative
pricing claims that are not based on realistic pricing practices. And, don't
get short-changed on quality in an effort to gain so-called "great" savings.

Consider the following before making a diamond purchase: 

Make sure you have the diamond seller put the quality, grade and value of
the stone IN WRITING--if he won't do it, spend your money elsewhere. 
Some jewelers also supply grading reports from a gemological laboratory.

Merchants determine prices; qualified appraisers analyze prices to determine
value.

Know the reputation of the jeweler from whom you are buying--be able to
trust the business and feel comfortable with what the employees are telling
you. 

Inquire into the jeweler's education and credentials before making a
purchase. 

Have the diamond seller explain to you how the Gemological Institute of
America, which is the authority on grading stones, utilizes the "Four C's"
when grading stones. 
The "Four C's" are 1. cut, 2. color, 3. clarity and 4. carat.

Cut is the most important of the "Four C's."

You should be aware that this is the order of importance to sellers of
stones when they are assessing value.

All consumers interested in purchasing diamonds should be familiar with the
"Four C's" before they buy.

Ask the seller if you can look at the loose stone(s) you are considering
under a diamond scope at 10X power, the power at which the diamond industry
reviews the stones. 

Make sure there are no shadows on the diamond in order to get the clearest
view possible through the scope. 

If the seller tells you that the diamond you want to buy is a "SI" (slightly
included) or a "VSI" (very slightly included) grade of stone, YOU SHOULD NOT
BE ABLE TO SEE ANY IMPERFECTIONS (or "inclusions") IN ROUND BRILLIANT
DIAMONDS OR POPULAR FANCY SHAPES WITH YOUR NAKED EYE WHEN VIEWED IN THE
FACE-UP POSITION. 
If you can see inclusions, and the seller is representing the diamond as
"SI" or "VSI" grade, the diamond is NOT the grade the seller is representing
it to be. 

Do not be fooled by large discounts on diamond jewelry. You may not be
getting such a great deal. Also beware of high pressure sales techniques
with easy financing. Everyone likes a sale, but remember, you generally get
what you pay for. 

If the price is very different from that of other sellers of the same grade
stone, odds are you are not getting the quality item you believe you are. 

Also, the "manufacturer's suggested retail price" the seller is purporting
to discount must be the prevalent price in the local marketplace for that
particular grade of stone--not just an arbitrary figure--according to the
Idaho Administrative Rules, IDAPA 04.02.01 Idaho Rules of Consumer
Protection, Comparable Price Comparisons (Rule 64).  
Make sure there are legitimate savings offered, rather than deceptive use of
comparative prices. 

If a seller tells you that a particular stone is one-half carat, for
example, ASK HIM/HER HOW MANY POINTS THE DIAMOND IS. Carats (weight of the
diamond) are measured in points--100 points equals one carat, 75 equals 3/4
carat, 50 equals 1/2 carat and 25 equals 1/4 carat. 

This is significant because a diamond seller should not tell you that a 23
point diamond is a 1/4 carat. You should know the exact weight, in points,
of your stone in order to better compare prices. 

Make sure you shop around and compare quality and price before you purchase
a diamond, other gemstone or expensive piece of jewelry. If the jeweler will
not or cannot answer your questions about the item or is unwilling to put
information about the diamond in writing, keep your money. 
There are plenty of ethical, legitimate jewelers who will help you make a
purchase you can feel good about. 

HTH
Jim


-----Original Message-----
From: dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com
[mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of Arthur Fuller
Sent: Friday, November 09, 2007 8:01 PM
To: Discussion of Hardware and Software issues
Subject: [dba-Tech] VSI Diamonds

Way off topic, but I just encountered this term tonight. I couldn't find a
definition on Google or Wikipedia. Anyone know what a VSI diamond is?
Apparently it's a measure of quality, not quite the highest but up there.

TIA,
Arthur
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