There are many reasons why you might choose to start collecting diamond jewelry. Diamond value has increased substantially over the last few decades, diamond jewelry rarely goes out of style and it really is true — diamonds are forever. If you’re just beginning to build a jewelry collection and you’re thinking you may want to theme your collection around diamonds, how can you start building an enviable diamond collection that’s worthy of passing down to future generations of your stylish daughters and granddaughters?
At Yamron & La Maison Yamron, we have extensive experience helping our clients find and purchase beautiful diamond pieces. We can help you build the diamond collection of your dreams and answer any questions you may have as a beginner in what can be a surprisingly highly-technical field. But, just to scratch the surface, here are a few things to keep in mind as you begin collecting diamonds.
1. Your Jewelry Collection Should be Personal
If there’s no strong, personal tie to your jewelry collection, there’s no reason for your collection. Your jewelry becomes just more accessories taking up space in your closet and there’s no reason for you to invest the large amount of time and money that a proper collection requires.
Thanks to the versatility of diamonds, however, it’s quite easy to find diamond jewelry that resonates with you, whether because you love the designer, you prefer the style or the piece reminds you of a favorite family member or past experience.
Before you begin collecting diamond jewelry (or any type of jewelry), peruse your available options and keep an eye out for those pieces that make your heart flutter. Every piece that you add to your collection should spark some interest as soon as you see it. Sure, after you have a pretty extensive collection built up, you may buy a piece here or there just to properly round it out, but when you’re just starting, make your collecting experience about finding the diamond pieces that you love.
2. Diamonds are so Much More than Just
Princess-Cut, White Gemstones
When you think “diamond,” what do you think? Probably clear-white, or “colorless” gemstones cut in ovals, squares or a princess cut, set in stud earrings, an engagement ring or perhaps a favorite necklace. But if you want to begin collecting diamonds, it’s worth expanding your horizons and what you think of as a diamond.
Beyond your standard diamond, there are also rare colored diamonds (sometimes called fancy colored diamonds), which come in a rainbow of hues, from pink to blue. The rarer the color, the more expensive the diamond.
Diamonds also come in a wide array of shapes. You may be most familiar with round, oval, cushion, radiant, emerald, princess and marquise cuts. Generally, if you find a diamond with a more unusual shape, it’s because that shape was commissioned by a buyer, not because it’s necessarily more rare or valuable (in fact, in some instances, odd or strange diamond shapes can actually reduce a diamond’s overall value).
Diamonds also come in “types,” including Type Ia, Ib, IIa and IIb. For the highest quality, you’ll want to look for a type IIa diamond.
3. Diamonds Aren't just from Mines Anymore
When you begin considering a jewelry collection and what you might like to include in yours, you may be tempted to avoid diamonds completely. After all, diamond mining does get a bad reputation, thanks to terms like “blood diamond” and horror stories of landscapes and communities being ravaged all in the name of sparkling gemstones. However, it is possible to ethically source diamonds.
Beyond natural diamonds, you can also purchase lab-grown diamonds. These diamonds are the same quality and chemical composition of a natural diamond. However, you get the benefit of lab-grown diamonds being fewer in defects and impurities. Despite misconceptions, lab-grown diamonds are not necessarily more affordable or more common than natural diamonds and they still require a large amount of work and resources to create (as well as a large investment to buy); their benefit is that they are much more sustainable and eco-friendly.
If, though, you have your heart set on a mined, natural diamond, it is possible to purchase one without offending your eco-conscious friends: Just purchase a previously-owned, “recycled” diamond. A recycled diamond is certified, re-cut to meet modern specifications and they come in just about every carat size — so you’re sure to find a diamond you love.
4. Diamonds are Versatile, so Keep an Open Mind When Shopping
While, yes, you should always keep your eye out for those jewelry pieces that give you butterflies, when you start looking at diamond jewelry, it’s important to keep an open mind and to remember just how versatile diamonds can be. While some gemstones and precious metals may seem only appropriate for either formal or casual wear, diamonds can be worn with just about every single outfit in your closet.
Much as is the case when collecting watches, when you begin shopping for diamond jewelry, you’ll notice how vast your options are. A pair of diamond studs might work well with a casual jeans and tee outfit. A simple diamond bracelet might be the perfect accessory for an equally simple sundress. Larger, flashier pieces might be saved for semi-formal and formal affairs. Diamonds even have a place in your office wear, if you accessorize with care.
A few tips as you’re picking diamond jewelry to accentuate certain outfits:
- Remember that, often, less is more and one statement piece of jewelry can go a long way.
- Don’t overlook vintage diamond jewelry, which can give you even more options.
- The best way to find what jewelry look works for you is to simply experiment and try new things.
5. Find a Partner that You can Trust
When you’re making any sort of financial investment, it’s vital that you find a partner that you can trust, especially if you don’t necessarily have personal experience in a certain area, like jewelry collecting.
When choosing a jeweler, you may want to ask:
- Is the jeweler a member of a professional organization or are the jewelers certified by organizations such as the Gemological Institute of America, the American Gem Society or Jewelers of America?
- What kind of products does the jeweler specialize in
- What kind of relationships does the jeweler have with gem experts and diamantaires around the world?
- What do past and current clients say about the jeweler via online reviews?
Yamron & La Maison Yamron boasts more than five decades of experience in helping clients collect fine, luxury jewelry and watches, all along the East Coast. We work with some of the most recognizable jewelry brands and offer a range of exquisite diamonds in varying sizes, shapes and colors, alongside our broader collection of gemstones, from rubies to sapphires. Our relationships with diamantaires and international gem experts make it possible for us to, in turn, serve our clients with some of the highest-quality pieces in the world.
If you want to start diamond collecting, start by getting in touch with La Maison Yamron. Whether you want to just ask a question, or you’d like to schedule an appointment to come work with us one on one in our Naples showroom, we’re here to help.
