{"id":4891,"date":"2012-08-21T10:52:34","date_gmt":"2012-08-21T14:52:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/?p=4891"},"modified":"2024-01-22T10:51:54","modified_gmt":"2024-01-22T15:51:54","slug":"keep-your-diamond-from-being-switched","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/keep-your-diamond-from-being-switched\/","title":{"rendered":"KEEP YOUR DIAMOND FROM BEING SWITCHED"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Tips<\/div>\n

I can’t tell you how many times<\/strong> I’ve heard this over the course of 25 years. <\/p>\n

“My Diamond Was Switched!”<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Customer will come into the Jewelry Store to pick up their Wedding or Engagement Ring from Repair or Sizing, look down at their Diamond and say:<\/p>\n

“This isn’t my Diamond!”<\/h2>\n

\nJewelers hear this all the time<\/strong>. And there’s a very good reason for this. Customers are nervous about leaving their Diamond Ring with the Jeweler to begin with, and when they pick it up a couple of days later, or even the next week, they scrutinize the Diamond and their Ring. And if it looks different in anyway, they’ll automatically jump to the conclusion<\/strong> that their Diamond was switched.<\/p>\n

It’s True!<\/h2>\n

\nCustomers are very fearful that a Jeweler is out to steal their stone<\/strong> and they’ll look at their ring with eagle eyes…<\/p>\n

\n\"You<\/p>\n

\nThe chances are very good that the Diamond in the ring IS your Diamond <\/strong>and that it wasn’t swapped out<\/strong>. The only reason it looks different is because it’s cleaned and polished<\/strong> and looks new again.<\/p>\n

\nCustomers drop off their ring dirty and dull without giving it a second glance<\/strong>, and then they pick it up again all shiny and new and of course it’s going to look different. Even just rebuilding the prongs on a ring can make the appearance of your Diamond look different.<\/p>\n

\nBut on the very rare (Very, Very Rare<\/strong>) occasion that the Jeweler DID swap out your stone<\/strong> for a lower quality stone (always a lower quality, who would swap it out for a better stone?), there are ways to tell and there are ways to protect yourself and your stone<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nAnd the #1 way<\/strong> to do that?<\/p>\n

Use the Microscope!<\/h2>\n

\nThis is the #1 way to protect yourself<\/strong>, and sadly, it’s the least used tip that anyone could do. Customers just don’t microscope their stones! :( <\/p>\n

In order to identify your stone later, you’ll have to familiarize yourself with the stone you have today. <\/p>\n

\nThat means viewing the stone under a 10x Microscope<\/a> (ten times magnification<\/strong>) and looking for unique things that can help you identify your stone. Things like:<\/strong> Inclusions in the stone, Black Spots that are easily recognizable, a Chip on the Girdle, a Trigon on the side…<\/p>\n

\nAnything that stands out and makes your Diamond different and unique<\/strong> is what you’ll want to locate.<\/p>\n

\nDiamonds are like fingerprints<\/strong>, and every single one is different and unique in nature. They all have their own characteristics and identifying marks (unless you bought yourself a totally Flawless Stone<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\nYour job is to find these traits, study them, memorize them. They are like Birthmarks, Moles and Freckles on people, they help to identify the stone<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\n\"Flaws<\/p>\n

These traits will never shift, change, grow or shrink, they are constant and the ultimate way to tell if your stone has been swapped out or not. Look for your Diamond’s markings!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nYou can view and rotate your stone from all angles and sides, which means that the Black Spots<\/a> (as an example) that you’re seeing in the 5 o’clock position<\/strong> (it helps to think of it as a clock<\/strong>), could be spun around and now is sitting pretty in the 11 o’clock spot. It’s always wise to turn your stone every time you view it, so the Inclusions and Flaws are always in the exact same spot. “Oh, there’s my Feather!<\/strong>“<\/p>\n

\nThat way, you can look at your stone under magnification, and say<\/p>\n

“Yes! That’s my Stone!”<\/h2>\n

\nViewing your Diamond when you drop if off at the Jeweler also does one important task<\/strong>…<\/p>\n

\nIt says to the Jeweler, “I know my Stone! I can Identify my Stone. I’ll know if you Switch it!<\/strong>“<\/p>\n

\nPreventive medicine is the key!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nBut… And here’s a HUGE BUT<\/strong>…<\/p>\n

\nThere is one major thing you should do BEFORE <\/strong>you microscope your stone…<\/p>\n

Clean it!<\/h2>\n

\nIf you don’t clean your Diamond so it’s perfectly spotless, you’ll see tons of dirt, debris, oils, dust, hairs and crud <\/strong>stuck to the bottom of your stone, and these things can make your Diamond look dull, dark, dirty and full of Inclusions. It also makes trying to pinpoint those few slight Inclusions in your stone a chore (and sometimes impossible!<\/strong>).<\/p>\n

\nView it CLEAN<\/strong>, and you’ll be able to distinguish the flaws from the dirt.<\/p>\n

My Advice<\/h2>\n

\nThis is what I advise, when you take your Diamond into the Jeweler to leave it for Sizing or any Repairs, ask them to clean the Diamond<\/strong> so you can both view it under their Gem Microscope first!<\/p>\n

\nIt sounds funny, but this is not meant to make you look silly or demanding, this is meant to protect you, and your stone!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nOnce clean, view the Diamond with them under 10x magnification<\/strong> (what Diamonds are graded with). Find those unique traits that will separate your Diamond from the rest.<\/p>\n

\nDraw the Inclusions out on a Plot<\/strong> if you need to… like so…<\/p>\n

\n\"Draw<\/p>\n

Or, kindly ask the salesperson to help you draw out a quick plot of the Diamond for later reference<\/strong>. A good place to do this on, is the back of the repair slip<\/strong>. :)<\/p>\n

\nThe funny thing about doing all of this is the fact that it also Protects the Jeweler<\/strong>. They can prove that they didn’t Switch your Stone simply by showing you your Flaws against the Plot. Plus, it also helps point out things that they may have missed<\/strong> if they wouldn’t have viewed the stone, like a Chip in the Side of your Stone.<\/p>\n

\nCatching this now will keep you (the customer) from blaming the Jeweler for chipping their stone<\/strong>. Always a huge plus! Every one wins by taking the time and effort to view the stone before any work is done. I’m actually surprised that this isn’t company policy<\/strong> in all Jewelry Stores. It just makes sense!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nWhen you get your stone back from Sizing or Repair, don’t just walk out the door with it… Ask to see the stone under the scope again<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nIf you don’t, this whole ordeal is for nothing!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nView it BEFORE and AFTER<\/strong> to verify that the Diamond you dropped off IS <\/strong>the Diamond they’re giving you back.<\/p>\n

\nBut, there are even MORE <\/strong>(and Accurate) ways to identify your stone…<\/p>\n

Certification<\/h2>\n

\nCertification is where your Diamond has been Certified by an outside Certification Company (not the Jeweler<\/strong>) who has detailed and graded your stone for Shape, MM Size, Carat Weight, Cut, Color and Clarity. Not to mention other characteristics like Polish, Symmetry and Fluorescence. <\/p>\n

\nAll of these Traits Identify your Exact Stone to a T<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nThe better the Certification, the more accurate the grade is, and the easier it is to identify your stone.<\/p>\n

\nThe two best Certificates to own in the world are GIA<\/a> (The Gemological Institute of America<\/strong>) and AGS<\/a> (The American Gem Society<\/strong>).<\/p>\n

\nThese are very strict grading reports, and very admired in the Jewelry Industry. GIA actually wrote the book on the 4C’s!<\/strong> They developed them and set the standards that everyone else across America uses to grade their stones with.<\/p>\n

\nI would trust these gradings above any Certificate out there.<\/p>\n

\nBy looking at the info on these laminated reports, you can identify every aspect of your stone and know if it’s been swapped out by an unscrupulous Jeweler.<\/p>\n

\nYou can measure the Width and Height of the stone with a Leveridge Gauge<\/a> and see if it matches up to the mm on the report.<\/p>\n

\"Diamond<\/div>\n

You can put the Diamond on a Colorimeter<\/strong> (see right) to verify the Color Grade of your Diamond. Most Jewelers have these available to show you…<\/p>\n

\nYou can look at the Diamond Plot of the stone (on a Full GIA Diamond Report<\/a>), to see if the Inclusions, Clarity and Flaws that are mapped out by an Expert Diamontologist<\/strong> are there.<\/p>\n

\nLook at the official Plot, then view your stone under a scope to find those exact characteristics under magnification. A Salesperson can help you with this<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nIf your stone is Certified, then you have proof of what your Diamond was when you dropped it off.<\/p>\n

\nTake your Certificate with you to look at and verify when you drop your stone off. Just don’t leave the actual Certificate with them (they can make a copy of it if they like<\/strong>). This Report is yours and your only means of identifying the stone. Take the Report back with you when you pick up your stone to view it and verify it again. Refresh your memory about your stone and where the Inclusions fall.<\/p>\n

\nIf you want to protect your investment, and your Diamond, you have to take the initiative<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nBut, there is one more way to identify your Diamond… And it’s an easy one!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Laser Inscription<\/h2>\n

\nCertification Companies like GIA, make identifying your Diamond a cinch<\/strong>… That is, if you buy a stone that’s been Laser Inscribed<\/strong>. :)<\/p>\n

\nThis Laser Inscription will be etched directly onto the edge of your Diamond. The actual Diamond Report Numbers will look something like this on a GIA Laser Inscribed Diamond…<\/p>\n

\n\"GIA<\/p>\n

\nThat way you can look at the Report Number on your Certificate, and view the Diamond under a Microscope<\/a> to verify those exact numbers.<\/p>\n

\nYou’ll have to turn your Diamond on the side to see the Inscription numbers etched onto the Girdle<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nYou may also have to rotate your Diamond around until you spot those Inscription Numbers. They are very small, and pretty difficult to locate.<\/p>\n

\nSometimes I’ll find myself spinning the stone around a couple of times before I spot those tiny little numbers. They are that small!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nIt does help greatly if you view the Diamond under a higher powered magnification<\/strong> as well. Like 30x magnification<\/strong>. Many Jeweler’s Gem or Diamond scopes have the capability of doing this. It makes it much easier to see the Inscription. :)<\/p>\n

\nLaser Inscribed stones are the easiest stones to identify<\/strong>. Every Inscription is unique and they identify that stone with that report. Viewing these will tell you in a second if a Jeweler has switched out your stone for a different Diamond.<\/p>\n

Preventive Medicine<\/h2>\n

\nSadly, this is all fine and dandy if you did all of this BEFORE your Diamond was switched<\/strong>…<\/p>\n

\nBut, unfortunately, people tend to learn the hard way. They only seek out advice AFTER the damage was done<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nPeople may suspect that their Diamond was switched, but without viewing it first, or without having a detailed Diamond Report to prove otherwise, I’m afraid it all comes down to speculation. Your word against theirs!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nYou may be able to prove that the Diamond you get back is a different Color or Clarity than what your Appraisal or Receipt<\/strong> says, but it doesn’t do you much good, and here’s why…<\/p>\n

\nIt still doesn’t prove that THAT Jeweler swapped it out!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nAll it proves is that someone, somewhere along the line swapped it out. It could have been done by anyone at anytime<\/strong>. It could have been done 10 years ago when you first had the ring sized. It could have happened during a recent Mounting Upgrade or a Prong Repair…<\/p>\n

You just don’t know!<\/h2>\n

\nFor all you know, your husband could have swapped out the stone without you knowing just because he needed the money<\/strong>. It’s happened before!<\/p>\n

\nIn fact, you can’t even prove that the Diamond you bought in the first place, is actually the Diamond they said it was. The Appraisal and Receipt could be wrong!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nYou see where I’m coming from?<\/p>\n

\nIt’s all Questionable!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nThis is why a Certified Diamond<\/a> comes in handy. It’s the best way to prove that a Jeweler actually did give you a different stone. It’s being prepared before hand<\/strong>. You really MUST <\/strong>view your stone when you drop it off, compare it with the Certificate, and view it again when you pick it up.<\/p>\n

It’s your Diamond!<\/h2>\n

\nIt’s your Choice!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nIt’s the only way to fully protect yourself (P.S.<\/strong> Make sure you have your Diamond Insured<\/strong>, just in case). <\/p>\n

\nTake the time to do it NOW!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nTrust me, the last thing that any Jeweler wants to hear is:<\/p>\n

“This isn’t my Diamond!”<\/h2>\n

\nGROAN!!!!!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this over the course of 25 years. “My Diamond Was Switched!” A Customer will come into the Jewelry Store to pick up their Wedding or Engagement [Read More…]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4896,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4891","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diamond-guide","category-diamonds"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4891"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4891"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4891\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4896"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4891"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4891"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4891"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}