| Genuine diamonds have been a popular gemstone | | | | Diamond whose value is tied into its history more |
| since ancient times. These jewels with all their | | | | so than in the stone itself. From its first known |
| sparkle and brilliance were used as healing stones | | | | origin in India to eventually ending up in the hands |
| and for adornment as part of ones clothing. The | | | | of the French King, Louie XIV, to last but not |
| increased desirability of diamonds was the result | | | | least Harry Winston. Winston was known as the |
| of massive advertising in the 19th century. Since | | | | "Jeweler of the Stars" and purchased the Hope |
| then, the cost of these gemstones has increased | | | | Diamond in 1949 and donated it to the |
| tremendously over the years. In today's modern | | | | Smithsonian in 1958 where it still is today. |
| world the diamond market and value thereof is | | | | Cubic Zirconia diamonds, on the other hand, are a |
| manipulated by controlled market forces. The De | | | | synthetic diamond that possess all the |
| Beers Group, currently having a 50% market | | | | characteristics of a genuine diamond. The average |
| share in the mining and distributing of diamonds, | | | | person on the street can not tell the difference |
| most certainly, controls the inflationary prices of | | | | between a real diamond or a Cubic Zirconia |
| diamonds. | | | | diamond. Zirconias commonly called CZs have all |
| Some people invest in diamonds as a hedge to | | | | the depth and characteristics of its genuine |
| inflation. Even though these gems do increase in | | | | counterpart. |
| value over time the liquidity and return on | | | | What makes these synthetic gems so popular is |
| investment is not always what an investor hopes | | | | that they are not only beautiful but are also |
| for. There is no shortage of diamonds and these | | | | reasonably priced. Why would anyone pay |
| baubles could be found world wide in all shapes, | | | | hundreds of dollars or more for one piece of |
| sizes, clarity, etc. Most important is the quality of | | | | jewelry when for a lot less you can buy a |
| diamond that affects it worth and value over | | | | quantity of jewelry that can be worn to fit your |
| time. If you are not a gemologist or expert in | | | | mood, your outfit or any occasion. A CZ's value is |
| diamonds a seemingly good deal or purchase of | | | | the best economically-priced near genuine diamond |
| diamonds for an investment return in the future | | | | that everyone can afford. Is it a real diamond or |
| could bring an adverse situation, a loss rather than | | | | is it a Cubic Zirconia? Only you and your jeweler |
| a gain. | | | | will know for sure. Your friends will never know |
| We hear a lot about diamonds such as the Hope | | | | unless you tell them. |