投資鑽石有方法: 有便宜的鑽石嗎?

鑽石可說是貴族的象徵，一顆大小比衣服鈕還細的鑽石，價值可以超過一百萬，這並不是一般平民百姓能買的起的奢侈品。那麼昂貴的鑽石當中，有價錢較划算的嗎? 讓Bee’s Diamonds 教你選購超值的鑽石。

如果有留意我們的文章-「如何計算鑽石價格?」，應該會知道鑽石的價格是根據其大小、顏色、淨度、形狀、切工的評級來決定，一般圓形無色鑽石，愈大顆、顏色、淨度、切工的評級愈高，價錢就愈貴。相反，比較小顆、顏色、淨度、切工較參差的鑽石價錢會較低。

每一個顏色、淨度級數的跳升，價格上都會有一定升幅。比方說，一顆1克拉、顏色級別最高(D)，淨度被評為I2 (有瑕疵)的鑽石，價值只有大約港幣2萬元。淨度跳升兩級SI2(微瑕疵)，價值大約港幣6萬元。淨度為VS1(輕微瑕疵)，價值大約港幣10萬。若淨度為IF(無瑕) ，價值大約港幣21萬元，價錢與淨度I2相差10倍之多。

想找淨度高，但價格不太高的鑽石，是有方法的。其實即使是同一鑽石淨度評級的鑽石，也有高低之分，我們可以選購淨度較低一級，但內含物較不顯眼的鑽石，價格就會較便宜。例如一顆SI1的鑽石，其內含物都分佈於旁邊，台面潔淨，它絕對比得上一顆VS2的鑽石，但價錢便宜5-25%。以一顆1卡D / SI1 和 D / VS2 為例，SI1 的比VS2的便宜了大約港幣2萬多元! 只要懂得挑選，便能節省大約2萬元，買到質素不錯的鑽石，還能用省下來的錢，跟心愛的人去浪漫地方甜蜜一番，實在多花心機在挑選上也是值得的。 Bee’s Diamonds 挑選的鑽石都以台面潔淨為準則，鑽石都是同一淨度評級之中，質素最高的5%，因此大家能在我們這裡放心選購優質而又划算的鑽石。

如果想了解更多有關如何選擇鑽石或戒指設計，請聯絡Bee’s Diamonds。本公司提供專業的鑽石咨詢服務，歡迎電郵或電話查詢。電郵:info@beesdiamonds.com 或電話 (852) 2180 7812.

投資鑽石有方法: 如何計算鑽石價格?

大家都知道鑽石是璀璨奪目、堅硬無比、非常名貴的寶石，像芝麻般大小價值經已價值連成，愈大的鑽石，價格更以幾何級數上升。到底鑽石為何會價值不非，一顆鑽石的價格又是如何計算出來的呢?

鑽石是地球上的一種天然資源，是藏於地底深處，經過長年累月，高溫、高壓條件下形成的碳結構晶體，又稱「金剛石」。擁有十分高的硬度、化學穩定性，打磨後不易被磨損，其極高的折射率和散光度使其有閃閃生光的特性，再加上鑽石資源很有限，罕有度高，同時開採及加工的過程需要大量的資源，眾多因素使鑽石價值非常高。

對鑽石有些少認識的您應該知道，每顆鑽石都是獨一無二，像人一樣，每顆都有不一同特徵。基本上，鑽石的價格是根據這些特徵來定的。第一:克拉-即鑽石的大小，愈大的鑽石愈稀有，其價值亦會愈高。第二: 顏色，鑽石有無色和彩色之分。被定為無色的鑽石之中，大部分都帶有一定程度的黃色，當然，愈接近無色，其價值便愈高。而帶有鮮豔彩色的鑽石，如粉紅、藍、黃、綠、橙和紅色彩鑽是更為罕有的鑽石，價值更加高。第三:淨度，天然鑽石多少會含有一些天然的瑕疵，例如礦物和天然的裂紋。這些內含物的數量、大小、本質決定了鑽石淨度的級數，愈接近無瑕，其價值便愈高。第四:形狀，除了較受亞洲人歡迎的圓形 (Round Brilliance cut) 外，鑽石的形狀還有梨形 (Pear cut) 、馬眼形 (Marquise cut) 、心形 (Heart cut) 、公主方形 (Princess cut) 、 橢圓形 (Oval) 等，圓形鑽石會比其他形狀貴，因為切割時的損耗較其他形狀大。另外，鑽石的切割比例也會影響其價值。

在這個鑽石行業裡，人們都會根據國際鑽石報價表(Rapaport)來計算鑽石的價錢。現時鑽石報價表分為兩個，一個是用於圓形切工的鑽石，另一個則用於其他異形切工的鑽石。報價表顯示了不同卡數、顏色和淨度每卡鑽石的美金價錢。比方說，一顆1.30卡，D色，淨度IF的鑽石，我們先要查看當天1.00-1.49CT的表格，再查看D/IF的數字(例: 275)。這表示這顆鑽石每卡價值USD27,500，而整顆鑽石的價值為USD27,500 X 1.30=USD35,750。香港鑽石業均以USD1=HKD7.8來計算鑽石價格，因此這顆鑽石的價錢是 35,750 X 7.8=HKD278,850。除此之外，每顆鑽石的價格可能因為其內含物分佈的地方和範圍、切工或是大小的罕有度等等而有不同的折扣或增幅。

如果想了解更多有關如何選擇鑽石或戒指設計，請聯絡Bee’s Diamonds。本公司提供專業的鑽石咨詢服務，歡迎電郵或電話查詢。電郵:info@beesdiamonds.com 或電話 (852) 2180 7812. 

投資鑽石有方法: 高品質淨度的鑽石有較高回報?

鑽石, 除了是男士用來表達對愛侶一生一世的承諾外, 愈來愈多人將其當作是人生中長期穩定投資的首選。有分析估計，鑽石以後不但會買少見少，保守的講，鑽石價值更會每年最少漲百分之五至十五。如此說來, 鑽石的確是一種有穩定回報的投資, 但是在芸芸不同的的鑽石中, 應怎樣挑選一顆符合預算且投資回報最高的呢? 

有人說, 投資鑽石愈大顆愈好, 但事實上並不是僅僅如此。一顆細小但擁有高淨度的鑽石往往較相對大顆但淨度低的鑽石回報高。 

鑽石的淨度(Clarity)是以內含物的多少和大小來分等級。淨度等級從全美(Flawless) 到有瑕疵(Included)。鑽石瑕疵包括「內含物」(inclusion)及「表面瑕疵」(blemish)。 內含物是鑽石內部的瑕疵, 通常十分細小, 需要用十倍顯微鏡才能看到, 而這些內含物可能有不同的形狀, 例如是雲霧, 水晶或羽毛。這種天然瑕疵正正給予鑽石一個獨特的指紋。表面瑕疵則是鑽石外部的瑕疵, 通常源於切磨的過程或護理不當。

事實上, 鑽石的內含物和表面瑕疵都十分微細。雖然如此, 但是其品質和價值卻相差極大, 大大影響投資的回報。當你購買鑽石作投資用途時, 建議您在鑽石大小和淨度中取得平衡。即使你買鑽石的目的不是投資, 你其實也需要考慮鑽石將來的價值, 因為這可能會是你家庭中第一份資產, 又或者是一份傳給子孫寶貴的禮物。

除此之外,鑽石的價值亦同時受其純度影響。鑽石的純度是指鑽石內含物的其中位置，大小，性質，及其對鑽石整體耐用性的影響。若比較兩顆4C(Carat, Color, Clarity, Cut)完全一樣的鑽石, 其投資回報可能會因為兩者的純度不同而相差:


從圖中可見, 左邊的鑽石其內含物處於旁邊或不明顯位置 純度明顯比右邊的鑽石高, 因此投資回報亦相對較高。在Bee's Diamonds, 我們的寶石學家會為每位客人提供每顆鑽石的所有特徵，使客人可以在預算範圍內選出投資回報最高的鑽石。

如果想了解更多有關如何選擇鑽石或戒指設計，可以參考我們的鑽石投資文章，或直接請聯絡Bee’s Diamonds。本公司提供專業的鑽石咨詢服務，歡迎電郵或電話查詢。
電郵:info@beesdiamonds.com 或電話 (852) 2180 7812.

Stephanie Lui
 Trainee Diamond Associate

Is ring design more important or the diamond?

Very often when men customers come to Bee’s Diamonds for an engagement ring consultations, the very first question that we ask them is “What kind of ring do you envision for your other half?”. Interestingly, 9 out of 10 men would describe how the ring would look like, filigrees, simple crown, solitaire,classic. Only very few men would actually talk about the main character of the ring – the diamond. This is surprising as I thought most guys would not pay attention to small details such as how thick the shanks should be, how high should the diamond be lifted from the ring to maximize sparkles. Only a rare few men would start by saying that they want a F colour diamond with VS2 clarity, etc.. So the question of the day is – should you pay more attention to the diamond or the design of the ring? Should you buy a ring because of its design or because of the center stone?

There are two major parts that compose a ring – the center stone, be whatever it is,whether it is a diamond, sapphire, ruby, sapphire, and the design. Bee’s Diamonds highly advises you to focus your investment on the center diamond rather than the ring design for a number of valid reasons. First, the center stone is your new family’s first asset which will most likely be passed down from your generation to the next. Even if it is not, it may be taken by your wife for trading up(trading in for a bigger diamond in the future, and yes, this happens in later years of the marriage. In fact, very often does this happen, especially in recent years when women always look for bigger looking diamonds). Furthermore,the diamond is not just a symbol of engagement and marriage, it is the passing of wealth from one to another, from one family to another. As such, the diamond should form the largest portion of your investment in the ring.

The design is important too, but of lesser importance. Designs are temporary.Similar to fashion trends, what looks good now may not look good say 10 years from now. A lot of women bring in old jewellery from their grandparents’ era and ask for redesign and remounting at Bee’s Diamonds. They will never change or throw away the diamonds, but they will only create new designs that match the diamond. So, no matter how much you or your soon-to-be fiancé likes the design, one should not buy the ring simply because of the design. The diamond should be your choice of concern. Plus, the sum of designs and mounting is relatively low compared to the value of diamonds, so one should not focus too much time investigating on the designs but a majority of effort on understanding and learning about diamonds from certified gemologists, so to ensure an investment well worth the value.

What kind of ring design would be classic and can be worn in the many years to come?What are some of the recommended designs that would not waste much of your investment but will be long lasting and durable? Should you choose a ring mount with 4 prongs or 6 prongs? Stay tuned for more ring information in future blog posts.

For more information on how to choose a diamond or a ring design, please contact Bee’s Diamonds at info@beesdiamonds.com or at (852) 2180 7812.

Difference between 1.00 vs 1.01 cts diamond

Quite a number of customers often ask the question of what weight of diamond should I buy as an engagement diamond? Most men (and ladies) would agree that a one carat diamond is typically the ideal and most commonly purchased weight of diamonds for engagement purpose. Some women may choose to say that the value of an engagement diamond should be equivalent to three months’ salary of the gentleman, and that may mean a 0.50 carats (50 points) to 10 carats. So what’s the ideal, or what’s the standard for choosing a properly weighted engagement diamond without blowing your budget?

We would have to say that a one carat is the typical standard, taking into account the varying levels of income from all professional disciplines of gentlemen. When we say one carat, we actually mean 1.01 carats instead of 1.00 carats. Let me put it in easy terms for you. Carat is the unit used to calculate the weight of a diamond. One carat weighs about 0.02 grams (which can weigh lighter than a feather!). There are 100 points in one carat, so if a diamond is less than a carat, it would be put in the term of say, 70 points, being the equivalence of 0.70 carats.

Let’s not get carried away by the numbers and refocus on the topic of the day – should you choose a diamond that weighs 1.00 carats or 1.01 carats? If you are new to diamonds (or have never purchased a diamond before), you would think that going for a 1.00 carat diamond is sufficient enough for an engagement ring. However, gemologists think otherwise. We would never purchase in a round diamond that weighs 1.00 carats. This is because even though diamond is the toughest substance on earth, it also has a weakest link, which is its culet (the tiniest point in a diamond). The culet is easily prone to chipping or scratching when the diamond is scratched against another diamond or even other precious metals.  In the unfortunate or accidental situation where a 1.00 carat diamond is chipped due to improper handling by unexperienced craftsmen during setting, the weight of the diamond would fall to 0.99 carats which renders its value to significantly drop. Your investment and the value of your family’s first asset would go to waste instantly.

It is true that the value of 1.00 carats diamond is much lower than those of 1.01 carats as only those that weigh 1.01 carats are much more tradable within the diamond market and can within a much higher value appreciation overtime. Usually round diamonds with 1.00 carats have a small diameter (6.3 mm or less) and they look smaller, in comparison to those that weigh 1.01 carats (with diameter of 6.35 mm and above). 

Choosing a engagement diamond is not just about the money being put into the wedding, it is building your family’s first asset and extending your family’s wealth to the next generation. Choose a diamond that will last you and your family beyond lifetime is critical and since it will be one of the major investments of your lifetime; why not choose one that with higher quality that can guarantee you with highest rate of return in the long run?

Rendy Ng, A.J.P. (GIA), G.G. (GIA)

Gemologist & Director, Bee’s Diamonds

Is bigger the better? Should I choose a bigger diamond or better quality diamond for engagement ring? / Diamond Buying and Investment Advice

Is bigger always better? It’s definitely a yes if it comes to a bigger desk at work, a bigger car, a bigger fridge, or even, a bigger house. Would this apply to the world’s most concentrate form of wealth – diamonds? When choosing a diamond for engagement rings, one of the most usual problems that guys encounter is - whether to go for a bigger diamond with lower colour and clarity within budget, or a smaller diamonds with the highest clarity grade, colour, etc. Or if you are simply deciding on a diamond to invest for good short term or long term gain, should we aim for size of quality? Let me give you an expert’s diamond choosing advice – Neither.

Let me boldly ask you this question. Now that you have decided to propose to this one in a million woman whom you are madly in love with, was it because of one sole reason? Or was it a combination of reasons?  Admit it or not, you must have done a preliminary assessment of her and the quality of time you spent with her before deciding to commit to a serious relationship. You considered her looks, her body shape, her personality, her values, her philosophy as well as the fun you both had together, the ups and downs you had been through and finally, what future holds for you two. This is no difference when it comes to choosing a diamond. I advise you to choose a well-balanced diamond that possesses all the qualities of the woman you chose. Let me explain.

1. Do not choose a diamond just by its weight or just by its colour. Maintain a balance amongst all the grading factors - what is commonly known as the 4Cs and other important grading factors such as fluorescence, proportions, certification, colour tinge, etc..

2. Choose a diamond with colour that complements your girlfriend’s skin tone. We recommend D to F colour for fairer skin, G to H for medium tone, and I to J for tanned skin. Should you go for a K colour? From experience, many girls do not favour K colour, so choose with caution;

3. Value good clarity. Your diamond does not necessary have to be a VVS, but a nice VS1, VS2, clean SI1 and SI2 that looks like a VS2 would get your investment far and wide – for hints on how to identify a good SI1 and SI2, stay tuned for future posts or consult one of our gemologists at Bee’s Diamonds;

4. Discard diamonds with black inclusions. A majority of natural diamonds have natural inclusions, but more often black inclusions than the preferable white inclusions. This will not be written on the GIA certificate for you. Do look at each diamond option under magnification carefully. Ask your jeweller as any honest jeweller should disclose everything about a diamond for you to consider;

5. A diamond with very good cut and above. Triple excellence is not always necessary, but try to keep at least a double excellence by cut, polish and symmetry to ensure a substantial resell value in the future. Pay attention to the proportions and the figures in percentage. We will further explore this topic in future posts, but for now, keep these figures in mind: Table – preferably 56 to 60%, total depth: not >= 62.9% and crown angle: 32.5 to 36, preferably 34.5;

6. A diamond with preferably no fluorescence. Under the grading item of fluorescence in a diamond’s certificate report, discard those that indicate strong blue, medium blue, or faint fluorescence, choose only those that says “None”. Although diamonds that possess fluorescence effect due to its natural boron content will render the diamond cheaper and also looking a little whiter than its original colour, if the diamond you are choosing is for engagement purpose, I suggest that you choose one with nil fluorescence unless your girlfriend is well informed of the fluorescence. Most girls, from our experience, do not wish for their diamond to have any form of impurity, including fluorescence. However, if you are choosing a fancy  yellow coloured diamond, fluorescence is also preferred as it will make the yellow saturation looks even more intense. 

7. Consider all the grading characteristics written on its GIA certificate and those that are not written on the certificate, and this include colour tinge, which may indicate whether the source of diamond is legitimate or not.

In sum, do not go for a super large diamond and compromise on its quality, but do not choose a really small diamond with supreme quality so to fit into the budget. If you really want a strict recommendation without wasting much time understanding and learning about diamonds, here will be our fast recommendation if you are a 20-something years old guy looking to buy a decent engagement ring for your girlfriend:

-         An adequate, well balanced diamond with preferably:

o   Carat:      At least 1 carat

o   Colour:    E to H colour

o   Clarity:   VVS2 to nice SI2

o   Cut:         At least double excellence

o   Note:       No fluorescence, no colour tinge, GIA certificate

o   Budget:   2 to 6 months of your monthly salary

Having said that, we still recommend you to visit your jeweller and learn about the different options. Choosing a diamond is not only an art, but also an investment for your new family. After all, it is your first family asset. It should be one with quality and taste, so that your children and grandchildren would have something nice to keep as the family’s treasure in years to come. You would not want your grandchild to bring your engagement ring for appraisal and only found out that the diamond is solely “big-looking” and lacks all the quality that an eternal diamond should possess.