(NAPSA)—Delighting someone you care about with the gift of a diamond this holiday season doesn’t have to be intimidating. To help, Architectural Digest and the Gemological Institute of America have produced a howto- purchase guide with essential tips for making a luxury ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST ‘THE INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE OF DESIGN DECEMBER 2010 investment. James Zemaitis, director of Sotheby’s 20th Century Design Department; interior designer Alexa Hampton; and architects Gisue and Mojgan Hariri provide insights on purchasing with confidence. For example, Zemaitis explains: “Ultimately, for postwar and contemporary design, it boils down to one word that I probably use 50 times a day: provenance.” Adds Hampton: “Working with people whoaretried and trueis a surefire way to ensure quality,” while the Hariri sisters say: “Let’s talk trust. Our clients see and feel passion, integrity and commitment in every project we do.” How To Buy With Confidence With those ideas in mind, when your gift of choice is diamond jewelry, there are five steps you should consider taking: 1. Choose a qualified diamond jeweler as you would any professional. He or she should be a Gemological Institute of America (GIA)-trained Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) or Accredited Jewelry Professional (A.J.P.), and affiliated with jewelry industry groups and professional associations such as the American Gem Society (AGS) and American Gem Trade Association (AGTA). 2. Learn the 4C’s of diamond quality: Carat Weight, Clarity, Color and Cut. To learn Oinceseivenieeeres FSC) Mlicoyne-1dnolsTi eMMEScuOlea 1B AED) Bom ee See Architectural Digest in print or online for more insight from the experts of design. the details and grading systems behind these important C’s, visit www.gia4cs.gia.edu. 3. Your diamond should have a grading report evaluating its quality and authenticity. GIA is known for the kind of unbiased scientific information that has guided diamond buyersfor generations. Reputable jewelers will never hesitate to provide a GIA report. 4. Keep your purchasesecure. Have the piece appraised and insured. GIA can laser inscribe the diamond’s uniqueDiamond Grading Report number to provide verification if the diamond is ever lost or stolen. Personalized messagescan also be inscribed. 5. Learn more. You can get expert advice on diamonds by visiting www.gia4cs.gia.edu and insights from experts in Architectural Digest in print or online at www.architecturaldigest.com.
