Antoinette Matlins - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Antoinette Matlins
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1989
An indispensable resource for how to select, buy, and enjoy the perfect ring. Revised, updated, a... more An indispensable resource for how to select, buy, and enjoy the perfect ring. Revised, updated, and expanded, includes new color photos that feature the latest trends and artistry in ring design. Also included are up-to-date diamond price charts to help buyers really know what they are paying for. 35,000 copies sold of the 1st Edition.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
The world of colored gems is endlessly fascinating. Since ancient times, colored stones have been... more The world of colored gems is endlessly fascinating. Since ancient times, colored stones have been thought to possess certain magical powers or the ability to endow the wearer with certain attributes. Emeralds were thought to be good for the eyes; yellow stones were thought to cure jaundice; red stones to stop the flow of blood. At one time it was believed that a ruby worn by a man indicated command, nobility, lordship, and vengeance; worn by a woman, however, it indicated pride, obstinacy, and haughtiness. A blue sapphire worn by a man indicated wisdom, and high and magnanimous thoughts; on a woman, jealousy in love, politeness, and vigilance. The emerald signified for man joyousness, transitory hope, and the decline of friendship; for woman, unfounded ambition, childish delight, and change.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
Obtaining an appraisal on a fine gem, and keeping it updated, is essential today for the followin... more Obtaining an appraisal on a fine gem, and keeping it updated, is essential today for the following reasons: 1. For verification of the facts as represented by the seller (prior to purchase or immediately thereafter). 2. To obtain adequate insurance to protect against theft, loss, or damage. 3. To provide positive identification of your property where stolen property has been recovered. 4. To provide a complete description to ensure satisfactory replacement of a stolen, lost, or damaged piece.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
You should always ask the following questions before purchasing a fine diamond of 1-carat size or... more You should always ask the following questions before purchasing a fine diamond of 1-carat size or larger. Most jewelers don’t take the time to grade smaller stones, although .50- and .75-carat stones are now beginning to appear with certificates verifying color and flaw grades. An experienced jeweler should be able to provide this information for stones .50 carats and up, or offer to find out for you.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
How can you tell if a stone is really a diamond? As we have said many times, unless you are an ex... more How can you tell if a stone is really a diamond? As we have said many times, unless you are an expert—or see one—you cannot be sure about the identification of a stone. Nevertheless, there are a few simple tests you can perform that will show up most diamond frauds quite quickly. Here are a few things to look for.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
The diamond has been one of the most coveted gems in history. Uncut diamonds adorned the suits of... more The diamond has been one of the most coveted gems in history. Uncut diamonds adorned the suits of armor of the great knights; cut diamonds have adorned the crowns of kings and queens throughout the ages. Today the diamond is internationally recognized as a symbol of love and betrothal and is the recipient of increasing interest as a source for investment.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
Is this a genuine, natural stone, or a synthetic? Synthetic stones are genuine but not natural.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
The cut of a diamond and the proportioning of the cut—the make—are of extraordinary importance, b... more The cut of a diamond and the proportioning of the cut—the make—are of extraordinary importance, because they have the greatest influence on the fire (variety and intensity of rainbow colors seen) and brilliance (liveliness, or sparkle) of the stone.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
We’ve all seen come-on or misrepresentative advertising. Quite simply, it is advertising that lur... more We’ve all seen come-on or misrepresentative advertising. Quite simply, it is advertising that lures the buyer into a store or into making a purchase. This is seen frequently today in the mail-order business. The Better Business Bureau, in their booklet Facts You Should Know About Jewelry, describes these practices very well. (This booklet is available upon request.) Some of the practices they describe are:
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
This chapter will discuss, in a general way, the basic factors that affect the appearance and val... more This chapter will discuss, in a general way, the basic factors that affect the appearance and value of any gemstone. Of primary importance in both diamonds and colored gems are cut and proportion of faceted stones. Faceted stones are stones on which a series of tiny flat planes (facets) have been cut and polished. (Nonfaceted stones are called cabochons. These will be discussed in detail in Part Three.)
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
Flaw classification is one of the most important criteria for determining the value of a diamond.... more Flaw classification is one of the most important criteria for determining the value of a diamond. The major grading system used in the United States is the GIA system. There are several other systems in use, but most American jewelers use GIA because it indicates a greater number of classifications and thereby provides greater precision in determining the flaw grade. The GIA system is therefore considered the most stringent.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
Color is the principal determinant of value in colored gems. It is also, too often, the principal... more Color is the principal determinant of value in colored gems. It is also, too often, the principal determinant in erroneous identification. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize how many gems look alike in color. And often, dealers, too, can be misled or caught off-guard. Too often recognition and identification are based on color alone because so few, jewelers and customers alike, are aware of the large number of similarly colored stones that are available.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
Gems should never be bought as a gamble—the uneducated consumer will always lose. This is a basic... more Gems should never be bought as a gamble—the uneducated consumer will always lose. This is a basic rule of thumb. The best way to take the gamble out of buying a particular gem is to familiarize yourself with the gem. While the average consumer can’t hope to make the same precise judgments made by a qualified gemologist, whose scientific training and wealth of practical experience provide a far greater data base from which to make his judgments, the consumer can learn to judge a stone as a “total personality,” and learn what the critical factors are—color, perfection, cut, brilliance, and weight—and how to balance them in judging the gem’s value. Learning about these factors, and spending time in the marketplace looking, listening, and asking questions before going out to actually buy, will prepare you to be an intelligent buyer, rather than a potential victim.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
Before we begin this chapter, we would like to reemphasize here, as we did in the chapter on diam... more Before we begin this chapter, we would like to reemphasize here, as we did in the chapter on diamonds, that as a percentage of total jewelry transactions, the occurrence of misrepresentation and fraud is low, and that most jewelers are reputable professionals in whom you can place your trust.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
Caution is the only word we can apply to gem investment. More than two hundred gem-investment com... more Caution is the only word we can apply to gem investment. More than two hundred gem-investment companies have been organized since the mid-1970s. NYDEX (New York Diamond Exchange) incorporated Wall Street techniques with New York’s diamond district. Gems have played a role in formal retirement plans (which are presently not permitted, but may be again in the not-too-distant future). Merrill Lynch has organized a special division to handle such investment. Etc. But in one year, a year when diamond prices doubled, investors were duped out of an estimated $100,000,000! And as the potential market grows, so does the risk that one may fall prey to a fraudulent schemer.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1989
An indispensable resource for how to select, buy, and enjoy the perfect ring. Revised, updated, a... more An indispensable resource for how to select, buy, and enjoy the perfect ring. Revised, updated, and expanded, includes new color photos that feature the latest trends and artistry in ring design. Also included are up-to-date diamond price charts to help buyers really know what they are paying for. 35,000 copies sold of the 1st Edition.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
The world of colored gems is endlessly fascinating. Since ancient times, colored stones have been... more The world of colored gems is endlessly fascinating. Since ancient times, colored stones have been thought to possess certain magical powers or the ability to endow the wearer with certain attributes. Emeralds were thought to be good for the eyes; yellow stones were thought to cure jaundice; red stones to stop the flow of blood. At one time it was believed that a ruby worn by a man indicated command, nobility, lordship, and vengeance; worn by a woman, however, it indicated pride, obstinacy, and haughtiness. A blue sapphire worn by a man indicated wisdom, and high and magnanimous thoughts; on a woman, jealousy in love, politeness, and vigilance. The emerald signified for man joyousness, transitory hope, and the decline of friendship; for woman, unfounded ambition, childish delight, and change.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
Obtaining an appraisal on a fine gem, and keeping it updated, is essential today for the followin... more Obtaining an appraisal on a fine gem, and keeping it updated, is essential today for the following reasons: 1. For verification of the facts as represented by the seller (prior to purchase or immediately thereafter). 2. To obtain adequate insurance to protect against theft, loss, or damage. 3. To provide positive identification of your property where stolen property has been recovered. 4. To provide a complete description to ensure satisfactory replacement of a stolen, lost, or damaged piece.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
You should always ask the following questions before purchasing a fine diamond of 1-carat size or... more You should always ask the following questions before purchasing a fine diamond of 1-carat size or larger. Most jewelers don’t take the time to grade smaller stones, although .50- and .75-carat stones are now beginning to appear with certificates verifying color and flaw grades. An experienced jeweler should be able to provide this information for stones .50 carats and up, or offer to find out for you.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
How can you tell if a stone is really a diamond? As we have said many times, unless you are an ex... more How can you tell if a stone is really a diamond? As we have said many times, unless you are an expert—or see one—you cannot be sure about the identification of a stone. Nevertheless, there are a few simple tests you can perform that will show up most diamond frauds quite quickly. Here are a few things to look for.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
The diamond has been one of the most coveted gems in history. Uncut diamonds adorned the suits of... more The diamond has been one of the most coveted gems in history. Uncut diamonds adorned the suits of armor of the great knights; cut diamonds have adorned the crowns of kings and queens throughout the ages. Today the diamond is internationally recognized as a symbol of love and betrothal and is the recipient of increasing interest as a source for investment.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
Is this a genuine, natural stone, or a synthetic? Synthetic stones are genuine but not natural.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
The cut of a diamond and the proportioning of the cut—the make—are of extraordinary importance, b... more The cut of a diamond and the proportioning of the cut—the make—are of extraordinary importance, because they have the greatest influence on the fire (variety and intensity of rainbow colors seen) and brilliance (liveliness, or sparkle) of the stone.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
We’ve all seen come-on or misrepresentative advertising. Quite simply, it is advertising that lur... more We’ve all seen come-on or misrepresentative advertising. Quite simply, it is advertising that lures the buyer into a store or into making a purchase. This is seen frequently today in the mail-order business. The Better Business Bureau, in their booklet Facts You Should Know About Jewelry, describes these practices very well. (This booklet is available upon request.) Some of the practices they describe are:
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
This chapter will discuss, in a general way, the basic factors that affect the appearance and val... more This chapter will discuss, in a general way, the basic factors that affect the appearance and value of any gemstone. Of primary importance in both diamonds and colored gems are cut and proportion of faceted stones. Faceted stones are stones on which a series of tiny flat planes (facets) have been cut and polished. (Nonfaceted stones are called cabochons. These will be discussed in detail in Part Three.)
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
Flaw classification is one of the most important criteria for determining the value of a diamond.... more Flaw classification is one of the most important criteria for determining the value of a diamond. The major grading system used in the United States is the GIA system. There are several other systems in use, but most American jewelers use GIA because it indicates a greater number of classifications and thereby provides greater precision in determining the flaw grade. The GIA system is therefore considered the most stringent.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
Color is the principal determinant of value in colored gems. It is also, too often, the principal... more Color is the principal determinant of value in colored gems. It is also, too often, the principal determinant in erroneous identification. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize how many gems look alike in color. And often, dealers, too, can be misled or caught off-guard. Too often recognition and identification are based on color alone because so few, jewelers and customers alike, are aware of the large number of similarly colored stones that are available.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
Gems should never be bought as a gamble—the uneducated consumer will always lose. This is a basic... more Gems should never be bought as a gamble—the uneducated consumer will always lose. This is a basic rule of thumb. The best way to take the gamble out of buying a particular gem is to familiarize yourself with the gem. While the average consumer can’t hope to make the same precise judgments made by a qualified gemologist, whose scientific training and wealth of practical experience provide a far greater data base from which to make his judgments, the consumer can learn to judge a stone as a “total personality,” and learn what the critical factors are—color, perfection, cut, brilliance, and weight—and how to balance them in judging the gem’s value. Learning about these factors, and spending time in the marketplace looking, listening, and asking questions before going out to actually buy, will prepare you to be an intelligent buyer, rather than a potential victim.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
Before we begin this chapter, we would like to reemphasize here, as we did in the chapter on diam... more Before we begin this chapter, we would like to reemphasize here, as we did in the chapter on diamonds, that as a percentage of total jewelry transactions, the occurrence of misrepresentation and fraud is low, and that most jewelers are reputable professionals in whom you can place your trust.
Jewelry & Gems The Buying Guide, 1988
Caution is the only word we can apply to gem investment. More than two hundred gem-investment com... more Caution is the only word we can apply to gem investment. More than two hundred gem-investment companies have been organized since the mid-1970s. NYDEX (New York Diamond Exchange) incorporated Wall Street techniques with New York’s diamond district. Gems have played a role in formal retirement plans (which are presently not permitted, but may be again in the not-too-distant future). Merrill Lynch has organized a special division to handle such investment. Etc. But in one year, a year when diamond prices doubled, investors were duped out of an estimated $100,000,000! And as the potential market grows, so does the risk that one may fall prey to a fraudulent schemer.