When it’s A Diamond, But Near Worthless

In the art of buying diamonds, one has to really get educated to avoid some of the pitfalls of buying for disreputable vendors. Just because something is a diamond does not mean it automatically is worth a lot of money. You have to understand how diamonds are graded with the 4Cs to know when a diamond is valuable and when it is not. Different types of treatments can make a cheap diamond look like a valuable gem, but once any diamond is treated, it automatically loses value, as it is no longer natural. You have to beware of scams that deal with enhancing diamonds of lower quality just to sell them to unsuspecting people who think they are worth more.

Enhancements to Avoid
Heat treatments or laser drilling can improve the clarity of a lower grade diamond, making it appear to be higher quality. Radiation treatments can take a brownish colored diamond and turn it into a fancy-colored diamond, in pinks and blues. Fracture filling is also a way to increase the clarity of diamond, but with a subsequent loss of value. Many of these treatments are not illegal, but the vendor should note them it if a natural diamond has been enhanced, as the value will not be
the same as a natural diamond of similar higher quality.

Get A Third Party Appraisal
Some of the enhancements are easy to spot and others are not. The best way to avoid being taken is to make sure that you get a third party appraisal on the diamond to make sure it is not enhanced in any way. You should always purchase your diamonds from a reputable vendor who has nothing to gain by losing their name over selling shoddy goods. All in all, if the price of a diamond seems “too good to be true” it usually is. Natural diamonds of high quality are worth every penny you spend on them.

Disclosure: Abazias has asked me to do this.

Real Housewives

Oh my god, I love this post my friend DJ put up! He compared all the different housewives and their attempt at a singing career. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

Seafood SC

Last night, was a milestone for me! I have never had Salmon, but have always been convinced that it was not something that I would like. Leave it to SC to change my mind!

(Stephy and I switched weeks, because my cousin is coming in two weeks so we are going to cook together for everyone)

Stephy went with some sushi for an appetizer. Then Salmon with a corn and red pepper relish. With a side of grilled zucchini, and some pasta (we love our carbs!).





And for dessert, vanilla ice cream with a raspberry tart!



I absolutely cannot believe I like fish now! Wow, thanks Stephy, you're a life saver - now I can eat really healthy fish for dinner one night!

Heat Wave in Boston...

Brings out the best in animals...



Yup, on our way to SC - this nasty little bugger was so thirsty, he ventured out into broad daylight to get a drink of water...

Please Welcome 'N' to the Blogging world!

Nia has joined the blogging community with her sister Katie! Please check out her blog, it is amazing. Nia is a beautiful writer and I cant wait to see read what her and her sister have to say!

Happy 4th of July Weekend

So excited because my little sister is coming up to visit! On the horizon: good food, drinks, friends, fireworks!


(via)

Hope everyone has a fantastic long weekend!

Week Update

Sorry Guys, this week has been a little crazy!

Tuesday we had Supper Club, which was absolutely amazing! Our chef for the evening:



She made delicious Thai style clams that she picked up fresh from the seaport district!



With an awesome spicy Thai salad topped with rib eye steak!





Way to go Nini!! That was fantastic!

Then Last night I met up with my Friend Beth (who is a fantastic cook, so please check out her blog!) for some sushi in Coolidge Corner. Fugakyu has an amazing selection of traditional rolls and crazy ones like spider Maki that we tried and loved!

So glad I got to meet up with her and catch up! Definitely recommend going to this restaurant if you love sushi!