Diamond Color & Pearl Buying Guide: What You Need to Know

Question
QUESTION: Hi. Is it true that the less color a diamond has the more valuable it is? Sometimes see diamonds that are certified colorless and I was wondering if that is why they're more expensive. Also, what should a person look for when buying pearls? I'm not really sure if there is a certain type I should buy.

ANSWER: Hi Danielle!
Thanks for writing.
Thats right the less color the better. Diamonds range from Colorless - Near Colorless - Very slight yellow - light yellow and Fancy yellow.
With the exception of fancy yellow the less yellow the better.
As for pearls, they are graded  AAA  AA A B C and Comercial.
Try to by B or better and be aware that they come in diferent tints. Check out a great book by Antoinette Matlins on pearls. I think it's a guide to pearl buying.
Good Luck
Arthur DeMello GG (GIA)
A.DeMello Gemological Laboratory
Independent Appraiser/ Graduate Gemologist
http://wwww.jewelryappraiser.info
http://www.nationalgemologicallaboratory.com


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What are culture freshwater pearls?

Answer
Cultured Freshwater Pearls are simmilar to Cultured Saltwater pearls but come from a a molusk creature that lives in freshwater. Freshwater pearls are generally less expensive than Saltwater Pearls.
Sinerely,
Arthur DeMello GG (GIA)
A.DeMello Gemological Laboratory
Independent Appraiser/ Graduate Gemologist
http://wwww.jewelryappraiser.info
http://www.nationalgemologicallaboratory.com