Tuesday , 10 December 2024

Just don’t do it. Don’t buy diamonds. Here’s why

Just don’t do it. Don’t buy diamonds, either shares of diamond miners and distributors OR as a personal “investment”. Simply don’t do it. Here’s why.

The above edited excerpts, and the copy below, are from an article* by Paulo Santos which was originally entitled Don’t Buy Diamonds and can be read in its entirety  HERE.

What’s In A Diamond?

A diamond is a particular arrangement of carbon atoms…Making different arrangements of carbon is “easy” so, under the right conditions, synthetic diamonds can be produced out of carbon…using methods like vapor deposition or high pressure, high temperature processes.

Just because they are synthetic, that doesn’t make them any less real – they’re as much “diamonds” as anything being mined from the Earth. They’re just the same carbon arrangements as always. The established market, however, frowns upon synthetic diamonds..but for their users and wearers, there is absolutely no difference.

Industrial Usage

Since synthetic diamonds are as real as the mined ones, and since industrial-grade synthetics are much cheaper, the presence of mined diamonds in industrial uses has collapsed to as low as just 2% of the market.

Jewelry

The only market where synthetics still haven’t destroyed natural diamonds has been jewelry, where the industry has been able to lay claim to subjective values and keep buyers in line. Also, some types of synthetic diamonds still carry a large cost to produce, including clear gems. However, the purity of synthetics, the fact that they’re as real as natural diamonds, and a penchant for value might well turn things around in due time.

Diamonds As An Investment

For the regular buyer, even without the threat of synthetics, diamonds are an incredibly bad investment.

Whereas if you have a jewel with gold content, or a gold bar, you can sell it at a small spread to its gold content, the same does not happen to diamonds. Small diamonds encrusted in a jewel are basically worthless. There’s no point in paying anything for them. Larger ones, instead of trading at a 5% or so discount to a transparent spot price, will trade at a massive 50%+ discount to a nebulous price – and that’s if you can get a bid. If you have any kind of diamond, try selling it (if you can find anyone to not just appraise it, but also give you a firm bid on it). You will be surprised.

Diamond History

…If you are at all interested in diamonds I strongly suggest you read: “Have You Ever Tried to Sell a Diamond?” which will give you a sense of how the diamond trade came to be; how diamonds gained in value; how they got you to think that if you didn’t give your loved one a diamond ring, you’re worthless. It will open your eyes.

Conclusion

There you have it. The diamond industry is facing a mortal threat from synthetic diamonds which are every bit as real as the natural ones and synthetic diamonds’ size, quality and diversity do nothing but increase, while their production costs are likely to decrease over time. This is thus a clear risk if you’re thinking about buying shares on diamond miners and distributors.

For individuals considering buying diamonds “as an investment” there are even graver consequences…Simply don’t do it. Don’t do it because of the spreads, because of the lack of liquidity (it might be difficult to get someone to give you a bid) and because of the synthetic menace (this sounds like Star Wars).

Just don’t do it. Don’t buy diamonds – except for your loved one. If, after boring her with all the details of what diamonds are and how synthetic ones are every bit as real as natural ones, she endures that, then you can marry her.

*http://seekingalpha.com/article/3285705-dont-buy-diamonds?ifp=0

Other Diamond-related Articles of Interest:

1. The World Of Colored Diamonds

Since 400 A.D., diamonds have been sought after for their beauty, their strength and their versatility…[but] it wasn’t until 1953 that the four Cs of diamonds – cut, clarity, color and carat – were established by which all…diamonds are judged today. This article, with an accompanying infographic, looks at what each of these four Cs mean and how this knowledge can benefit you as a consumer.

2. The Poor Man’s Gold is Silver; the Poor Man’s Diamond is…

You probably picture a diamond when you think of a white gemstone. Although diamonds are beautiful and traditional, you may want to consider a less expensive alternative. Check out the infographic below which tells you all about the various alternatives complete with the pros and cons of each.

3. Diamonds: The Best Stock to Take Advantage of Coming MUCH Higher Prices Is…

Everyone is talking about gold and silver these days, but nobody talks about diamonds. Let’s have a little peek inside this sector [and how to take full advantage of expected developments.]

4. China & India to Drive Diamond Demand this Decade to New Heights – Here’s Why

China and India are about to drive diamond demand through newly affluent population. In the world diamond retail market, Asia in 2005 made up 23% of purchases. In 2020, they will make up 57%! Such growth in diamond demand should make for a sparkling future for those who invest prudently. In the infographic and copy below you will learn all about diamonds.

5. Precious Metals vs. Pricey Gemstones: There Is No Contest When it Comes To Value

If you think precious metals are expensive you are sorely mistaken. They are, in fact, dirt cheap (relatively speaking, I must admit!) when compared with the equivalent cost of the gemstones identified below. Take a look.

6. What’s the Difference Between 1 Gold Karat, 1 Diamond Carat and 1 Troy Ounce?

You have no doubt read countless articles on the price of gold costing “x dollars per ounce”, own a gold ring or some other piece of gold jewellery and/or wear or have bought/plan to buy a diamond ring but do you really understand exactly what you are buying? What’s the difference between 1 troy ounce of gold and 1 (regular) ounce? What’s the difference between 18 and 10 karat gold? What’s the difference between a .75 and a 1.0 carat diamond? Let me explain. Words: 1102