Fred Cuellar - How to Buy a Diamond: Insider Secrets for Getting Your Money’s Worth

Copyright 2012, 2018 by Fred Cuellar

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Cuellar, Fred.

How to buy a diamond : insider secrets for getting your moneys worth / Fred Cuellar.8th ed.

Includes index.

1. DiamondsPurchasing. 2. RingsPurchasing. I. Title.

TS753.C83 2012

736.23dc23

2011047806

This book is dedicated first to my mother and father. This book would not have been possible without their love and support.

Second, I dedicate this book to every man in love and doing his best to make the love of his life happy by buying the perfect diamond.

Third and most of all, I dedicate this book to the love of my life, LaTeace. She makes life worth living, and I could not imagine a better companion with whom to spend all the days of my life.

Acknowledgments

LaTeace

Hector & Elvira

Greg J. P. Godek

Alfonso & Delia Cuellar

Alfredo & Jovita Montalvo

George & Betty Woody

Elisa & Knox Wright

Maxine & Clayton Prawl

Cytinya, Sha Shane & Clayton Jr.

Jose Garcia

Diep N. Doan

Robin Nennig

Beatriz Rodriguez

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Casablanca Press

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President George W. Bush

President Barack Obama

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Vivian Eisenstadt

Duane Journey

David Tillman

Ricki Maslar

Dee Wallace

Matthew Marsden

Bruce Davison

David Beckham

A special thanks to Diep for her research and editorial assistance.

Table of Contents

Preface

Buying a diamond may be one of the most important purchases of your life. Think of it. If you are a man, youre probably selecting a diamond to present to your bride-to-be as a shining symbol of eternal love. Only a diamond can say it all: your love for her is clear, pure, brilliant, perfect, and indestructible. If youre a woman buying a diamond for the most important man in your life, the symbolism is much the same. The diamond says, You are the one.

For most people, the engagement ring is the firstand surely the most importantdiamond they will ever buy. Selecting the right diamond, therefore, is a big responsibility. Lets make sure you get it right!

Yes, diamonds are romance, the highest expression of love, glamour, elegance, wealth, and refinement. (No one ever sang, Cubic zirconia is a girls best friend!) But diamonds can also be viewed as a commodity. There are different grades of diamonds, and each grade has a different value. Andvery importantlydealers are trying to make as much money from you as they can. You know the old expression, A fool and his money are soon parted. Nowhere is that more true than in the diamond market. Diamond dealers can fool you in a hundred ways. Dont be fooled! In this book, Ill teach you how to judge diamonds so that when you make that all-important purchase, you get your moneys worth.

C HARLIES G IFT

One day a few years ago I boarded a jetliner in Houston, bound for New York. When I had stowed my carry-on bag and buckled myself in, I looked over to see who I had for a seatmate. I saw a small, elderly lady sitting straight and prim in her seat, clutching her handbag and trying very hard not to appear concerned. I guessed this lady had not flown often in her life. I leaned over and reminder her gently that she would have to stow her handbag before takeoff. Oh, thank you, she said. Im a little nervous, to be quite frank. Ive never flown before.

I asked her why she was travelling to New York.

Well, she said with a sigh, Im going to live with my daughter. Shes meeting me at the airport. You see, my husband of fifty-five years passed away recently, and my daughter doesnt want me living alone.

I offered condolences, and trying to brighten her up, I said she was lucky to have enjoyed such a long marriage.

Thank you. Yes, I was fortunate. We had a good marriage, and now it seems like the time went by so fastseems like just yesterday we were saying our vows. She was quiet for a long moment, replaying some cherished moments of her married life, before she returned to our conversation.

And what about you? she asked. Why are you going to New York? I told her I was in the diamond business and was going there to close a deal on some diamonds.

Oooh, diamonds! Her lined face brightened. Charliethat was my husbandalways said Id have a diamond one day. When we got married, all we could afford were the wedding bands. Then came the children, and with one thing or another, we never did have enough money for luxuries. Every anniversary, Charlie would say, My dear, next year well get you that diamond! But now there is no next year.

She bowed her head and tried not to let me see the tears, but eventually she had to dab them away with a handkerchief tugged from the pocket of her old coat.

In that moment, this sweet womans tears revealed to me why I was on that plane, sitting beside her. I asked her name.

Evelyn, she told me. Evelyn Benson.

Well, Evelyn, I said, my name is Fred Cuellar, and I just realized that fate has brought us together. What is your ring size?

II dont know, really, she stammered. Why?

Because I am here to give you your diamond ring. Charlie had something to do with sitting us together. Im sure of it. I guessed her ring size at about a six; I had a grin sized extra large at this point.

But I cant afford it, she protested. We never could.

Evelyn, I told her, I am not selling you a diamond ring. Im giving it to you at Charlies request.

Well, that made her cry even more; however, the tears were happier now, and she gave me a big hug when we parted company at JFK airport.