Rating: 
Summary: These pictures are too perfect!
Review: For starters I`m a geologist and graduate gemologist. I`ve been a rock hound since I was a kid. I`ve read every title of book having to do with gems and gemology I can get my hands on. Miss Newman does an adequate job of informing the novice about the 4C`s but in the end does not deliver what she implies in the title of her book. This is not a diamond ring buying guide.It`s a picture book with raw data.A diamond guide would give realistic pricing tables and opinions and guidance on how to aquire a diamond. I agree with others that the photos in the book are quite beautiful but were taken under perfect lighting conditions.Since the potential buyer will never be able to replicate these conditions when shopping they become a tree that does not bare fruit in the process of clarity grading.If you want an encyclopedia style book to learn about diamonds in general then I would reccomend this book. If you really need a book that teaches you how to buy a diamond then there are other books on the market that do a better job.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Info
Review: Good and informative. This book has good "real" pictures included; where as others did not. This book is a good addition, but best complimented by Fred Cuellar's book, "How to Buy a diamond: Insider Secrets for Getting Your Money's Worth". Both books are a must, as I learned a lot from both. They both mentioned "fluorescence", even though both books only covered the subject very slightly. I am still not sure what to look for. The book did not mention the Vatche/Lucida X-Prong setting, or the Floating / Tension setting. I had to learn about these on the web on my own. I did however learn about the bezel and half bezel setting, which is what I am going to aim for. All in all, this is a great resource and can help a novice gain some good knowledge in buying a stone. I went as far as to buy my own jeweler's loupe!
Rating: 
Summary: Looking for a diamond? GET THIS BOOK!
Review: Great reference book if you're looking for the best quality diamond for your money. Of all the books I've looked at, this is the one I'd recommend reading first. Its plethora of pictures gives you an idea of what to look for when that jewelry store brings out the diamond. If you're looking for an engagement ring, get this book first!! My fiancee felt very confident and informed after reviewing this book.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent resourse
Review: I highly recommend it for the first time buyer, though if you have purchased jewelry before like myself, it might depress you when you find out how much you have been gouged in the past. I just used it to buy a loose diamond that appraised at 30 % more than what I bought it for. I am very happy.This book has in-depth explanations of how to value and identify diamons of high quality and helps you to wade through all of the pitfalls of trying to buy jewelry ANYWHERE, from Macy's to Zales, from the streets of Antwerp to on-line. A must have.
Rating:
Summary: Buy it just for the pictures.
Review: In my Opinion "How to Buy a Diamond" by Fred Cuellar is a much more educational and useful book than this one but this book is a very short read and has great pictures that I felt gave me something that "How to Buy a Diamond" didn't. If you only have time for one book get Fred's book, if you have time for both then get them both.
Rating:
Summary: Buy the book for the pictures!
Review: Information is above average but buy the book for the photos showing different qualities (cut, clarity, color, transparency, etc.) of diamonds so that you know what to look for when you go shop for loose diamonds.
Rating:
Summary: A fabulous resource for the novice buyer!
Review: It's amazing how Newman makes diamond learning so easy and fun. She outlines what to look for when buying all types of diamonds, and gives clear, concise explanations of all the price factors, not just the 4 C's. Then she illustrates her points with lots of helpful photos. You'll learn things about diamonds from this book that you won't find elsewhere.
But this book is more than just a top-notch diamond book. It helps you choose the right ring mounting and setting style for your needs. It gives tips on buying custom-made rings and it has information on gold and platinum that I haven't seen elsewhere.
I've been to a lot of jewelry stores, but none were able to explain diamonds as well as this book. In fact, if you read this book, you'll know more about diamonds than many of the salespeople. You'd be making a big mistake if you bought a diamond without first reading the Diamond Ring Buying Guide. It helped me save a lot of money
Rating:
Summary: Don't even go shopping unless you got this book!
Review: Just reading this book in one afternoon will put you ahead of most jewelers trying to sell you rings behind a counter. They are sales oriented, and you are quality and consumer oriented - and if you don't know the facts, you'll play right into their hands. Thats why I was so thankful for this book. Renee Newman really knows how to make diamond shopping consumer friendly and while shopping for a diamond for my fiancee, I was amazing just how many salesmen didn't even know the basic information outlined in this book. It is such a huge investment, the engagement ring, and if you really want to be intentional and really make it meaningful, not just a duty get out of the way - take the time to get to know the facts. You'll feel more confident, like I did, and so if you're going to ask her to be yours forever, you're going to need to be well-equipped. Thanks a lot Renee!
Rating:
Summary: I love love love this book!
Review: My fiance and I had searched out jewelery stores and were looking for an engagement ring that was unique. We finally found one, purchased it and started having problems with the jewelery store (the store had ruined my ring 3 times before I demanded a brand new one). I should have read this book before we bought my ring.
The book is written in an outline style, a very easy read. Pictures of actual diamonds and flawed diamonds are pictured in full color, so you know exactly what to look for and what to look out for. Photos of diamond inclusions are described, I always knew that a VS2 diamond had 'inclusions' but 'what' exactly IS an inclusion? Newman has large close-up photos of the inclusions and describes them, and how the inclusions are graded.
Metal selection and comparison is also included as well as short 'chapter quizzes' so you can see if you are up to par with the jewelers that you will soon be dealing with.
All photos of jewelery designs are credited to the designer, so if you see a piece you like, you will be able to locate them easily.
I would reccomend this book to any couple or individual that is thinking of making a diamond purchase, because it is an investment that will last a lifetime.
Rating:
Summary: Enhanced with 104 new photos
Review: Now in a completely updated and expanded sixth edition, Renee Newman's Diamond Ring Buying Guide continues to be an indispensable and invaluable reference which is enhanced with 104 new photos and additional information on diamond cuts, treatments, fluorescence, transparency, color, platinum, ring, and setting styles. Ideal for both the professional dealer, the collector and antiquarian, as well as the non-specialist general reader wanting to procure something truly special for a loved one, the Diamond Ring Buying Guide is the ideal illustrated guide.
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