How much value does a signature add to a diamond?
It seems pretty obvious why a diamond cutter such as Brian Gavin would sign his work, it is not only a sign of pride, but also his personal guarantee that every Brian Gavin Signature diamond is a masterpiece that has been cut to the highest levels of optical precision, so that the diamond exhibits a crisp and complete pattern of hearts and arrows, which when combined with an overall cut grade of AGS Ideal-0 makes the diamonds among the rarest in the world, within the Top 0.001% of the annual production for round brilliant cut diamonds. As a fifth generation diamond cutter, Brian has spent his entire life perfecting the art of diamond cutting to bring you the most spectacular diamonds available…
But what added value does investor Warren Buffett’s signature give to a diamond? Interestingly enough, that question will probably never cross the minds of investors of Berkshire-Hathaway, who will have the opportunity to purchase a limited quantity of diamonds which are inscribed with Buffett’s signature.
Warren Buffett’s Signature diamond collection:
The diamonds are inscribed on the girdle edge with a reproduction of Warren Buffett’s signature, as can be seen in the photograph that appears to the left which is provided courtesy of Borsheims, a Berkshire Hathaway company. There are a total of fifty one diamonds, inscribed with Buffett’s signature, that range in size from three quarters of a carat, up to five carats, the clarity and color grade is unknown. The diamonds are of Canadian origin, and are also inscribed with the Canadian Maple Leaf logo, as well as Borsheim Jewelry’s logo. Reportedly twenty five of the diamonds will be sold as pendants, and twenty six of the diamonds will be sold as loose stones. The diamonds are only available to shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway, and will be sold over the sales counter by Warren Buffett after the shareholders meeting on May 4th which is clearly part of the appeal since anything signed by Buffett is a collectible.
Warren Buffett’s new job selling diamonds:
It is unclear whether investor Warren Buffett is launching a new career as a jewelry salesperson, but this will be his fourth time selling jewelry from behind the counter at Borsheims Jewelry. One thing that is clear, is that Buffett is a natural behind the sales counter, as demonstrated by this photograph which is provided courtesy of Borsheims… everybody present is clearly enjoying his presentation!
While I’ll admit that a diamond inscribed with a reproduction of Warren Buffett’s signature is a novel concept, I’m not sure that it adds any real value to the diamond. It’s not like these diamonds are part of Warren Buffett’s personal jewelry collection, they have merely been inscribed with his signature. From our perspective, a signature only adds value when it represents something, such as a guarantee that the diamond inscribed has been cut to the highest standards, and thus will exhibit the highest volume of light return and superior sparkle… interestingly enough, the clarity, color, proportions, and overall cut quality of these diamonds is not being reported.
It will be interesting to see whether the addition of Warren Buffett’s signature in the form of an inscription on the girdle edge, adds any market value to the diamonds being sold by Borsheims Jewelry this weekend, according to a press release issued by Borsheims they are being sold at a discount as a benefit to stockholders. But in the mean time, you shouldn’t fret if you’re not on of the top tier stockholders of Berkshire Hathaway, invited to purchase one of the fifty one diamonds inscribed with Warren Buffett’s signature, because you can always order a ballpoint pen which features the same reproduction of his signature from Borsheims Jewelry for $14.95
