• Most of the photos and explanations of diamond quality are different.

• There is a chapter on diamond grading certificates and reports.

• A chapter on antique cuts and jewelry discusses the history of diamond cuts and describes the various jewelry periods, using photo examples of diamond jewelry.

• An appraisal chapter explains how appraisers determine the retail replacement value of jewelry and tells you how to find a qualified appraiser and what to look for in a good appraisal.

• There is an entire chapter on diamond fluorescence.

• The chapter on synthetic diamonds describes the new lab-grown diamonds and explains how fluorescence can be used to distinguish them from natural mined diamonds. It also explains the characteristics of types 1a & b and types 2a & b diamonds.

• A chapter on what to look for when choosing a jeweler has been included.

• Diamond recutting is discussed, and before and after photos are provided

• A chapter on branded diamonds shows and describes many of the branded fancy shape diamonds on the market.

• The discussion of cut quality has been divided into two chapters, one that focuses on judging the brilliance of fancy-shaped diamonds and another that discusses how to evaluate the pavilion, crown, table, girdle, culet, symmetry and polish of round diamonds.

For information on gold, platinum, settings styles, ring mountings, diamond care and detecting imitation diamonds, consult the Diamond Ring Buying Guide. It also has more information on carat weight, diamond treatments and fancy-color diamonds than the Diamond Handbook.

The Diamond Ring Buying Guide is in full color, whereas the Diamond Handbook is black and white on high quality coated paper except for color photos on the inside cover. One advantage of black and white is that it makes it easier to compare shape, cut and clarity because the color of all the diamonds is the same.