So how do you tell difference? Since you need specialized equipment and training, average person cannot tell difference between a real and simulated diamond, unless it is of terrible quality. The best way to protect yourself when buying diamonds is to buy from someone you trust. The other thing is to educate yourself about 4 C’s of buying a diamond so you will know what to look for when you do go shopping.

These 4 C’s – color, clarity, cut and carat weight are what determine value of diamond. You may pay less for a large diamond that does not have good clarity, cut or color then you will for a smaller diamond of better clarity, cut and color but is it really worth it? The answer is mostly a matter of personal preference but if you deal with a jewelry you can trust, he or she can guide you as to best value for money whether you decide to buy a real or simulated diamond.

Lee Dobbins is owner and editor of Artisan Jewelry Online where you can learn more about the 4c’s of buying a diamond.

‘Don’t expect, though, ambience of south to become like that of north. When I discussed subject with Chairman of Bulgarian Foreign Investment Agency last year – an extremely intelligent and able young man, I must add – he told me in no uncertain terms that he did not want south to become like north. His very words were: “We don’t want another Benidorm.” So, prospective property purchasers need to bear this in mind, and balance their desire for more capital growth, or their willingness to accept less, with different rental market appeal of two regions, along with their own taste in holidays.

‘There is one highly significant factor, however, which very often goes unnoticed until it is too late; and it applies to whole coast. Most people don’t know that it freezes on coast in winter. When they see coastal resorts basking in hot summer sunshine, it’s difficult to imagine snow on ground. The entire coast simply shuts down in winter, and nothing happens. It’s a dead as a doornail. Therefore, rental income can be fairly assured for 15 weeks, possibly 20, plus some odd bits in shoulder seasons of April and October. The coast has a five-month season from May to September, compared to nine months in ski areas. Those people buying only for rental income, therefore, would find mountains far more lucrative.

‘Rents vary greatly, and depend on many factors, most of which should be obvious: location, size, view, amenities. The standard of finish and condition of property can also determine your market quite radically. To appeal to west Europeans, and to command highest rents, your property must be well finished and appointed, and be in tip-top condition. If it is not, you still have a market for east Europeans, who tolerate less salubrious surroundings because they pay much less, usually about half of west European rates.

‘Generally, summer rental rates on coast equate to winter rates in ski resorts, both seasons being about five months. Remember that you also have about four months’ additional rent, though at lower rates, during summer in mountains. These rates should increase gradually, as Government programmes to make ski towns more popular for summer holidays make their mark.

‘There are several Bulgarian agencies willing to manage your rental properties for you. Expect to pay about 20% of rent as a fee.”

What about properties in countryside?

“Not a serious contender in ROI stakes, I think. Not if you consider effort involved. You can pick up property very cheaply indeed in inland areas, away from resorts. Almost always it’ll need some kind of work; anything from a face-lift to demolition. There’s often no inner staircase to bedrooms, no bathroom, and toilet is in a shed in garden. This kind of property is great for buyers who want to get away from their homeland, and disappear in beauty of nature permanently. As a business, it could appeal to self-builders or DIY enthusiasts, prepared to do it for fun, and accept a low return on their financial and physical investment. As for rental income, forget it!”

And cities?

“Again, there are differences, even between cities. The prime city is, of course, Sofia, capital. Buy right apartment here, in right area, and you can expect a guaranteed rental return of about 12% per annum. The flavour of month is gated communities, particularly in south of city. The diplomatic residential district of Vitosha is one of best bets. There is a ready demand for luxury accommodation from diplomatic staff and executives seconded by foreign companies, usually on a long-term basis, and this demand should increase as 2007, year of Bulgaria’s accession to European Union, approaches. Although you should expect to pay high for such properties by Bulgarian standards, it’s still only price of a tarted-up Victorian terraced flat in a UK provincial town.

‘There’s virtually no market for tourist rentals in Sofia, as it’s probably least interesting European capital city. It’s also very polluted, although they are trying to clean up their act, ready for EU entry in 2007.

‘Plovdiv, country’s second city, is much more pleasant. It has a quaint old town, as well as modern business districts. It therefore bridges gap between business and tourism, as far as rentals are concerned. Plovdiv is connected to Sofia by an excellent motorway, on which you can keep pedal to metal, if you’re prepared to risk an on-the-spot fine of 50 Leva (about £18).

‘Veliko Tarnovo is probably Bulgaria’s most touristic city, with its citadel and mediaeval ramparts. Most people who buy property here do so to make it their main home. The city itself is beautiful, and it has everything a townie needs. Drive a short distance, and you’re in some wonderful countryside. You couldn’t really make a good living from rentals, but it’s perfect place to retire to.

‘There’s one more thing which is important enough to mention: Mineral baths. These exist all over Bulgaria, most significant being at Narechen, south of Plovdiv, and Momin Prohod, near Kostenets. Scientific studies rank Bulgaria among foremost in Europe for hydrothermal, bioclimatic and mud treatments, sea cures and other health resources. Bulgaria is a world leader with its exceptional diversity of medicinal herbs and excellent curative properties of its apian products. Any property near a spa should attract a premium to its sales or rental value.”

Full details about ‘Super Borovets’ project, price madness in Bansko, golf developments in Bulgaria, and new apartments in Bansko and Borovets can be seen at BulgariaProperties.net Ltd web site www.BulgariaProperties.net. Or you can e-mail advice@BulgariaProperties.net, or call company at +44 (0)871 226 2296 to order a free 28-page hand-out, or just for a chat, if you prefer. They always have time for you.