The Value of Diamonds: Factors Affecting Price

When it comes to selecting the perfect diamond it is important to have some factors in mind to enable one to make the best decision while buying diamonds. That is why our guide to the 4Cs as well as all the different cuts and carat sizes is sure to help you penetrate the diamond market. Now let’s consider what is most crucial to consider when choosing your diamond.

The 4Cs: A Crucial Component of Diamond Selection

Today the principal factors that govern a diamond’s worth as well as its quality are identified by four Cs, which include Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. Understanding how to determine each of these factors will put your choice of a diamond in the correct perspective.

1. Cut

The term ‘cut’ when used in relation to a diamond relates to its angles and finishing, all which determine how it will handle light. It has also been found that in a pair of ‘similar’ diamonds in terms of weight, color, and clarity, the diamond cut better would appear to be brighter than the other. Common cuts include:

- Round: This is the most sought after cut, chosen more often than any other, gives the greatest fire.

- Princess: It is a square cut that will give jewelry modern elegance.

- Emerald: A rectangle with step cuts, considered to be very classy and simplified in architecture.

2. Color

Diamonds can be termed as colorless, faint, very faint, trace, or noticeable yellow or brown according to their color rating which ranges from D to Z. The closer the diamond is to the letter D, the higher the value of the diamond. There is a preference for the absence of color and thus most people prefer to go for ‘’B’ gem diamonds, however there are people who may consider’ or even slight color diamonds when they are mounted in white gold or platinum.

3. Clarity

FI provides information concerning possible presence of inclusions or inclusions’ defects in the diamond. Measures of clarity range from FL to I, and the fewer the imperfections, the higher the clarity score. The degree of facet symmetry is important to the diamond’s general appearance; however, most inclusions are very small and are hardly noticeable to the casual observer”.

4. Carat

Carat weight is the measure of weight of the diamond. That is why it will cost more if you need a larger diamond as these are rare in occurrence. But carat weight should be taken in conjunction with the cut since a smaller diamond that has been well cut can look brighter than a larger one.

Understanding Diamond Shapes and their Appeal

Diamonds are available in many forms though they can be grouped under standard shapes, each with its distinctive features. Deciding on the correct shape is contingent upon character and fashioning of the location.

- Round: This is the most common one because of its cut and brilliance that stands to be elegant and ageless.

- Oval: Just like round diamonds but somewhat oval to ensure that the fingers look thinner.

- Cushion: This is the one that has a cushion –like contour and has been rounded off at the edges that are typical of the vintage designs.

- Pear: This shape is a standard form of round and marquise cuts making it offer an elongated appearance.

Every diamond shape behaves in a different way when illuminated and may appeal to different people’s preferences and uses.

Diamond Certification: Ensuring Authenticity

It may be noted that a diamond certification is one of the last steps that a consumer takes before concluding the purchase. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and other decent labs then offer third party grading which shows the quality of a specific diamond. This certificate gives you a description of the 4Cs and guarantees the customer that they are paying for the true worth of the diamond.

Certified diamonds hold more importance in terms of marketability and authenticity. Traditional diamonds without certification should not be purchased because it leads to buying a wrong graded diamond.

Ethical Sourcing: Lab-Grown vs. Mined Diamonds

There is rising demand for diamonds and more so, the mined diamonds due to a social conscience among consumers seeking environmentally friendly and ethical products. These are cultured, grown in laboratories, following the earth’s process and are indistinguishable from mined diamonds.

Benefits of Lab-Grown Diamonds:

- Cost-effective: Usually it costs about 30-40% less in comparison to the mined diamonds from the earth.

- Ethically sourced: Zero damage to the environment and no exploitation of other people.

- Variety: Diamond grown in the laboratory is available in various shapes, colors and sizes.

On the other hand, natural mined diamonds have their own importance. The importance attached to them is because of their rarity and the story associated with them. Lab grown diamonds versus mined diamonds is really just a matter of the consumer preference and his or her values.

Diamond Settings: Maximizing the Beauty of your Stone

This setting improves the outlook of diamonds and also maintains the stone. The most common types of settings include:

- Prong Setting: A traditional design, the main crown has small metal claws to support the diamond while allowing maximum light entry.

- Bezel Setting: This setting places a thin metal band around the middle of the diamond, giving it a very classy and smooth appearance as well as a great shield.

- Pavé Setting: It consists of small diamonds, closely embedded in a band to give the whole ring an enhanced, brilliant look.

The setting in this case therefore depends on the kind of life the wearer leads, size and shape of the diamond to be set and how noticeable the diamond has to be .

Conclusion

In choosing a diamond there are the 4Cs, the shape and whether the diamond will be lab created or naturally mined. Having the list of values that are important to you selected, you will be able to make the best choice considering brilliance, ethical source, or the cost of the creation you desire to order.

Whether you are purchasing an eternal diamond engagement ring or buying a new adorn, choosing a diamond that will meet one’s ethical beliefs and that is visually pleasing will leave the buyer satisfied for many years to come.