Diamond Prices
There are several basic criteria that influence diamond prices; since no two diamonds are exactly alike, it stands to reason that diamonds can vary in price, and they do vary significantly. If you’ve ever shopped, either online or at a brick and mortar stone, you’ve probably had the experience of looking at a lineup and not quite being sure as to why the differences in price are so great, when the difference to the naked eye from one to another isn’t always very noticeable. 鑽戒 This article will deal with some of the main factors pertaining to diamond prices, and how you can better understand these things in order to make a more informed purchase.
Carat weight
The individual factor with the largest influence on prices, by far, is carat weight. Carats are a unit of measurement used to express the actual weight, and therefore the overall size, of a diamond.
Diamond prices are largely determined by the size of the diamond. Consider for example a diamond with the following grades: a cut grade of Good; a clarity grade of SI1; and a color grade of G. It’s possible to find diamonds with these characteristics and a carat weight of around 0.75 for under $2,000. At the same time, a diamond with the exact same ratings, but a carat weight of 4.00, can easily be priced in excess of $70,000. None of the other grading criteria can have as drastic an effect on diamond prices.
From the perspective of the average buyer, a practical step to take when shopping for diamonds is to eliminate all those with a carat weight above 1.00, simply because regardless of the actual quality and appearance of the diamond, diamonds larger than this will usually be prohibitively expensive, whereas great-looking diamonds of smaller sizes can often be very affordable.
The other three Cs: cut, clarity, and color
The other standard grading criteria used in diamond appraisal have a smaller, but still noticeable, impact on diamond prices. The cut grade refers to the quality with which a diamond has been cut into its particular shape; the clarity grade reflects the extent to which flaws are present within the diamond; and the color grade shows the degree to which the diamond exhibits undesired coloration.
Of these three factors, clarity has the greatest influence on diamond prices. Diamonds with very low clarity grades tend to be dull in appearance and lack the traditional attraction associated with diamonds, and as such their market value is affected. At the same time, diamonds with very high clarity grades can be much more expensive. Consumers can find the best value in the middle range, usually between VS1 and SI2, depending on the shape of the diamond.
Diamond shape
The shape, also known as the cut (not to be confused with the “cut” used in grading), also has an impact on prices. All other things being equal, round brilliant diamonds tend to be markedly more expensive than most other shapes. This is due in part to their popularity, and also because their superior durability means that they are seen as a better long-term investment. At the other end of the spectrum, square cuts or radiant cuts can often be less expensive than otherwise comparable diamonds.