There is no way around it; diamonds are the best of the best. No other gemstone can glitter like a diamond, so no other jewelry looks nearly as lovely as a diamond, but possessing one of these priceless gemstones comes at a cost.
Despite the fact that all diamonds are made of compressed carbon, each one is unique and different. Diamonds are available in a vast range of forms, sizes, colors, and internal and exterior properties that help to identify them. All polished diamonds are worth something, but how do you figure out how much a diamond is worth?
Primary Considerations: Diamond Four C’s
The Four C's Are The Most Important Factors In A Diamond's Value
The value of a diamond is determined by a variety of factors. To settle disagreements over a diamond's value, diamond industry specialists employ a set of specific standards that aid in determining a diamond's exact quality and appeal. The Gemological Institute of America established these principles, known as the “4 C's”, as the foundation for determining diamond value.
They are as follows:
- Carat
- Color
- Clarity
- Cut
1. Carat
The weight of a diamond is a significant influence on its value. The weight determination of a diamond is measured in carats, a word originating from carob tree seeds that were used to balance scales in ancient times. A carat is a unit of weight used to represent the size of a diamond. One carat is 0.20 grammes (0.007 ounces).
Because larger diamonds are more uncommon, their value rises as the carat size increases.
The cost of a diamond does not always rise in accordance with the size of the diamond. A two-carat diamond, for example, does not always cost twice as much as a one-carat diamond. This is because carat is only one of several criteria that influence a diamond's price, and other aspects must be taken into account when determining a diamond's worth.
2. Clarity
Diamonds commonly have internal and external imperfections, which are referred to as inclusions and blemishes, respectively. The clarity grade of a diamond is determined by the amount and position of internal and visible imperfections. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) uses this scale to assign a clarity grade to each diamond:
Flawless: Under 10x magnification, no flaws or imperfections are noticeable.
Internally Flawless: There are no inclusions, but on 10x magnification, some flaws can be seen.
Very, Very slightly Included: Under 10x magnification, inclusions are visible, but they are incredibly hard to see.
Very Slightly Included: Minor inclusions are present, and with 10x magnification, they might not be seen.
Slightly Included: Under 10x magnification, inclusions are present and easily noticeable and can affect the diamond's brilliance.
Although the difference between grades may not be visible to the untrained eye, the clarity grade can significantly impact the pricing. Diamonds with a greater clarity rating are often more valuable than diamonds with a lower rating. The most precious diamonds are flawless diamonds, but they are extremely rare.
3. Cut
The shape of a diamond is commonly referred to as its cut, but the two phrases should not be used as one and the same. The cut of a diamond signifies how it will dazzle and shine, whereas the shape just specifies its geometry. Although the GIA exclusively evaluates round brilliant diamonds, dealers may use their own grading system to determine the cut of other diamond shapes.
The cut grade of a diamond is determined by:
- Brilliance
- Fire
- Scintillation
- Weight ratio
- Symmetry
The diamond's cut can have a tremendous impact on its price. Excellent-cut diamonds are more valuable and, consequently, more expensive. There are two more factors to take into account when evaluating a diamond's "cut."
Culet: The culet is a diamond's bottom point. The culet, which is usually slightly flat or faceted, affects a diamond's light performance. The size and angle of a diamond's culet are two important parameters that can influence its value.
Thickness of the Girdle: The thickness of the girdle, or the edge that forms where the diamond's top (crown) and bottom (pavilion) meet, could have a negative impact on the diamond's value. The girdle's thickness will affect the diamond's symmetry, which is important for light performance.
4. Color
The color of a diamond can also influence its price. The D-to-Z color scale is the industry standard for grading diamonds, with each letter representing a different range of color based on the tone and saturation of the diamond.
They are in five categories:
- D - E - F (Colorless)
- G - H - I - J (Near Colorless)
- K - L - M (Faint)
- N - O - P - Q - R (Very light)
- S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z (Light)
The lower the diamond's color on the color scale, the less valuable it is. For example, a diamond with a color grade of “G” has less value than a diamond with a color grade of “D”. This is due to the fact that colorless diamonds are rarer than diamonds with a yellow or brown hue, making them far more costly.
Secondary Considerations in Determining the Value of a Diamond
Aside from the 4 C's, there are a few more elements that help us figure out how much a diamond is worth. These aren't as significant, but they do have an impact.
The following are the details:
1. Fluorescence
When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, about 30% of diamonds have a fluorescence effect, which means they generate a faint glow.
Fluorescence can affect the price of a diamond in either a favorable or negative way. The bluish light can mask a diamond's poor color grade's yellowish-brown color, making it appear colorless. As a result, the luminous effect has the potential to boost the value of these diamonds.
In colorless or near-colorless diamonds, fluorescence can give them a hazy or greasy appearance. This can make the diamond appear less appealing, lowering the gemstone's value and cost.
2. Shape
The shape of a diamond is another aspect that influences its price. Although prices vary depending on the shape, it is generally agreed that the round shape is the most expensive. Round, Princess, Oval, Radiant, Marquise, Pear, Heart, Cushion, Emerald, and Asscher are some of the shapes available.
When diamonds are cut, some of the original stone is lost, and the amount that is wasted varies depending on the shape. When cutting a round diamond, a lot of the original diamond is wasted, which is why this shape has a higher per-carat price.When cutting different diamond shapes, less material is wasted, making them more inexpensive.
3. Laser Inscriptions
Laser inscriptions, particularly those performed by certifying firms like the GIA, are regarded as validation and proof of the diamond's quality. Furthermore, in the diamond sector, these laser inscriptions help to minimize confusion, evaluate ownership, and prevent scams.
4. Diamond Value and Certifications
A certificate will establish the stone's worth beyond a hint of doubt. It will offer you assurance that the stone's 4Cs—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—are exactly as described.
Solitaire Gem Labs (SGL) provides greatest level of integrity. Before the report is written, each stone is thoroughly examined by a team of professionals. The report contains all of the necessary information for the buyer to make an educated judgment. The lab's reports are well recognized for their trustworthiness.
The GIA Diamond Grading Report: This report organizes the data in a way that is simple to read and comprehend. This report includes the following: carat weight, color grade, clarity grade, cut grade (round diamonds only), symmetry, fluorescence, proportions, location of inclusions and blemishes, and inscriptions.
It's mandatory to read this report thoroughly so you can determine the stone's value before buying it.
5. The Rapaport Report – Compiling The Total Diamond Value
The Rapaport Report is a weekly industry report released by the Rapaport organization. Based on the qualities listed above, this report calculates the value of a diamond. After determining the properties of a diamond, a jeweler will consult the Rapaport report to calculate the final price.
On a matrix of clarity and color, the report provides costs per carat (in hundreds). The greater the diamond, the higher the per-point value. So, despite the fact that they are nearly identical, a 1.01-carat diamond may cost substantially more than a 0.99-carat diamond.
Jewelers will change prices based on cut, girdle, culet, and other secondary characteristics once a price has been determined based on this report. Finally, jeweler may add a percentage discount or premium at their discretion. Once you've done that, you'll have a good idea of how much the diamond is worth.
