Before making an investment into diamonds it is crucial to understand how diamonds are valued regardless of the fact if they are lab grown diamonds or naturally mined diamonds as the evaluation process is the same.
The only difference between lab grown and natural diamonds is the price and origin. This being said, the price of lab grown diamonds are far lower than natural diamonds although the quality of lab grown diamonds are the same as naturally mined diamonds (in some instances lab grown diamonds possess better qualities), nevertheless it is important to know how these gems are assessed in terms of value based on the 4Cs.
When it comes to diamonds size is not everything, at times larger diamonds are valued less than smaller diamonds due to poor clarity or flaws and smaller diamonds may cost much more due to colour tints and higher clarity.
Melbourne based Wholesale Diamonds Direct assisted us to explain these evaluations in brief below, stating that before buying a diamond studded engagement ring or any other piece of jewellery encrusted with diamonds, it is imperative that one understands the 4Cs of diamonds.
The Cut
The first C revolves around the diamond’s cut in relation to its form and faces or facets as these are the elements that make the stone sparkle. A higher number of facets on the stone the more intense the sparkle the stone possesses for example the round brilliant consists of 57 facets, whereas the rectangular emerald consists of 44 facets.
Other popular cuts include the square princess that consists of 50 or 58 facets, the slender marquise with 58 facets and the oval with 56 facets. What is important to remember here is the fact that the greater the number of facets, the higher the value.
Level of Clarity
Clarity revolves around the pureness of a diamond and the level of flaws. This basically means that higher clarity and lower flaws cause the gem to be more brilliant and with this the value also increases. Clarity is rated from flawless labelled as FL to “Very, Very Slightly Included” or VVS all the way to Slightly Included to ‘Included’.
Carat Evaluation
The Carat factor revolves around the mass or weight of the diamond. To clarify this a little further, one metric carat weighs 200 milligrams. Each carat may be into a hundred points. When diamonds weigh more than a one carat, the ‘extra weight’ is expressed in decimals, for instance 1.5 carat diamond. The heavier the diamond the higher the price, however, the weight is not the only factor that determines the price of a diamond.
Colours
The 4th C revolves around the colour or hue of the diamond as diamonds come in a variety of colours and have their respective categories. The colour variations are a significant factor towards the quality and price of the stone.
Colourless diamonds or white are the most valuable whereas brownish or yellowish hued diamonds are regarded as the lowest quality within the spectrum. Diamonds that sport naturally saturated blues, reds, greens and pinks are very rare and high in value.
