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7 Factors That Influence the Value of Diamond and Its Affordability

Most people highly value diamonds for their beauty and others for sentimental value. Diamonds are a symbol of wealth and luxury. However, when it comes to the pricing of diamonds, specific parameters act as the determining factors to determine the price of a diamond. Here is the 4C’s of diamonds and other details you need to consider when selling diamonds.

1.     Diamond Color

The color of a diamond is an essential factor in determining its value. GIA’s scale is the standard color grading scale for diamonds. The GIA’s color-coding scale runs from letter D to Z, with D representing colorless diamond with increasing color towards Z. However, the color variations are identifiable to trained eyes, as the color variations are minimal—the more the color, the less valuable the diamond. Hence, a colorless diamond is more expensive, except for the fancy color diamonds that take colors such as blue or pink.

2.     Diamond Clarity

The clarity of a diamond is the measurement of its purity which includes measuring how blemishes and inclusions affect the appearance of a diamond. However, it’s important to note that no diamond is entirely pure, but the closer it’s to purity, the better. The GIA’s clarity scale has six levels that include;

  • Flawless(FL)- Show no inclusions and no blemishes at x10 magnification
  • Internally flawless(IF)- shows no inclusions at x10 magnification
  • Very, very slightly included(VVS)- has slight inclusions, which are hard to see.
  • Very slightly included(VS)- shows somewhat detectable inclusions.
  • Slightly included(SI)- there are slight inclusions.
  • Included(I)- shows noticeable inclusions that affect the transparency and brilliance of the diamond.

3.     Diamond-Cut Quality

The cut quality of the diamond determines the beauty of the diamond more than anything else; it determines how the diamond reflects light. The higher the quality of the cut, the higher the price. Each diamond-cut ranges from excellent to poor, with the cut quality affecting diamond in terms of;

  • Brightness
  • Fire
  • Scintillation
  • Weight Ratio
  • Durability
  • Polish Symmetry

4.     Carat Weight

Carat weight is a unit of measuring the weight of a diamond. One carat is equal to 0.2 grams, and each carat subdivides into 100 points. Hence, a 60-point diamond weighs 0.6 carats. Most jewelry diamonds weigh 1 carat or less. Of course, the higher the carats, the higher the price of a diamond.

(CAUTION: Do not confuse carat with karat. Karat measures the proportion of gold in all alloy out of every 24 parts, say 14/24 is 14karatsof gold).

5.     Diamond Shape

Diamond shape refers to a geometric shape of diamond that includes emerald, oval, princess, round diamonds, and marquise. Round cut diamonds tend to fetch higher prices than other shapes of the diamond.

6.     Diamond Symmetry

Diamond symmetry refers to the properties of diamond facets, how they intersect, their size, shape, and arrangement. Diamonds with high symmetry have high value hence fetch higher prices, while low symmetry grade diamonds have low market value.

7.     Diamond polish

Diamond polish refers to the degree of shine and smoothness of each facet. While polishing, microscopic defects may occur, degrading the diamond. Poorly polished diamond reduces the penetration of light, thus affecting its brilliance and sparkle. Highly polished diamond has a high market value.

Conclusion

Most people highly value diamonds compared to other gemstones. The 4C’s, the cut, carats, clarity, color, and a few other properties hugely influence the price of a diamond. However, with the standardization of grading of diamonds, you can buy a beautiful piece of diamond that suits your budget.

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