Each diamond has unique characteristics that make it valuable. However, this makes the valuation process difficult and unique. Many factors like shape, color, inscriptions and fluorescence affect a diamond’s price. Here are a few factors to take into account while estimating your diamond:
The conventional way: knowing the 4 Cs
When you buy or sell diamond jewellery, focus on the 4Cs. These are the basics to determine the quality value of a diamond. The following table comprises the 4Cs:
| Parameter | What is it? |
| The Diamond’s Cut | Diamonds do not have a glitter of their own. It shines because of the phenomenon of total internal reflection. The way a craftsman cuts a diamond determines the amount of light that enters it. This reflection is what determines a diamond’s shine, beauty and uniqueness.
The cut determines: ● The brightness. ● The fire (or scattering of light). ● Amount of sparkle produced, scintillation. |
| The Carat | Carat is a unit to measure the weight of the diamond. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams or 0.007055 ounces. Conventionally, the heavier the diamond, the costlier it is. However, the weight alone does not suffice if you aim to estimate your diamond rightly. Evaluation is made considering all the parameters.
Mathematically said Total Price equals the product of Carat weight and price per carat. |
| Color of the diamond | If you go by Gia’s scale, diamonds are placed on a scale of D, for completely colourless, to Z. A colourless diamond will fetch you more than a yellow-tinted one. Precisely, it is the absence of colour that makes diamonds precious. |
| Clarity of the diamond | Diamond’s purity is determined by its clarity, which is the absence of blemishes and inclusions. It is an internal characteristic, and blemish is the opposite. Inclusions happen in the process of the creation of the diamond.
Gia’s scale determines clarity based on six distinct grades. ● (FL) Flawless: No inclusions or blemishes are visible (under the 10x magnification). ● For; Internally Flawless: No inclusions are visible (under the 10x magnification) ● VVS1 and VVS2, also known as Very, Very Slightly: Contains Inclusions so slight they are difficult to be seen under 10x magnification ● VS1 and VS2, also known as Very Slightly Included: This has Minor Inclusions that are observed under the 10x magnification. ● (SI1 and SI2) Slightly Included Inclusions: that are noticeable in 10x magnification ● (I1, I2, & I3) Includes obvious Inclusions under 10x magnification that may affect the overall quality. |
Which of these factors matter more?
Well, these factors work as a whole to determine the price. When you sell diamond jewellery, the buyer will see how your diamond fits in all the parameters. All 4Cs are crucial in getting you the right value. The best way is to seek an expert’s opinion because diamonds are downright mesmerising, and the minor defects go unnoticed. Naked-eyed observations don’t work with diamonds.
Other factors that should determine the price of your diamond:
Diamonds are a romantic symbol of affection. But laser inscriptions like “John Loves Mary” can have an enormous impact on the overall price. Because inscriptions block light and cause some unevenness on the surface, they affect the value. Fun fact, certification companies make inscriptions themselves, but they ignore it in the grading process. Another factor that you should consider while estimating the diamond is the size and position of its culet. The culet should ideally be at the centre and should be tiny. Girdle thickness too plays a vital role. Unequal girdle thickness shapes an asymmetric diamond, which may not fetch a lot of returns.
If you are planning to sell diamond jewellery, get your diamond evaluated by a credible buyer. Gia’s or AGS’ certification provides you with the ease of selling/buying. The buyer will already know the characteristics of the diamond if it is certified. It will testify that the diamond is exactly how you describe it. This will enable you to get a fair price because of a credible certification backing your claims. We hope this article helped you estimate the price of your diamond.