Buying diamond jewelry can be an exhilarating experience, with the sparkle and allure often overshadowing the fact that these items come with a price tag. Apart from the diamonds themselves, several other aspects influence the cost of diamond jewelry, including the diamond’s size, cut, and certification status from a recognized grading service. Albuquerque’s expert diamond jewelers have suggested the primary factors that determine the price of diamond jewelry.
The value of any diamond is primarily determined by the four Cs: cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. Let’s delve into how each of these aspects significantly impacts the cost.
Cut
The cut of a stone, whether it’s a diamond or an accent gem, is a frequently overlooked factor that affects the price. A stone will typically be more expensive if it has more facets and they are precisely cut. Poorly cut diamonds may have low clarity and surface quality, while inadequately cut accent gems may not appear as stunning as they could be, devaluing your piece of jewelry.
Carat Weight
Carat is a measurement unit for gemstones, referring to weight but also indicating a diamond’s value in monetary terms. One carat equates to 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams. Therefore, a one-carat diamond weighs 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams.
Clarity
The clarity grading scale assesses a diamond’s quality based on its inclusions and blemishes. Generally, the clearer a diamond is, the higher its price.
Color
Diamond color is graded on a scale from D (the whitest) to Z (black). If you’re buying a diamond for jewelry, aim for a grade of K or higher. A stone’s color depth and richness can increase its price.
Certification
Diamonds are valuable gemstones that are often sold without certification. However, many prefer to purchase certified diamonds. To get certified, a diamond must be purchased from an Albuquerque jewelry store authorized by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Each certification body has its specific certifications and criteria, which can affect the diamond’s cost. Ensure your Albuquerque jewelers are certified before making a purchase.
