For centuries, diamonds have captivated the imaginations of both men and women owing to its value and its worth in the market. Experts who trade diamonds in their daily activities use certain criteria developed by independent gem laboratories to set the standard and price of different diamonds purchased in the market. It is therefore important for traders to evaluate certain essential characteristics to determine the value or worth of a diamond.
To decipher the value of a diamond, professionals consider the well-known 4Cs of a diamond which has been described in details in one of our articles. These 4Cs which represent Carat, Color, Clarity, and Cut, all of which influences how much you can sell your diamond will be briefly explained in this article.
Generally, diamonds are weighed in carats in which one carat is known to be equal to 0.2 grams. For you to know the price of your diamond, you must definitely know the number of carats as prices are often quoted in this format. The price usually jumps dramatically at round carats. For example, a diamond weighing 5 carats is more expensive than that weighing 4.99, even if all other factors influencing the price of the diamond are equal.
Diamonds laboratories possess unique machines engineered to determine the color of a diamond. The colors range from D to Z, colorless to yellow, and multiple to single colors. Diamonds with color grade D are considered most expensive than diamonds of all other grade colors, and also, diamonds with a single color are priced higher than that with multiple colors. Be aware that various factors such as daytime, surrounding light and even clothing color can influence color perception.
Clarity of a diamond is the measure of inclusions found in it. This influence the price as the absence of inclusions is rare. Grading the clarity of a diamond is achieved on an 11-step scale ranging from flawless to diamonds with obvious inclusions. Not all inclusions are seen with the naked eyes, but some can be actually visible through the aid of magnifying lenses. Within one clarity grade, prices of diamonds can vary. For example, a black inclusion near the top surface of a diamond reduces the price more radically than a white inclusion hidden at the bottom of a stone.
The cut simply means the shape of the diamond which includes round, square and a variety of fancy shapes such as the heart. In an instance where part of the diamond is lost during polishing of a round and square diamond, the round one would be higher in price.
Even though the shape is not a part of the 4 C’s of diamonds, it is no doubt that the round, brilliant cut and colorless diamonds are the most desirable diamonds as it offers great flexibility to its user.
In conclusion, the worth of a diamond appreciates as it tends to reach the final consumer, and this price is controlled from the point where it is mined. The price gets inflated in the retail market depending on the activities encountered during mining. So, are you willing to sell your diamonds? Put these factors into consideration.