The price of loose diamonds is determined by several factors, including the four C's: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. However, other important factors must be considered when determining the value of your diamond purchase.
The vendor's reputation, as well as the amount and quality of information and images provided, are important considerations, as are the merchant's policies regarding the inspection period, buyback options, and trade-up guarantees.
Diamond certification is also important because not all laboratories are created equal. Diamonds with reports from second-tier labs frequently trade at significantly lower prices because the diamond's actual quality is in question. AGS loose diamonds command a premium due to their superior cut quality analysis, while GIA loose diamonds command a premium due to their global visibility and solid reputation.
Benefits of Buying Loose Diamonds
The traditional, brick-and-mortar method of purchasing a pre-set engagement ring has the advantage of providing immediate gratification. This advantage is far outweighed by the advantages of purchasing loose diamonds.
● Color and Clarity
The clarity of a pre-set diamond can be difficult to judge. Settings are frequently used to hide the appearance of inclusions; while there is nothing wrong with this, it is better to know exactly what you are buying from the start rather than being caught off guard if you decide to reset the diamond in the future. Warm tone metals, such as yellow and rose gold, will also make the diamond appear whiter. A salesperson is unlikely to point out these flaws to you.
● Cut
A loose diamond's cut quality can be evaluated using Hearts and Arrows viewers and Idealscope reflectors. Because these tools cannot be used effectively on a mounted diamond, a buyer must rely on their eyes and the diamond certificate, neither of which will provide an accurate picture of the cut quality. The best online vendors offer ASET, Idealscope, and Hearts and Arrows imaging, giving you a thorough and accurate overview of cut quality and light performance when purchasing a loose diamond online.
● Selection
Choosing a loose diamond gives you complete freedom to choose your specific quality characteristics as well as thousands of settings to create the ideal engagement ring. You could also buy a loose diamond for a proposal and let your partner select the setting.
● Price
Unlike a pre-set ring, which is sold as a package, choosing a loose diamond and a setting separately allows you to see exactly where your money is going.
The GIA laboratory issues the Diamond Dossier for loose, natural diamonds weighing 0.15 to 1.99 carats and ranging in colour from D to Z. The Diamond Dossier does not cover laboratory-grown diamonds, simulants, mounted diamonds, diamonds that have undergone unstable treatments like fracture filling or coating, or diamonds that have been HPHT processed.
When we talk about 3 Carat loose diamonds, we're talking about the weight. Three carats equal 600 milligrammes, or 0.6 grams. From another angle, a 3 Carat Diamond weighs roughly the same as a raisin.
