How Much Does a Diamond Cost?

Nothing is more unique and timeless than a diamond. Purchasing one of these priceless gems is not cheap. Without all the necessary information, you could be paying more than you should for your diamond engagement ring. 

What is the price of a diamond? A 0.25-carat diamond can cost as little as $750, and a two-carat diamond can cost as much as $20,000.

The price of a diamond can varies depending on a variety of criteria, including the 4 Cs Color, Clarity, Cut, Carat, as well as the Shape, and Fluorescence, so it is difficult to give a definitive response to this question.

#1 Clarity

Internal and external imperfections, also referred to as inclusions and blemishes, are frequently present in diamonds. This can also be used to tell if a diamond engagement ring is natural. CZ Diamonds generally do not have any imperfections. The amount and position of these internal and external flaws are assessed to determine a diamond's clarity grade. Each diamond is given a clarity grade by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) based on the following scale:

• Flawless: Under 10x magnification, no flaws or imperfections are visible.
• Internally Flawless: No inclusions, however some imperfections can be seen at a 10x magnification.
• Very, Very Slightly Included: Although prevalent, inclusions are difficult to notice at 10x magnification.
• Very Slightly Included: There are several minor inclusions, which may or may not be visible at 10x magnification.
• Slightly Included: Under a 10x magnification, inclusions are evident and noticeable.
• Included: Under a 10x magnification, inclusions are visible and can affect how the diamond appears.

Although the untrained eye might not be able to tell the difference between grades, the clarity grade can nonetheless have an impact on a product's price. Diamonds with greater clarity ratings are worth more than those with lower ratings. The most expensive diamonds are flawless ones, but they are quite hard to find.

 

#2 Color

The price of the diamond may also be influenced by its color. The color of a diamond is rated on a scale from D to Z, where:

• D, E, F: Colorless
• G, H, I, J: Near Colorless
• K, L, M: Faint Color
• N, O, P, Q, R: Very Light Color
• S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z: Light Color

The value of a diamond decreases as it moves down the color spectrum. For example, a diamond with an 'D' color grade would normally be more valuable than one with a 'H' color grade. This is because colorless diamonds are significantly more costly because they are far more rare than diamonds with a yellow or brown hue.

#3 Cut

The cut of a diamond dictates how it will sparkle and shine. The cut and shape of a diamond are based on how wide and long it is. A diamond that is to wide or to thin is less valuable.

The cut grade of the diamond assesses:

• Brilliance
• Fire
• Scintillation
• Weight ratio
• Symmetry

The diamond's price may be greatly affected by its cut. Excellent cuts increase the value and cost of the diamond.

#4 Carat

The weight of a diamond is expressed in terms of a measurement called a carat. 0.007 ounces or 0.20 grams are equal to one carat.

Diamond prices rise as they increase in carat size because larger diamonds are more valuable and are in higher demand. 

There other aspects however that affect the price. A 4 Carat would not always be double a 2 Carat since the Carat Weight is only one of the 4 Cs. The other three Cs effect the price as well.

#5 Shape

Different diamond hsapes effect the diamond price. For example, a round diamond is the most expensive diamond since it is the hardest to cut without wasting as much of the rough diamond. Therefore, a lot more is wasted when cutting for a round than for an Emerald. Whereas a princess has less of a demand, it is less expensive. The different shapes vary in prices. Round, Oval, Princess, Emerald, Asscher are a few examples of the diamond shapes.

 

#6 Fluorescence

About 30% of diamonds exhibit the fluorescence effect, which causes them to shine subtly when exposed to UV radiation.

The price of the diamond may increase or decrease because of fluorescence. When a diamond has a poor color grade, fluorescence helps the diamond shine more. However, when a diamond is D,E,F Color, the fluorescence hurts the diamonds appearance making it looking cloudy and less desirable. This therefore decreases its value.

Conclusion:

When shopping for a one carat and up diamond engagement ring, it is important to buy one with a GIA Certificate. The GIA Certificate will provide you with all the information discussed above. Without a GIA Certificate, it will be nearly impossible for someone without Diamond Training to know the 4Cs of the diamond. At Gamzo & Co, all our diamond engagement rings come with a GIA Certificate. For any more information on this subject, please call us to speak to one of our GIA Certified Jewelers at (213) 489-1118.