Understanding Diamond Values

Diamond Value is Like a Math Equation

The value of a diamond is determined by four factors: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The size alone has little bearing on a stone’s value, for a one-carat diamond can be worth well under $1000 to well over $10,000. All four factors are extremely important when determining the value of a stone. Because the value of a diamond is beyond what the untrained eye can determine, it is important you rely on a gemologist you can trust.

Color + Clarity + Cut + Carat = Diamond Value

Color

The ideal diamond color should be like a drop of pure spring water. However, most diamonds do have a faint tint of yellow or brown color. The grading scale begins at D with a colorless stone and proceeds through the alphabet as a greater tint of yellow or brown color is present.

Clarity

Most diamonds have minute inclusions which make every stone unique. Flawless diamonds which are free of any inclusions and surface blemishes are extremely rare. With the exception of the imperfect grades, the clarity rarely mars the beauty or endangers the durability of the stone.

Cut

The sparkle in a diamond is the result of good cutting and correct proportions. Motivated by the desire to retain weight from the rough and to lower costs, most cutters do not cut and finish stones to achieve maximum brilliance.

Carat

Diamonds and other gemstones are sold by carat weight. It takes five carats to equal one gram. The carat is then divided into 100 equal parts called points. Therefore, a 50-point stone (.50ct) is a half carat, and a 10-point stone (.10ct) is a tenth carat.