Loose diamonds are by far the most substantial component to the average engagement ring or full cut diamond jewelry purchase, both in terms of value and beauty.  Given, there are instances in which an engagement ring’s design is so unusual and/or intricate that one must acknowledge the setting as that which “makes the ring.” But for most, it is or will be the center showcase diamond. When unpacking the costs of an engagement ring into its various parts, we come to understand that it is the center loose diamond that warrants the most attention, effort and time on your part. 

There are a number of components to a loose diamond that will influence its value. If you are able to learn how those gem characteristics translate visually, and then align your preferences with industry pricing structures you stand a good chance of finding a great loose diamond value, and more importantly, making a wise investment with your engagement ring purchase.

Listed here are just a few of the characteristics that need to be heeded when examining loose diamonds.

SHAPE refers to the cutting style of the diamond such as Round, Princess(square), Emerald, etc. As far as pricing goes, dealer’s value diamond shape in two ways. Either a diamond is a modern round brilliant, or it’s a “fancy cut.” Round brilliant diamonds carry a premium over fancy shaped diamonds, both because of the timelessness of their beauty and their optimum light performance.

CARAT refers to the weight of the diamond. In many instances, the greater the carat weight of a diamond, the bigger the diamond will appear. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes the way a particular diamond has been cut OR a diamond’s shape can have a greater influence on the appearance of a diamonds size. Also, it is important to keep in mind that carat weight is one of many factors that influences the value and cost of a diamond.

COLOR has to do with the degree of color –most often yellow or brown—that a diamond has in it. Diamonds are made of Carbon. Pure carbon is completely clear. And when elements like Nitrogen or Boron or Hydrogen are present when the diamond is forming, variations in color can result. With regard to white diamonds (the “traditional” diamond), generally speaking, the more “off white” a diamond is, the less valuable it is. Diamond grading systems refer to diamond color as a letter. D is the highest color grade a diamond can get (the most white) and Z the “most yellow” before a diamond enters into the Fancy Color category.

CLARITY refers to the type, frequency and size of the imperfections or flaws in a diamond. These flaws can show up in a number of different forms (feathers, pinpoints, black carbon, crystals et al). In most instances, the “cleaner” a diamond is in terms of clarity, the more valuable it is. Clarity is graded as: Flawless (FL), Internally Flawless (IF), very very slightly included (either VVS1 or VVS2), very slightly included (either VS1 or VS2), slightly imperfect (either SI1, SI2 or SI3), and imperfect (either I1, I2 or I3). By strict grading standards, many times diamonds can appear to be clean to the naked eye even up to SI1 or SI2 clarity grades.

FLUORESCENCE is sometimes the result of the element Boron being present when the Carbon gasses are solidifying into a diamond. It can make some diamonds appear to change color when exposed to ultraviolet light. Fluorescence can also sometimes cause a diamond to appear cloudy or milky. There are different types of fluorescence, and it can influence the value of a diamond.

CERTIFICATIONS Are third party objective evaluations of a diamond. 
they are a bit like the title of a car or the papers that accompany a collectors coin or Rolex watch. By shopping for diamonds with certifications such as GIA, AGS or EGL, you can in essence shop for diamonds based on their certification specs rather than having to rely totally on your untrained eye and a jeweler’s sales pitch. But keep in mind, not all certifications are “equal.” Some certification companies are considered more lenient than others with their grading standards. This means that a diamond grade as an E color VS2 clarity with no fluorescence might with one of these lenient companies actually be an F color SI1 clarity with faint fluoresce or worse.

These are but a few of the components that influence the value of loose diamonds. But they are a great place to start. Keep them in mind when shopping for loose diamonds.