Not all diamonds are created equal. When most people consider differences between diamonds, they start talking about the 4 C's of diamond classification. However, jewelers categorize diamonds by qualities such as where they come from and how they are modified.

Natural Diamonds

Natural diamonds, whether purchased as loose diamonds or placed in diamond jewelry, are the most natural gemstones. These diamonds are basic and colorless, but they are far and wide the most expensive type. They are not enhanced with anything, they aren't color-treated, and they aren't grown in a lab. They come right from the earth and are mined as natural diamonds.

Treated Diamonds

If a diamond is mined like a natural diamond, but then artificially enhanced or manipulated in order to enhance the appearance of the diamond, it is a treated diamond. Because these types of gems are artificially enhanced, the price of the gemstone is generally lower than that of a natural diamond, because the treatment process helps hide its imperfections. 

Man-Made Diamonds

Man-made diamonds, also known as lab-grown diamonds, have become increasingly popular in recent years. Their popularity is largely due to their cost, as technology makes these diamonds more affordable each year.

When man-made diamonds first started selling on the consumer marketplace, they were 30% cheaper than natural diamonds. Today, these man-made diamonds are 50% cheaper than regular diamonds. Experts say that in a few more years, these will be available at around 30% of the cost of natural diamonds. However, if authenticity is the most important thing you look for in a diamond, spending less on a man-made diamond won't make a difference to you!  

Colored Diamonds

Many assume that natural, colorless diamond jewelry is more expensive than colored diamond jewelry, but that's not necessarily true. In the same way that jewelers classify differences between diamonds, there are classifications of colored diamonds, including natural, treated, and lab-grown. Colored diamonds come in hundreds of colors, and depending on a diamond's color and type, a colored diamond can cost up to $3,000 per carat. 

One of the reasons that colored diamond jewelry is such a luxury is that colored diamonds are in high demand. Colored diamonds have become more desirable due to their popularity among royalty and celebrities -- however, they are very rare. Because colored diamonds are both desirable and rare, if you find colored diamond jewelry, you can expect a high-end price. 

If you're looking to sell diamond jewelry or you want more information on how much your jewelry is worth, don't hesitate to visit Ralph Mueller & Associates online or call 480.949.9229.