Whether you plan to purchase a diamond ring or sell your diamond jewelry, it is important for you to understand how diamond pricing works so that you can get a fair deal. To the inexperienced diamond buyer or seller, diamond prices may seem completely erratic and unpredictable. Why is one diamond thousands more than another diamond of the same approximate size? As random as the price of diamonds may seem, there is actually a detailed diamond rating and pricing system that determines how much value a particular diamond has. This system is based on "four C's": carat, color, cut, and clarity.

Carat

A carat is a measurement of weight, and diamond pricing is in part determined by the carat weight of the diamond in question. Depending on the overall quality of the diamond, a fraction of a carat can mean a price increase of hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Diamonds with large carat weights are much rarer than diamonds with small carat weights, which is why larger diamonds are so much more expensive and valuable than smaller diamonds.

Color

Most diamonds appear to be completely clear, but in reality a clear diamond is extremely rare. The vast majority of diamonds have a slight tint of brown or yellow to them, and the degree of this tinting helps to determine how much the diamond is worth. A completely colorless diamond is worth much more than a yellow-tinted diamond because it is rarer and more difficult to find.

Cut

The cut of a diamond helps to determine the brilliance of the diamond. Some cuts are more difficult to perform than others, which is why some diamond cuts are more valuable than others.

Clarity

Just like anything else that can be found in nature, diamonds have blemishes and imperfections that may not be visible with the naked eye. These are called "inclusions", and they help to determine diamond and gemstone pricing. A diamond that has many inclusions is worth less than a diamond that has few inclusions.

The next time you purchase or sell a diamond, remember that its quality is determined by its carat, color, cut and clarity. Call (480) 949-9299 today to learn more about diamond pricing from the experts at Ralph Mueller & Associates.