Diamonds are a piece of exquisite jewelry when it comes to luxury products. It’s such an intriguing piece of jewelry that most people yearn for it. But when you have budget restraints, you have to lower your expectations.
Well, not anymore. Today we will show you 8 helpful tips and tricks for buying loose diamonds, and you will be surprised to learn how you can buy beautiful loose diamonds without breaking the bank.
8 Important Tips and Tricks to Buy Loose Diamonds
When you are on a budget it is important to know about the tips and tricks so that you get the best deal on your purchase. Here are some of the essential tips and tricks to buy loose diamonds:
Best value in fancy-shaped diamonds
People mostly look for round brilliant-cut diamonds since they are the most popular. But if you want to find something unique with excellent value, you can also look for fancy-shaped diamonds like marquises, pear, or oval cuts.
These shapes will cost you less per carat than round shapes, but the best part is that they will look larger and more eye-catching due to their elongated shape. At the end of the day, who doesn’t like to have a diamond that looks bigger and more appealing to the eyes?
Use fluorescence as your advantage
Fluorescence occurs when diamonds emit a soft glow when exposed to ultraviolet light. People tend to pay less for diamonds that have visible fluorescence, but you can use it to your advantage in cost-cutting.
If you’re ready to make a slight color sacrifice for a lower price, diamonds with significant fluorescence may seem whiter in natural light.
Choose slightly lower clarity grades
If you are looking for a flawless diamond, it will come at a higher price. That is because the price of the diamond decreases if there are any inclusions. However, if you choose grades like VS1 or VS2, the inclusions are virtually invisible to the naked eye.
Unless you are professional and have the magnifying tools, a common person cannot easily identify the inclusions. It will cost significantly less compared to the highest clarity grades, and you will be able to save a good amount of money on the purchase.
Customize the setting wisely
In addition to the diamond’s shape, the setting also plays a crucial role in its overall appearance. If you customize the setting smartly, you can make the diamond appear bigger and enhance its brilliance.
Keep a separate budget for customizing the setting to maximize the diamond’s beauty. However, don’t go all in for it; keep costs under your budget.
Consider the resale value of the market
If you are considering diamonds as an investment, then factoring in the resale value is essential. Some diamonds have unique characteristics and can be appreciated over time. If you do enough research, you will get your hands on these types of diamonds and make a good profit on resale.
Fancy-colored diamonds, or diamonds with historical significance, are the types of diamonds that have strong resale value in the market. If you ever find such diamonds, then your search has concluded.
Consider vintage and antique diamonds
A lot of people underestimate the potential of vintage and antique diamonds. You would be surprised to know that these come with exceptional value and character. Their unique cuts and designs set them apart from modern designs. And possibly, they have a history and individuality that add to their uniqueness.
Consider purchasing a diamond enhancement
Treatments like laser drilling and fracture filling may improve the look of a diamond in particular circumstances. Although modifications like these are always acknowledged, they may greatly enhance a diamond’s aesthetic appeal and lower its price.
Get the appraisal from independent appraisals
Unless you are an expert on diamonds, you should get an appraisal before the purchase. This is not mandatory, but more of a smart decision. It is even better to get the loose diamonds appraised by an independent appraiser.
That way, you may know that your selection of the diamond’s quality and worth is fully informed.
Prices of Loose Diamond for Various Shapes
Here is a table for prices of loose diamonds for various shapes on each carat:
| Shapes | Cost for each carat | Resale Potential |
| Round | 0.25 ($1,000 – $1,500) 0.50 ($2,000 – $3,000) 0.75 ($3,000 – $4,500) 1.00 ($4,500 – $6,000) | Yes |
| Princess | 0.25 ($800 – $1,200) 0.50 ($1,600 – $2,400) 0.75 ($2,400 – $3,600) 1.00 ($3,600 – $4,800) | Yes |
| Marquise | 0.25 ($600 – $1,000) 0.50 ($1,400 – $2,100) 0.75 ($2,100 – $3,100) 1.00 ($3,100- $4,200) | Yes |
| Cushion | 0.25 ($700 – $1,100) 0.50 ($1,500 – $2,200) 0.75 ($2,200 – $3,300) 1.00 ($3,300 – $4,500) | Yes |
| Oval | 0.25 ($400 – $700) 0.50 ($1,000 – $1,500) 0.75 ($1,500 – $2,200) 1.00 ($2,200 – $3,300) | Yes |
| Pear | 0.25 ($600 – $1,000) 0.50 ($1,400 – $2,100) 0.75 ($2,100 – $3,100) 1.00 ($3,100 – $4,200) | Fairly |
| Emerald | 0.25 ($500-$800) 0.50 ($1,200-$1,800) 0.75 ($1,800-$2,700) 1.00 ($2,700-$3,900) | Fairly |
| Heart | 0.25 ($400-$700) 0.50 ($1,000-$1,500) 0.75 ($1,500-$2,200 1.00 ($2,200-$3,300) | No |
| Asscher | 0.25 ($600-$1,000) 0.50 ($1,400-$2,100) 0.75 ($2,100-$3,100) 1.00 ($3,100-$4,200) | Yes |
FAQ
How to set a budget for buying loose diamonds?
Think about how much money you can really spend, and then look into your possibilities based on that number. Quality, not quantity, should be your focus. A smaller diamond of greater grade might be more stunning than a bigger diamond of poorer quality.
What do 4C’s refer to?
Carat weight, cut, color, and clarity are the “4 Cs.” These are the pillars upon which the quality and worth of a diamond depend. Knowing them can help you choose a loose diamond with certainty.
How to find a reputable diamond retailer?
Credible jewelry stores will always deal fairly with their customers, source their diamonds ethically, and present a variety of client evaluations and testimonials to back up their claims.
Conclusion
Overall, fancy-shaped loose diamonds are a superior investment. Use fluorescence to your advantage, choose grades of clarity that are somewhat lower, and adjust the settings wisely to save costs. Consider the future worth of your purchase by looking at antique or vintage diamonds. Don’t forget about the additions, and seek a second opinion so you can buy with assurance.
