About diamonds
The diamond is one of the most valued gemstones in the world. Its price depends on several criteria, but weight in carats is one of the most important. Each diamond has a unique story, characteristics, and value reflected in the market – when evaluating diamonds, their color, clarity, and other quality indicators that determine the final value are taken into account.
What is diamond weight?
Diamond weight is measured in carats. A carat is an international unit that specifies how much a diamond weighs in grams. 1 carat in grams is equal to 0.2 g. This means that a 5-carat diamond weighs exactly 1 gram.
Why is diamond weight important?
The price of a diamond depends on its weight. The larger the carat, the rarer and more expensive the stone becomes. In the diamond market, weight is one of the first things that both buyers and jewelers pay attention to.
You can also choose a diamond based on your desired weight and budget.
Diamond carat price
The price per diamond carat varies greatly depending on clarity, color, and cut. For example, the price of a 1-carat diamond can range from a few thousand to over ten thousand euros.
1-carat diamond price in Lithuania
In Lithuania, the price for a 1-carat diamond usually starts from 1500–2000 euros for a lower-quality stone. A high-quality brilliant-cut diamond can cost from 7000 to 15000 euros per carat.
When choosing a diamond, it is important for you to evaluate not only the price but also the quality.
Why are carats so important?
Every diamond is unique, but weight is a fundamental component of value. Even if a diamond has very good color or clarity, its price will be significantly lower if the weight is small.
Diamond weight and shape
Shape also influences how a diamond looks. A brilliant is a round-shaped diamond that, due to its cut, appears larger than other diamond shapes. During this cut, the diamond is processed to achieve the ideal shape and brilliance.
Brilliant or diamond?
A common question arises: what is the difference between a diamond and a brilliant? A diamond is a natural gemstone, while a brilliant is a diamond with a round cut that features exceptional light reflection and symmetry (round brilliant cut). Therefore, every brilliant is a diamond, but not every diamond is a brilliant.
What is the difference between a diamond and a brilliant?
The main difference is the shape. A brilliant has a specific cut that reflects light to the maximum. Other diamond shapes, such as princess or emerald, are also valued, but their sparkle differs from that of brilliants.
Brilliant price by weight
The price of brilliants directly depends on the carats. The price of a 1ct brilliant can reach several thousand euros, while 2–3 carat brilliants can cost tens of thousands.
What else determines the diamond price?
Besides weight, color, clarity, and the certificate are very important. Certified diamonds will always be more expensive because they have official quality confirmation.
Diamond clarity and weight
Clarity is one of the 4C criteria. If two diamonds are the same weight but differ in clarity, their price can be completely different.
Diamond color and weight
The color grade has a significant impact on value. A white diamond will be more expensive than a yellowish one, even if both have the same weight.
Lab-grown diamonds and their weight
Lab-grown diamonds are also measured in carats. They have the same chemical composition as natural ones, but their price is lower.
Are lab-grown diamonds suitable for investment?
Although lab-grown diamonds are beautiful, they are not considered a good investment. An investment diamond is usually natural, certified, and of high quality.
Investment diamond
An investment diamond is a gemstone characterized by high quality – D–F color, VVS–VS clarity, and a certificate. Such diamonds are considered a long-term investment.
Why is an investment diamond valuable?
It not only retains its value but can also increase it. It is a reliable investment that is passed down from generation to generation.
Diamond certificate and price
A diamond certificate is an official document that confirms the quality of the stone. Without a certificate, the price of a diamond can be significantly lower.
Which diamond certificates are recognized?
The most commonly used are GIA, HRD, and IGI certificates. The Lithuanian Assay Office also provides its evaluation according to the CIBJO standard.
The Lithuanian Assay Office and diamonds
The Lithuanian Assay Office is the institution that inspects and certifies diamonds in our country. They use the CIBJO system, which differs slightly from GIA.
Perception of diamond shapes and weight
Interestingly, two diamonds with the same weight can appear to be different sizes. For example, an oval shape looks larger than a round one.
How much do smaller diamonds weigh?
A 0.25 ct diamond weighs 0.05 g, 0.50 ct – 0.1 g. This means that even small diamonds are very light, but their value can be high.
Diamond price depends on the combination
The price depends not only on weight but also on color, clarity, and shape. Therefore, two diamonds with the same weight can cost completely differently.
Diamond price in Lithuania
The price of a diamond in Lithuania ranges from a few hundred euros for small stones to tens of thousands for 1–2 carats.
Brilliant is the most valuable shape
The brilliant is the most popular and expensive diamond cut. It is a shape that reflects light to the maximum.
Is it worth buying a diamond as an investment?
Yes, but only if it is certified and meets high-quality criteria. It is not just a piece of jewelry, but also an investment.
Types of diamonds
Diamonds are divided into several types depending on their properties and characteristics. The main classification of diamonds is based on their color and clarity. Diamonds are natural gemstones whose price depends on their rarity, color, clarity, and shape. Also, diamonds can be transparent (colorless) or colored, which are further divided into various categories according to shades – from yellowish to extremely rare blue, pink, or green. Each diamond is unique, so its value and price can vary greatly from other diamonds. When evaluating diamonds, the “4C” principle is always considered: color, clarity, cut, and weight. This ensures that each diamond is evaluated according to objective criteria, and the buyer can choose from a wide range of diamonds according to their needs and budget.
Diamond weight and jewelry
Most commonly, 0.25 ct, 0.50 ct, and 1 ct diamonds are used in jewelry. They are large enough but also affordable in terms of price.
Brilliants in earrings and rings
Earrings and engagement rings most often feature 0.25–0.50 ct diamonds. They look aesthetic and are not too expensive.
How many carats to choose for an engagement ring?
A 0.50–1 ct diamond is most commonly chosen. It looks impressive but is not yet very expensive.
The global diamond market
Diamonds are traded on international exchanges. Their prices are determined according to the 4C criteria and market supply and demand.
Future diamond price
Experts predict that the price of natural diamonds may grow over time as their resources decrease.
Lab-grown diamonds in the future
Lab-grown diamonds may become increasingly popular due to their lower price and eco-friendliness. However, they do not have the same investment value as natural ones.
What do you need to know before buying a diamond?
Always pay attention to the certificate, carats, clarity, and color. This will ensure that the diamond you choose is of high quality.
Summary
Diamond weight is one of the most important criteria of its value. Although the price of a diamond also depends on other factors, carats always remain the main reference point. Brilliants and diamonds are symbols of eternal value, suitable both for jewelry and as an investment.
