Introductory Chapter
This page is intended for people looking for reliable information about diamond quality, prices, and the right choice – whether buying a piece of jewelry or considering long-term value or investment.
Choosing the right diamond helps avoid costly mistakes, allows you to understand what you are paying for, and ensures that the diamond will retain its aesthetic and financial value in the future.
It is relevant to everyone interested in:
- natural and lab-grown diamonds,
- diamond price differences,
- certificates and standards,
- investment and commercial diamonds.
Short Presentation
Julija Gerlich – a diamond expert working in the jewelry field for more than 30 years, over 20 of which have been dedicated to diamonds. She advises clients on diamond quality, value, certificates, international diamond exchanges, and individual jewelry solutions as well as various diamond selection options at FashionGold.lt.
You can receive an individual consultation that will help you choose a diamond that meets your individual needs and budget. Discover various diamond solutions together with our expert – find more about our team and experience here.
The History of Diamonds: From Antiquity to the Present Day
Diamonds were valued as far back as ancient India – as a symbol of power, protection, and eternity. Later, they became a sign of royalty and luxury in Europe, and today – both a symbol of love and a carrier of financial value.
The modern diamond market is based on clear standards, certificates, and technologies that allow for the precise evaluation of every stone.
To better understand diamond value, price differences, and selection logic, it is first important to become familiar with the main characteristics and evaluation criteria of diamonds.
What is a Diamond?
A diamond is a natural mineral of crystallized carbon, characterized by the highest hardness in the world. The price of diamonds depends on many factors: shape, quality, color, clarity, and cut. Every diamond is unique, which is why its value is so special. A diamond is not just a piece of jewelry, but also an investment valued by both jewelers and collectors worldwide.
Diamonds are not only jewelry but also a long-term investment that is often passed down from generation to generation, maintaining family traditions and values. Due to their brilliance and exclusivity, diamonds remain one of the most desired choices in jewelry today.
What are the 4Cs and why are they important?
4Cs – these are the four main criteria for evaluating a diamond:
- Carat – weight,
- Color – color,
- Clarity – clarity,
- Cut – cut.
It is the combination of the 4Cs that determines the price, appearance, and value of a diamond.
What are GIA and IGI Certificates?
- GIA – Gemological Institute of America, considered the most reliable diamond grading standard in the world.
- IGI – International Gemological Institute, most commonly used for lab-grown and commercial diamonds.
A certificate is not an opinion, but an objective document.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diamonds (FAQ)
How to choose a diamond based on a budget?
Optimize the 4Cs: choose an excellent cut and “invisible” compromises.
What is the difference between diamond quality and beauty?
- Quality – these are the 4C indicators.
- Beauty – how the diamond sparkles in real lighting.
Why do diamonds of the same carat weight cost differently?
- Difference in color
- Difference in clarity
- Difference in cutting precision
- Difference in the certificate
What is the difference between commercial and investment diamonds?
- Commercial – intended for jewelry and daily wear, or
- Investment – 1 ct+, D–F, VS1+, GIA certificate
Why does a 1-carat diamond cost disproportionately more?
1 ct is a psychologically and market-significant threshold, so the demand is significantly higher.
Which diamond exchange is the best to buy from?
- Antwerp – a classic investment market
- Hong Kong – colored and high-end stones
- Israel – technology and cutting
- Mumbai – mass production
- New York – investment GIA diamonds
- Dubai – fast international trade
What is most important when choosing a diamond based on a budget?
- Priority to the cut
- Compromise in color or clarity
- Certificate – essential
Which colored diamonds are the rarest?
- Pink
- Blue
- Green
Are lab-grown diamonds a next-generation solution?
Yes. They are chemically identical, but they do not have investment value.
Diamond Care and Storage
How to care for diamond jewelry?
- Clean with warm water and mild soap
- Avoid chemicals
- Remove when exercising
How to store diamonds?
- Store separately
- Check settings once a year
- Perform professional cleaning periodically
What is most important when choosing a diamond for everyday jewelry?
Excellent cut and visual clarity (VS1–SI1) are usually chosen for daily jewelry because they ensure a good diamond appearance and price-quality ratio.
Are all diamonds suitable for investment?
No. Only high-end natural diamonds are suitable for investment.
How to check a diamond’s authenticity?
It is important to check diamonds according to the certificate, laser number, and independent verification.
Can an international certificate be checked online?
Yes, by the unique number on the diamond’s girdle:
- GIA certificate – check here
- HRD certificate – check here
- IGI certificate – check here
Which certificate is the most reliable?
GIA and HRD – the highest international standard.
When is an IGI certificate sufficient?
For lab-grown diamonds and commercial solutions.
What does a Lithuanian Assay Office certificate confirm?
The metal fineness and the jewelry’s compliance with national requirements.
Does the certificate affect the price?
Yes – certified diamonds are always more valuable.
What are next-generation lab-grown diamonds?
Chemically identical to natural ones, with IGI/GIA certificates, lab-grown diamonds are another choice alongside natural diamonds, especially if you are looking for an engagement ring.
Are lab-grown diamonds suitable for investment?
No – they are intended for wear and design.
What is the difference between colorless and colored diamonds?
Colored (fancy) – rare and often more expensive. They can also be a great gift for special occasions, providing originality and exclusivity.
Which colored diamonds are the rarest?
Pink, blue, and green.
Which diamond shape is the most universal?
Round brilliant – the greatest sparkle.
Which shape looks larger than its carats?
Oval, pear, marquise – they visually elongate and “enlarge” the stone.
How does color affect the price?
The whiter (D–F), the more expensive; fancy colors are a separate market.
What clarity is optimal for the price-appearance ratio?
VS1–SI1, if inclusions are not visible to the naked eye.
Is fluorescence always bad?
No – faint fluorescence can even improve the appearance.
Is it safe to buy a diamond online?
Yes, if there is a certificate, a return policy, and a consultation.
Can a diamond be reserved before manufacturing?
Yes – this is practiced at FashionGold.lt.
Can a family diamond be reset?
Yes – after evaluating the condition and the setting.
How often should a diamond ring be checked?
It is recommended to check a ring at least once a year.
How to choose a diamond based on a budget?
When choosing a diamond based on a budget, it is important to understand which compromise between the 4Cs (carat, color, clarity, and cut) is most suitable for your needs to maintain a good price-quality ratio.
What determines a diamond’s sparkle and beauty most?
A diamond must have brilliance, and beauty is determined by the diamond’s processing: light return and proportions. Even a higher carat weight will not look impressive if the cut is poor.
Why can two similar diamonds cost differently?
Even with similar 4C indicators, the price can differ due to proportions, light return, the certificate, and overall quality visible in person.
How are exceptional diamonds created?
Exceptional, rare diamonds are created when an ideal balance of proportions and light return is achieved during cutting, rather than just aiming for a higher carat weight.
Is it always worth choosing the maximum size – carat?
Not always. For the price to be justified by quality, it is often worth choosing a smaller carat weight but a higher cut and better light return.
Why don’t all diamonds look the same, even though their parameters are similar?
Although diamond 4C indicators may be similar, only precise cutting, balanced proportions, and optimal light return – which are not reflected by numbers alone – allow for the creation of an exceptional diamond.
Note to the reader
If you are looking for a clear, safe, and value-retaining solution, an individual consultation helps you save and make the right choice.
Conclusion
A correctly chosen diamond is not just a piece of jewelry, but also a long-term value, a story, and an emotion that remains in your hands.
