With the right advice, buying diamonds on a budget can be an easy task. The main reason for the difficulty is the wide assortment of selections, as well as the different factors that you must consider for assessing the quality of the stone. You must also know that according to the IGS diamonds are not rare. So, cheap loose diamonds are more readily available than many people think. The purpose of this article is to share advice on buying affordable diamonds; read on to know more about them.
The Right Diamond Shape Can Save Money
The shape of a diamond has a significant influence on its price. Many first-time buyers think that the shape and cut of the diamond are the same. According to the GIA, it is the general silhouette of the stone. Even though round brilliant cut diamonds are popular among buyers, they are usually not budget-friendly. You can rather opt for oval shaped stone as it will help you to save up to 30% on the cost. Also, it appears larger than a round cut stone of the same carat weight and quality. Furthermore, choosing an Asscher cut diamond will help you to save up to 40% on the cost.
Lower Carat Weight, Lower Cost
Many first-time buyers mistakenly believe that the carat weight and size of diamonds are linked, but this is not true. The visual size of a stone is mainly influenced by its cut. The price of a diamond is related to its weight, the price increases at whole or half carats. To buy cheap diamonds, choose stones whose carat weights are just below the common weights, i.e., 0.99, 0.97, or 0.96 carats. Also, remember that it is nearly impossible to distinguish between 1-carat and 0.96-carat diamonds. With the latter, you can save up to 10% on the cost.
Color Grade And Value
Color is one of the essential characteristics that influence the price of diamonds. Usually, colorless diamonds are priced higher than those whose colors are apparent. For colorless stones, D is the highest grade. Stones with color grades between G to I have a tinge of color that might not be apparent to the untrained eye. So, if you are looking to buy cheap diamonds, then you must choose stones with color grades between G and I. Moreover, the shape and cut quality can make slightly colored stones appear colorless.
On a final note, even if you are buying cheap loose diamonds, invest in stones with good cut quality. Also, ensure that you are buying diamonds certified by internationally recognized agencies like GIA or AIG.