Buying diamond jewellery isn't like buying other gemstones. There are several reasons for this. Primarily, it's the rarity of good quality diamonds, along with their association with status and wealth over the centuries, that makes them so valuable. 

So, whether you're buying a diamond ring or a pair of earrings, it's likely that you'll want to know what to look for before you make your purchase. After all, these are expensive gemstones and a significant investment. 

However, there are some common misconceptions about these jewels. To help you make the right choice, we've debunked some of the more common myths and tell you what to look for in your diamonds. 

The four Cs

The most expensive diamond in the world is the Kohinoor, an Indian gem that has priceless status due to its brilliance, uniqueness and history. Way back in 2017, The Smithsonian Magazine ran an article about the stone's chequered past, which includes colonial battles and the British Royal Family. Today, it sits in the Tower of London, along with the other Crown Jewels.  

One this this priceless diamond has with the diamond you'll eventually buy is that it meets the quality standards set out by the four Cs that value a diamond: carat, cut, clarity, and colour.

Before we dive into what the myths are, it's important to note what these four are: 

  • Cut

A diamond's cut is the reason for its sparkle. This sparkle is created by the way it's shaped and its facets. The more faceted the cut, the more sparkly it is. 

  • Clarity

Clarity is how flawless the diamond is. It's a measure of its purity. The fewer the flaws, the more valuable it becomes. 

  • Carat

The weight of the diamond is measured in carats. The price increases per carat and this is according to a diamond's size because large stones aren't as common. 

  • Colour

While the classic white diamonds are often found in jewellery, there are many colour variations. These variations are classed as ‘fancy' diamonds and a stone's colour can enhance or reduce its value.

But what are the myths? 

Myth #1: The Bigger the Carat, the Better the Diamond

While it's true that the price of the diamond typically increases per carat, it's a misconception that carat weight signifies the diamond's quality. The quality comes from taking in all four Cs. So, if you're shopping for diamond ring, you'll find that all these factors affect its  appearance and form its value.

Myth #2: All Diamonds of the Same Carat Weight Are Equal

No two diamonds are the same. This means that even if you have two diamonds of the same carat weight, their quality will differ because factors such as cut and clarity affect their appearance and value.

Myth #3: Colourless Diamonds Are Always Superior

While it's true that colourless diamonds are often more expensive, diamonds that have some colour in them can be just as valuable and of a high quality. This is because their value can depend on their size and other factors. 

Myth #4: Clarity Flaws Are Always Visible to the Naked Eye

Ideally, your diamond will not have any flaws that are visible to the naked eye. This is because flaws do impact on its quality and, in turn, its value. However, it's not always possible to see flaws and it can take a microscope to spot them. This means that ‘flawed' diamonds can be just as beautiful and of high quality.  

Myth #5: The Cut of the Diamond Doesn't Matter

The diamond's cut determines its brilliance and aesthetic appeal. Some cuts are more expensive than others and this is because of the number of facets the diamond has. There is precision involved in cutting a diamond, so you pay for the brilliance created by these facets created by cutters.  

Are you buying a diamond ring soon? Take the time to consider these points before you do.