Did you know that each diamond's price is not solely based on its colour and clarity?


Understanding the True Factors Behind Diamond Quality, Beauty and Value

Did you know that a diamond's price is determined by far more than just its carat weight, colour and clarity? At D&D Designer Jewellers, we believe that understanding what makes each diamond unique is essential when choosing a beautiful stone and making an informed purchase. While two diamonds may appear almost identical on their grading certificates, their actual beauty, brilliance, transparency and value can vary considerably. No two natural diamonds are exactly alike, and a diamond's true beauty cannot be judged by its certificate alone.

What Factors Influence a Diamond's Price?

Beyond the traditional 4Cs — Carat, Colour, Clarity and Cut — several additional characteristics can influence a diamond's visual appearance, desirability and market value.

These include:

  • Cut Quality: One of the most important factors influencing a diamond's beauty, encompassing its proportions, facet arrangement and precision of cutting, all of which affect the way light interacts with the diamond to produce brilliance, fire and scintillation.

  • Polish: The quality and smoothness of a diamond's polished surfaces, which can affect its overall finish.

  • Symmetry: The precision and alignment of a diamond's facets and overall shape.

  • Proportions and Spread: The relationship between a diamond's measurements, depth, table size and face-up appearance. Two diamonds of identical carat weight can appear noticeably different in size.

  • Fluorescence: A diamond's reaction to ultraviolet light, graded from None to Very Strong. Its effect on appearance and value varies depending on the individual diamond.

  • Transparency and Lustre: The diamond's overall clarity of appearance and ability to transmit light. Some diamonds may exhibit haziness or cloudiness that can affect their visual appeal.

  • Girdle Thickness and Culet: Additional characteristics that may influence a diamond's proportions, durability and overall quality.

  • Inclusion Type and Location: The nature, size, visibility and position of internal characteristics can significantly affect a diamond's appearance, even when two stones share the same clarity grade.

  • Colour Undertones: Some diamonds display subtle brown, green or grey undertones that may influence their appearance and market value.

  • Treatments and Enhancements: Diamonds that have undergone treatments, such as fracture filling or certain colour enhancements, differ from untreated natural diamonds and should be clearly disclosed.

  • Certification and Grading Laboratory: An independent grading report from a respected laboratory, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), provides valuable information about a diamond's assessed characteristics.

  • Branding, Rarity and Provenance: Certain branded diamonds, exceptional cutting styles and diamonds with documented origins may attract additional premiums.

Why Do Some Diamonds Appear Milky, Cloudy or Tinted?

One of the important considerations when selecting a diamond is its overall transparency and visual appearance. Within the diamond trade, the term BGM is sometimes used to describe diamonds exhibiting noticeable Brown, Green or Milky characteristics. A diamond may have an attractive colour and clarity grade on its certificate, yet still exhibit a brownish or greenish undertone, or a hazy or milky appearance that affects its visual appeal.

Such characteristics can influence a diamond's market value, sometimes resulting in a lower price compared with a more visually appealing diamond of similar certified specifications. However, these characteristics must be assessed individually. Not every diamond displaying fluorescence, inclusions or a subtle colour undertone will have compromised beauty or transparency. This is why personally assessing a diamond's appearance is just as important as reviewing its grading report.

Why Can Two 1.00ct Diamonds Have Such Different Prices?

Consider two natural diamonds with the following specifications:

  • Carat Weight: 1.00ct

  • Colour: D

  • Clarity: SI2

  • Shape: Oval

Although both diamonds share these characteristics, their individual proportions, polish, symmetry, fluorescence, transparency, inclusion patterns and overall visual appearance may be considerably different. Their grading laboratories, availability and other commercial factors may also contribute to differences in price. Consequently, diamonds with seemingly identical specifications can be offered at significantly different prices. A higher price does not automatically guarantee a more beautiful diamond, just as a lower price does not necessarily mean a diamond is inferior. The key is understanding what you are actually comparing.

Comparing Diamond Prices — Are You Comparing Like for Like?

When browsing jewellery stores or comparing diamonds online, it is easy to assume that two diamonds with the same carat weight, colour and clarity should have similar prices. However, this is not necessarily the case. A diamond offered at a lower price may differ in its cutting quality, transparency, proportions, inclusions, fluorescence or other characteristics that are not immediately apparent from a brief product description.

Similarly, a higher-priced diamond may reflect differences in cut quality, polish, symmetry, proportions, the type and location of inclusions, brilliance, transparency, rarity and overall visual appeal, as well as supplier pricing and other market factors. These characteristics can significantly influence a diamond's beauty, desirability and value, even when its carat weight, colour and clarity are identical to those of a lower-priced diamond.

This does not necessarily mean that one jeweller is overpriced or another is offering a better-quality diamond. The most meaningful comparison is not simply between two certificates or price tags, but between the diamonds themselves. Understanding these differences can help you make a confident and informed decision rather than choosing solely on price.

The D&D Designer Jewellers Approach — Personally Hand-Selected Diamonds

At D&D Designer Jewellers, we believe that every diamond should be appreciated for its individual beauty, not simply how impressive its specifications appear on paper. We personally hand-select our diamonds, paying particular attention to their brilliance, transparency, overall visual appearance and suitability for each individual jewellery design.

With a family jewellery heritage dating back to 1919, Daniel brings extensive jewellery manufacturing knowledge and craftsmanship to the selection and creation of bespoke jewellery. Our approach combines careful diamond selection with personalised design and quality manufacturing, ensuring that the chosen diamond beautifully complements the finished piece. For us, exceptional diamond jewellery begins with a beautiful stone, thoughtfully selected and brought to life through Daniel's individual craftsmanship.

Access to Antwerp's Diamond Trade

Through our established diamond sourcing network and industry relationships, D&D Designer Jewellers has access to diamond suppliers and cutting centres in Antwerp, Belgium, one of the world's most recognised international diamond trading hubs. Our involvement with the Nationwide Jewellers buying group and established supplier relationships provides access to an extensive selection of natural diamonds across a variety of shapes, sizes, qualities and price ranges.

These sourcing opportunities allow us to explore suitable diamonds for individual client requirements, while considering both quality and value. Rather than limiting our clients to a small selection of readily available stones, we can assist in sourcing diamonds that complement their preferred design, personal taste and budget.

Our Commitment to Responsible Diamond Sourcing

At D&D Designer Jewellers, we recognise the importance of responsible diamond sourcing and transparency throughout the jewellery supply chain. We work with reputable diamond suppliers who provide assurances consistent with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and the World Diamond Council's System of Warranties, supporting the legitimate trade of natural diamonds and established responsible sourcing standards.

We also place importance on clear disclosure of diamond characteristics and treatments, allowing our clients to make informed decisions when selecting their gemstones. Our aim is to offer beautiful, carefully selected natural diamonds from trusted suppliers, supported by professional knowledge, transparency and personalised service.

Choosing a Diamond with Confidence

Purchasing a diamond, particularly for an engagement ring or a meaningful bespoke jewellery commission, is an important decision. We encourage clients to look beyond carat weight, colour and clarity alone and consider the individual qualities that contribute to a diamond's appearance, beauty and overall value.

Working with an experienced manufacturing jeweller provides the opportunity to discuss these characteristics, understand the available options and select a diamond suited to your preferences and budget. At D&D Designer Jewellers, Daniel and Doreen take pride in guiding clients through this process, combining personalised diamond sourcing with individually crafted jewellery designed to be treasured for years to come. Because choosing a beautiful diamond is about more than its certificate — it is about understanding, appreciating and selecting the diamond itself.

Real-World Diamond Pricing Comparison

The comparison below illustrates how 1.00ct natural oval diamonds with the same D colour and SI2 clarity grading can be offered at substantially different prices.

Although these diamonds share the same carat weight, colour, clarity and shape, differences in their proportions, cut quality, polish, symmetry, fluorescence, transparency, inclusion characteristics, grading laboratories and overall visual appeal may contribute to significant variations in price.

This highlights why comparing diamonds solely by carat weight, colour, clarity or price does not always provide an accurate indication of their individual beauty, quality or value.

Please note: The prices shown are historical examples provided for educational purposes only. Diamond prices and availability are subject to market conditions and may change over time.