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The four "C"s and diamond pricing:
Diamond prices are based on RARITY!

Carat Weight (Size):

Question: If a 1ct stone is $5000 then how much is a 2ct. stone? The answer is NOT $10,000. Because bigger stones are more rare, the price could be 5 times the price. A stone that is larger than a smaller stone of equal color, clarity and cut is exponentially more valuable. If size is more important to you than color, clarity and cut, then you should be able to get a stone twice as large for the same price as you would if you had a balance of the four "C"s.

Cut:

• Excellent or Ideal
• Very Good
• Good
• Fair
• Poor

The quality of cutting or the "make" of the stone is one of the most important qualities to consider when selecting a stone. The precision of the cutting is what will make your diamond shine bright and sparkle with life! We recommend that you select a stone with a minimum of "VG" or "very good" grade or better. Caution: you may be able to find huge discounts on stones with lower quality cutting... but your stone may have some major defects and look dull (not good).

Color:

• D-F (colorless)
• G-J (near colorless)
• K-M (Faint yellow)
• N-Z (light yellow/brown)

The color scale starts with the top color (or no color) "D" and gradually gets more tinted with a yellow-brown color. Stones in the D-F range have virtually no color. Stones in the G-J have a very slight tint to them. Because the stone will reflect colors in the room and the metal in which it is set, a G-J color stone still looks very white and is significantly less expensive than a D, E stone based on rarity.

Clarity:

• "F" Flawless
• "IF" Internally flawless
• "VVS1" Very Very Slightly Included
• "VVS2"
• "VS1" Very Slighty Included
• "VS2"
• "SI1" Slightly Included
• "SI2"
• "I" Included
• "I2"
• "I3"

Every stone contains characteristics called inclusions that make it unique like a fingerprint. These characteristics could be white pin points, tiny fractures in the stone called "feathers", or black spots that look like pepper. All clarity grades are given based on what can be seen under 10x magnification. The fewer clarity characteristics in a stone the more rare it is and more valuable; however, you can get an "SI" or "Slightly included" stone which has inclusions so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. Anyone seeking an ultra rare stone should choose a stone with a clarity grade in the VS range or higher but should be willing to pay accordingly.

Now that you've Chosen one of our gorgeous designer ring styles or a custom design of your choice... WHAT IS YOUR DIAMOND BUDGET?: Here are a few EXAMPLES of diamond prices you can expect to find on Hard as Diamond. You may even find a better deal than these examples!

*** Note: each stone is unique and depending on market availability prices can fluctuate. Because we offer diamonds at wholesale prices - your diamond should hold its value. Based on the market in the last five years and forecasts for the future, your diamond should APPRECIATE in value... especially stones over 2cts. A diamond is forever so the real value is sentimental but it's just nice to know that your financial investment is safe.

Stones to consider if your budget is: $5000
Option 1:

• Carat weight: 1ct - 1.10ct
• Cut: EX-VG
• Color: G-H
• Clarity: VS2-SI1

Option 2: ***Not recommended

• Carat weight: 2ct.
• Cut: Good
• Color: J-K
• Clarity: I1

Stones to consider if your budget is: $10,000 Option 1:

• Carat weight: 1ct - 1.15ct
• Cut: VG-EX
• Color: D-F
• Clarity: VS1-VS2

Option 2: (if bigger is better!)

• Carat weight: 1.5ct.
• Cut: VG-EX
• Color: H-I
• Clarity: SI1

* Note: H-I color stones still look very white when set in a ring (especially yellow gold).

Stones to consider if your budget is: $15,000 Option 1:

• Carat weight: 1ct - 1.10ct
• Cut: VG-EX
• Color: D-F
• Clarity: VVS2-VS1

* NOTE: You cannot see the difference between a VVS2 and a VS2 with your naked eye... and in some cases an SI1 stone. This option is for people who want a more rare and valuable stone. Option 2: (if bigger is better!)

• Carat weight: 2ct - 2.10ct
• Cut: VG-EX
• Color: H-J
• Clarity: SI1-SI2

* Note: H-J color stones still look very white when set in a ring (especially yellow gold).

Stones to consider if your budget is: $25,000 Option 1:

• Carat weight: 1.5ct - 1.60ct
• Cut: VG-EX
• Color: D-F
• Clarity: VS1-VS2

* NOTE: You cannot see the difference between a VVS2 and a VS2 with your naked eye…and in some cases an SI1 stone. This is a good option if you want a more rare and valuable stone. Option 2: (if bigger is better!)

• Carat weight: 2ct - 2.49ct
• Cut: VG-EX
• Color: F-G
• Clarity: VS2-SI1

Stones to consider if your budget is: $35,000 Option 1:

• Carat weight: 1.5ct - 1.99ct
• Cut: VG-EX
• Color: D-F
• Clarity: VVS1-VVS2

* NOTE: These stones are extremely rare and in demand... they are set to appreciate! Option 2: (if bigger is better!)

• Carat weight: 3ct - 3.49ct
• Cut: VG-EX
• Color: H-J
• Clarity: SI1-SI2

Stones to consider if your budget is: $50,000 Option 1:

• Carat weight: 2ct - 2.15ct
• Cut: VG-EX
• Color: D-F
• Clarity: IF-VVS2

Option 2: (if bigger is better!)

• Carat weight: 3ct - 3.99ct
• Cut: VG-EX
• Color: H-I
• Clarity: VS2-SI1

* Note: The bigger the stone gets; the more obvious the inclusions are.

Stones to consider if your budget is: $100,000 Option 1:

• Carat weight: 2ct - 2.15ct
• Cut: VG-EX
• Color: D-F
• Clarity: IF-VVS1

Option 2: (if bigger is better!)

• Carat weight: 4ct - 4.5ct
• Cut: VG-EX
• Color: H-J
• Clarity: VS2-SI1

Apart from the advice writen on this page, you may find these links to more information on diamonds useful.
http://www.gia.edu
http://howtobuyadiamond.gia.edu