Loose Diamonds Basics

About Loose Diamonds
The term loose diamonds is used to refer to diamonds that have been polished, but have not been set in jewelry. Loose diamonds come in many shapes, sizes, and qualities. Increasingly, people shopping for diamond engagement rings, and diamond rings for other occasions, purchase the diamond separately from the setting, or the ring.

Purchasing Loose Diamonds
The reason why people choose to shop separately for loose diamonds with the intention of setting them in jewelry, is primarily price. Set diamond jewelry often comes with a big markup, and sometimes, the quality of the diamond is not as good as it could be. Shopping online for loose diamonds enables buyers to seek out the best possible stones at the best possible price. The internet is a good medium for the purchase of loose diamonds. If the diamonds are purchased from a reputable online dealer there is no reason to actually view the product with one’s own eyes. Shipping costs are also minimal (due to the weight).

Once loose diamonds are purchased, they can be taken to a reputable jeweler in order to create a setting. Diamond engagement rings, as well as other types of jewelry, are harder to purchase online. Diamond rings need to be fitted especially for the wearer. The same goes for diamond stud earrings.

Purchasing loose diamonds and then getting the setting separately also provides a sense of satisfaction from being more in control of the purchasing process, and it also inspires creativity.

Loose Diamonds 4 Cs and Shapes
When purchasing loose diamonds several aspects need to be taken into consideration. The first four are known as the four Cs of diamonds: Carat, cut, clarity, and weight. Carat refers to the weight of the diamond, whereby one carat equals 0.2 of a gram. Diamonds come in many sizes, and the size of the diamond is no guarantee for its quality or brightness. Cut is more readily associated with the quality or loose diamonds. Cut refers to the quality of workmanship that is put into the many facets (or faces) of the diamond. A better cut means more symmetry and more brilliance. Color refers to the natural color of the diamond. Diamonds are either various degrees of colorless, or else of a specific color, such as yellow, pink, and green. Loose diamonds often comes with imperfections or inclusions, and these affect the diamonds’ brilliance. This parameter is known as clarity.

Then there is the shape. Loose diamonds are cut into all kinds of shapes. Examples include princess shaped diamonds, round shaped diamonds, marquise shaped diamonds, emerald shaped diamonds, oval shaped diamonds, and pear shaped diamonds.