Ten Things to Know About Loose Diamonds

1. Loose diamonds are diamonds that have been polished and are ready to be set into diamond jewelry such as engagement rings, diamond stud earrings, and diamond pendants. Uncut loose diamonds come from African countries, such as Botswana, South Africa, and Angola, Australia, Russia, Canada, and South America.

2. Although plenty of jewelry shops and online stores sell diamond set in jewelry, there is a growing trend to purchase loose diamonds and settings separately. Naturally, individuals in the diamond industry do so, but also private customers looking to buy a gift for a loved one.

3.    The primary reason that individuals shop separately for loose diamonds and settings, is price. By buying separately it is possible to achieve the best possible quality, often at lower prices. Complete diamond jewelry often comes with a big markup. This is markup is avoided when loose diamonds are purchased separately.

4.    Buying loose diamonds separately enables a greater focus on quality. With the unset diamond it’s harder to hide imperfections that would otherwise be hidden in a set stone.

5.    The internet is a great place to shop for loose diamonds. Vendors selling loose diamonds online are able to cut costs, and in some case pass these savings to the purchaser. There are plenty of good quality online stores selling loose diamonds, and customer testimonials can give some insight into the quality of service at the online store in question.

6.    Some online vendors quote the prices of loose diamonds on their site, inclusive of shipping and insurance costs. This is very convenient and reassuring.

7.    Once loose diamonds are purchased they can be taken to a local jeweler that you trust in order to be set into the desired item of jewelry, be a diamond engagement ring, diamond stud earrings, or diamond pendants.

8.    You’ll get a lot satisfaction out of buying loose diamonds and then getting the setting the separately.  It is a feeling of having designed the item of jewelry yourself, and it will make wearing it more special. 

9.    The things to know about loose diamonds are carat, cut, clarity, color. Carat is the weight of the diamond. Cut is all about the quality of work that has been put into cutting the faces, or facets, of the diamond. Color refers to the natural color of the diamond, be it colorless to varying degrees, pink, yellow, or green. Loose diamonds often include imperfections or inclusions, called clarity.

10.    Finally, loose diamonds come in a variety of shapes, such as princess, and round shaped diamonds. Diamond vendors will be able to help you match the item of jewelry with a suitable diamond and setting.