As we’ve covered below, a significant amount of the diamond pricing equation is based on the Rapaport Prices List, or Rap List — an industry price list that provides standardized pricing for different diamond color and clarity grades.
One interesting outcome of the entire business being based on the Rap List is that far too much weight is given to color and clarity in determining price.
As we mentioned above, cut is arguably the most important of the 4 Cs. In almost every case, the cut of a diamond will have a significantly bigger impact on its appearance than its color or clarity grade.
Objectively speaking, and G color SI1 clarity that is an ideal cut with a pleasantly laid out inclusion will be a prettier diamond than a G color VS2 clarity with an average cut. And a G SI1 super-ideal stone (like a Brian Gavin Signature stone) will be all the more beautiful.
If we continue with this case, lets say for a 1 ct diamond, a G SI1 that was an ideal cut (and everything else was fine), the price would be approximately “25 back,” or $6100*0.75 = $4575 per carat. But a G VS2 with an average cut might go for “35 back,” or $7200*0.65 = $4680.
By all accounts, the “25 back” SI1 is a much much prettier diamond than a “35 back” VS2, yet the VS2 is still more expensive.
Sounds confusing? It is. In simple terms, pricing standards used in the diamond industry often give too much weight to color and clarity when determining diamond pricing.
For a savvy buyer, this presents an opportunity to buy a diamond that’s aesthetically stunning but quite affordable due to its color and clarity grades — something we’ve explained in greater detail in our guides to diamond color and clarity.
This is why it is so crucial to have someone helping you along the way specifically regarding how to value the different factors that go into pricing a diamond. If someone knows what they are doing, they can really find tremendous value out there.
For more information on finding the right combination of cut quality, color and clarity for ideal diamond pricing, feel free to contact us. Our experts can help you choose the highest quality, best looking diamond within your budget.