Willyn Villarica Jewelry

Understanding Loose Diamonds and The Pros and Cons of Owning Them

Diamonds might indeed be a girl’s best friend, but loose diamonds are one of a serious jewelry collector’s best investments. High-quality loose diamonds upgrade a collection in unique ways, and they’re a worthy purchase whether or not you have immediate plans of turning them into wearable jewelry. Understand the value of these stones and what you can do to make the most of them in our crash course on loose diamonds below. 

What exactly are loose diamonds? 

They’re precisely what their name suggests: loose diamonds are diamonds that are often sold per piece and have not yet been mounted. They haven’t been set in any kind of jewelry and are intentionally sold this way. They are already cut and polished when they make it to your go-to jewelry sellers, giving buyers the chance to dictate designs they have in mind. Customers can work with jewelers to come up with one-of-a-kind pendants, engagement rings, and earrings, for example. More so, loose diamonds can be stored as is and don’t necessarily need to be turned into jewelry if buyers opt not to. Storing loose diamonds this way does not damage or devalue them. 

What do loose diamonds look like? 

They come in a variety of cuts, sizes, and weights. Most commonly, you’ll see loose diamonds that are round, princess, emerald, marquise, or pear-shaped.  

How do I assess the quality of loose diamonds? 

It’s recommended that you purchase from diamond experts or trustworthy sellers in the industry so you can be assured that you are buying real, high-quality loose diamonds.  I personally advocate buying laboratory graded or laboratory certified diamonds (if your budget allows you to) to ensure the accuracy of the 4C’s grading standards.  Grading diamonds is very subjective so certified diamonds eliminate any doubts on what you’re buying.  

My top recommended gem laboratories are GIA, Gubelin, and IGI. 

However, if you find yourself having to make assessments yourself, understand the 4Cs: carat, clarity, color, and cut. Carat refers to a diamond’s weight (naturally, the heavier the more expensive). Clarity is all about how blemish-free and near-perfect a diamond is to the naked eye. As for color, personal style can influence what kinds of diamond colors are purchased, but, formally speaking, the more colorless a diamond is, the higher the color grade. As for cut, this again is up to the buyer’s sense of style. 

Are loose diamonds a worthy investment? 

The short answer is, yes! Loose diamonds are a good investment especially if you manage to get a hold of particularly rare stones. They are also more likely to increase in, or at the very least maintain, value considering that time and the elements do not damage them, and that there is a steady demand for them while supply is limited. Getting the opportunity to resell them at the right time is a good way to get a good ROI. 

What kinds of diamonds make “good” loose diamonds? 

As with any other stone, the rarer the diamond variety, the more valuable. Generally, diamonds below two carats are easier to get a hold of, while larger and colored diamonds (such as highly sought-after pink and red ones) are only accessible to an exclusive group of collectors. These ultra-valuable stones are not likely to be sold as loose diamonds just anywhere, so expect your local jeweler to have the more common colorless, pale yellow, or brown varieties. Always ask for certification for each diamond you purchase that makes it clear they were sold and bought the right/ legal way and are the real deal. Certificates may come from stores, but it is sometimes a good idea to get them from legitimate gemstone or jewelry appraisers as they can provide independent evaluations of your purchase. 

While it’s tempting to immediately say yes to rare diamonds when they become available to you, make it a priority to buy only from reputable and ethical sellers. Firstly, this is so you do not end up purchasing fake stones, stolen stones, or low-quality diamonds. And, on a more serious note, you also do not want to unintentionally support the illegal diamond trade whose negative impacts are far-reaching. Rare loose diamonds are indeed a highlight of any jewelry collection and can fetch a pretty sum when resold, but it is always best to ensure they are properly obtained. 

How do you keep loose diamonds safe? 

Loose diamonds can be stored in essentially the same way you would your other jewelry. Keep them in individual containers to protect them from scratching each other. (Remember, diamonds are the hardest material on the planet and can damage other gems and jewelry.) Opaque pouches are an option, and so are enclosed jewelry boxes. Hard cases are recommended if you plan on transporting them. Diamonds are pretty hardy stones but you still want to keep them away from direct sunlight to preserve their shine. 

Cleaning is straightforward, too. Using a gentle solution of water and mild detergent or dish soap, along with a soft toothbrush if some scrubbing is necessary, can do the trick. Dry them with a lint-free cloth or simply leave them out to air dry before storing, and they’ll be good to go. Also, don’t forget about storing diamonds’ certificates safely, too. They are just as valuable as the actual stones themselves and are necessary should you want to resell them.

What are the disadvantages of owning loose diamonds?

Firstly, loose diamonds’ value appreciates but it takes time. Reselling them is not for those looking to make a quick profit. Secondly, if you happen to have them set in jewelry, the setting may decrease their value and you may have to spend extra on having them removed from the setting before potential buyers show interest. Thirdly, you have to do lots of research before making a purchase as it is all too possible to end up paying too much for an overvalued diamond. 

Now that you understand the business of loose diamonds a little better, you can make better decisions on whether or not this jewelry investment is right for you. 

Do you need your loose diamonds checked?

When it comes to valuing your loose diamonds and other jewelry, always consult a professional. Willyn Villarica is your trusted partner for jewelry appraisal services. As one of the few certified gemologists in the Philippines, a graduate of the GIA Graduate Gemologist® program, and the only NAJA-recognized Filipino appraiser, she offers unparalleled expertise. With her years of experience, you can be confident in receiving accurate and reliable assessments of your precious gemstones. Trust Willyn Villarica to expertly grade your diamonds.

Send your inquiries via willynvillarica@willynvillaricajewelry.com or through Facebook (Willyn Villarica Jewelry) or Instagram (@willynvillarica_jewelry).

  • Willyn Villarica

    Willyn Villarica, a third-generation jeweler from the Philippines, brings a wealth of expertise to the world of gemology and jewelry appraisal. As a licensed Graduate Gemologist, accredited by the prestigious Gemological Institute of America, she is not only a master of her craft but also holds the distinction of being the first Filipino member of the National Associ...

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