| Carat
Weight
There
are a couple of important exceptions to the rule that as diamond
weight increases, per carat value increases. Because of high
demand, diamonds weighing 5, 10, or 15 points can cost more
per carat than larger odd-size diamonds.
Also
better quality .01 ct to .035 ct dia¬monds sometimes cost
more per carat than diamonds weighing from .06 ct to .08 ct.
Occasionally, diamonds as large as 13 points cost less per
carat than 3 point diamonds of the same quality. This was
sometimes the case during 1987-89, when there was an unusually
high demand for three pointers for tennis bracelets.
You may
think it easier just to be given a diamond price list instead
of listing weight categories and explaining the system of
how diamonds are priced. However, if you understand the system,
you will find it easier to interpret price guides and compare
diamond ring values.
The
system of diamond pricing changes very slowly, but price guides
can change weekly. During a one-week period in 1988, for example,
USA dollar prices for diamond increased about 13% but the
system of charging more per carat for greater stone weight
remained the same.
Small
standard sizes and 1 to 3 point diamonds were still sold at
premium prices. Therefore, this book will concentrate on the
system of diamond pricing and avoid listing diamond prices.
Otherwise, it would be obsolete the moment it is published.
So far, this chapter has only discussed the
per carat prices of round stones. Small fancy shapes (non-round
diamonds less than 0.15 ct) do not fit into the same weight
categories as small round diamonds. They sometimes cost more
per carat than round stones.
In larger
sizes (more than 0.29 ct), fancy shapes fit into the same
weight categories as round diamonds, but they cost less per
carat. The exception to this rule is the lower- and mid-quality
marquise shape which currently is worth more or about the
same per carat as a round diamond of the same quality. This
is due to a high demand for this quality marquise, especially
in the United States. ES1
Matter
what shape
The
diamonds because
Diamond
weight increases
Aware
that shape
Diameter
measurements can
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