What Is a Loose Diamond?

November 18, 2019 By swj-eric

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You may be wondering if a loose diamond is more valuable than a diamond you buy mounted to a ring or another piece of jewelry. How do you know the quality of a loose diamond and the advantages of buying or selling one? 

As jewelers who are certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), we at Southwest Jewelry Buyers are trained and proficient in the International Diamond Grading System — the industry standard for grading diamonds.  

As experts in the field, we answer your questions about loose diamonds so you can be prepared to buy or sell one in the future. 

Loose Diamonds Explained

A loose diamond is a diamond that has been cut and polished and is ready for mounting on a ring, necklace, bracelet, or any other jewelry setting. Loose diamonds are often easier to inspect and evaluate since there’s no setting attached to them yet. 

Loose diamonds can be easily inspected for the 4Cs of color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, since they’re unencumbered by precious metals, like gold, white gold, or platinum — the most common diamond settings.

Why do I want a loose diamond?

Perhaps you’re shopping for an engagement ring — one of the most important jewelry purchases of your life. Selecting a loose diamond means you get to choose the exact quality diamond you desire to be placed in the exact setting and ring design you want as well. 

In other words, you’re not limited to the prefabricated selection of engagement rings available at jewelry stores. Instead, you carefully select the loose diamond of your choice, including cut, clarity, color, and carat. 

You also get to choose the shape of the diamond, such as round (the most common), princess, cushion, emerald, oval, pear, or heart-shaped, among others. The shape and cut of the stone help determine its brilliance, and how the diamond reflects light.

Does a diamond certificate matter?

When selecting your one-of-a-kind loose diamond, you want to consider only GIA certified diamonds or loose diamonds certified by the American Gem Society (AGS). Only GIA and AGS certified diamonds have the reliability of a professional grading system that’s trusted by jewelry professionals everywhere. 

Is a loose diamond a good investment?

If you’re considering purchasing loose diamonds as an investment, in most cases, this is a wise decision. Because you’re able to select the exact quality diamond you want, and there’s no setting attached, a loose diamond is typically a valuable investment, especially if you want to sell it in the future.

How do I sell my loose diamond?

If you’re looking to sell a loose diamond, the GIA-certified gemologists at Southwest Jewelry Buyers are experts at diamond appraisals. Since 2000, people in Scottsdale, Arizona, and those from all over the world have trusted us with their diamond appraisals. That’s because we consistently offer the highest prices in the industry for your diamonds, gold, silver, platinum, coins, and luxury watches

Or, perhaps you’d like a no-obligation professional appraisal for your old jewelry so you can take the money and invest in a loose diamond. Either way, we can help. 

Give us a call at 480-773-8004 to schedule an appointment, or send us a message online today. We can meet with you six days a week.