Buying a diamond or any other precious stone can be quite tricky. You want to get the right quality for the right price, and so do I.
Prices are good indicators of what a product is really worth, but you can still be sold a lesser quality for an okay price. These sure factors will guide you on getting the right quality for the right price.
How much is a 15 carat diamond worth?
The price of a 15 carat diamond ranges from between $150,000 to $20 million. A well-cut round brilliant FL 15 carat diamond could cost as much as 20 million dollars, while a shallow cut marquise VS2 15 carat diamond would cost far less.
The right price of a diamond is dependent on these 4Cs.
- The Cut: The beauty of a diamond depends largely on how much it dazzles, on its reflection of light. This dazzling quality is entirely dependent on how it is cut. Diamond cuts are of ten different types. The round, brilliant cut diamonds are the most expensive since they require more removal of the rough surfaces and reflect light better. They are of the middle class. The emerald cut, radiant cut, cushion cut, and heart cut are of the lowest prices. However, these shapes do not matter as much as how well they are cut. A well-cut marquise will be of higher quality and cost more than a poorly-cut round brilliant diamond.
- The Color: Under special lighting, a perfect diamond is colorless. The more hue it has, the lesser the quality and, therefore, the price. If it looks clear enough to the ordinary eyes, it would do if you have a moderate budget. However, if you are aiming for expertise and quality, you need to look through a 10x magnifying glass. The difference is more visible then. Diamond colors are labeled from letters D to Z.
- The Carat Weight: This can be quite confusing. Normally, a carat diamond weighs 0.2 grams. A two-carat diamond would weigh 0.4 grams. This is the standard estimated weight of each carat. However, when a diamond size is mentioned, it is referring to the length and width. In the gem world, this is called diameter and it is measured in millimeters (mm). A carat diamond has a size of 6.4mm while a 15-carat diamond has a size of 16mm.
- The Clarity: Like other precious stones, diamonds undergo a purification process. The more purified they turn out, the better the clarity, the higher the price. The flaws on the external surface of the diamond are called blemishes, while the flaws on the inside are called inclusions.
How Much Does a 15-Carat Diamond Weigh?
If the diamond is right, regardless of the cut, a 15-carat diamond should weigh about 3 grams.
Anything much lower or far too high is suspicious. This is regardless of the diamond shape, though the shapes may cause a slight difference in how big it looks to the human eye.
As for diamond size, a 15-carat diamond has a size of 16mm. The standard measurement for this is made using a round, brilliant cut diamond.
How Much Does a 15-Carat Diamond Ring Cost?
A 15-carat diamond ring should cost anything from $200,000 to $25 million. This is dependent on the product the diamond is attached to. It could be gold, silver, platinum, rose gold, or any other alloy.
The diamond cut also influences the price of the diamond ring, as well as the brand you are buying from.
What to Look Out for When Purchasing a 15-Carat Diamond Ring
You are purchasing this awesome gift as a symbol of your affection for a loved one; you will want the absolute best! Therefore, you have to look out for these things.
- Price: There are known stores where diamond rings are commonly purchased. Look at reviews and compare prices and places like Tiffany, James Allen, Blue Nile, Costco., Lauren B, etc.
Do not forget to watch your budget (unless you have none).
- Quality: I mentioned using the reflection of light, clarity, and color to judge the quality of a diamond piece. You can also do the conductivity test, flame test, water test, or newspaper test. If you are still not sure what a quality diamond should look like, it’s advisable you go with an expert.
- Certification: For all the money you are spending, you definitely need a certification. It assures you that what you wanted was what you got. The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) laboratories provide this certificate taking the 4Cs into consideration. The AGS (American Gem Society) laboratories issue this certificate, too.
- The Receiver: You know your taste, your budget, and what you want. However, if it is a gift for a loved one, you need to take them into consideration while purchasing. Does he/she like the flashy or simple? Would they prefer it studded all round or just a dazzling piece of gem on the top?
Where Are Diamonds Sold the Cheapest?
Diamonds are very valuable products, and as they move from one country to another, the marginal cost placed on them increases drastically. It is not absolutely necessary to take trips back and forth for a diamond. However, if you happen to be popping into some Asian countries on a solo journey or with your partner for a surprise proposal, diamonds are cheaper there. More diamonds are cut in India than any other country.
As you can imagine, where the sellers are numerous, it is easier to beat prices. Aside from India, Dubai and Belgium are also famous for cutting diamonds.
It is advisable to be careful about who you purchase from, especially if you are not familiar with the environment and business atmosphere.
