When it comes to diamonds, size does matter. And in the world of diamonds, carat weight is king.
But what does that mean for a 3/8 carat diamond? How Much Is 3/8 Carat Diamond Worth?
In this blog post, we will take a look at the value of 3/8 carat diamonds and discuss why they are such a popular choice for engagement rings!
How Much Is 3/8 Carat Diamond Worth?
The market value of a diamond is based on its weight, which is quantified as carats. Currently, you would have to shell out roughly around $1,800 to $12,000 per carat. If we use that as a baseline, a 3/8 carat diamond will be priced from $675 to $4,500.
However, when shopping for jewelry, the diamond itself is just part of the piece’s total price. Factors like the materials used to complement the diamond and the jewelry maker could significantly bump up the jewelry’s cost.
What Does 3/8 of a Carat Mean?
As stated earlier, the term “carat” refers to the weight of the diamond, not its actual size. This means that compared to a one-carat diamond, a 3/8 carat one is less than half of its total weight.
But by how much, exactly? While there’s no definitive way to quantify the difference, jewelers use the term “points” as another way to make comparisons simpler. If one carat equals 100 points, then a 3/8 carat diamond would fall between 37 and 46 points.
What’s a 3/8 Carat Diamond’s Actual Size?
A typical 3/8-carat diamond would be around 4.5mm in diameter.
It’s a popular belief that a diamond’s size is based solely on its weight. However, it depends on various factors, not just the weight or carats that the stone has. Other points to consider include the diamond’s shape, diameter, and depth.
Some diamond shapes, like squares or ovals, make the stone seem larger than it really is. Conversely, diamonds with deeper cuts seem to look smaller compared to those with shallow cuts.
What Carat Diamond Is Considered Big?
What jewelry the diamond is used in plays a significant role in determining if the stone is too big. Most jewelers use one-carat diamonds for engagement rings, making them the right size for the piece. Using a two-carat diamond for an engagement ring, while looking prominent, would be considered too big for the task.
Diamond Buying Guide: Tips on Buying a Diamond Ring
Now that we know how much a 3/8 carat diamond is worth, let’s look at some helpful tips when buying a diamond ring.
Picking a Diamond
Choosing the right diamond for your ring is more than just knowing the carats of the stone. Jewelers follow what are called the 4Cs to indicate a diamond’s quality and price.
However, keep in mind that no single factor dominates the selection process. Each one contributes to the overall appeal and quality of the stone, so it’s not advisable to focus on just one.
Here’s a quick rundown of each of these points:
4Cs
- Cut
A diamond’s cut significantly impacts the beauty of a diamond. A diamond’s overall appeal and ability to sparkle revolves around several points. These include its angles, proportions, brilliance, and finish, among others.
Jewelers use these factors to grade a diamond, ranging from Ideal to Poor. The higher the grade is, the more brilliant the diamond is.
- Color
Diamonds come in various shades, from colorless to tinted yellow, and each has a grading from D to Z. The higher a diamond is graded, the clearer it is, with a D grade being colorless. The color grading also influences the price, so look out for that, as well, when buying on a budget.
- Clarity
Next on the list is the clarity each diamond has, along with its grading system. Diamonds are ranked based on any visible blemishes or inclusions they have.
Any imperfection on the diamond affects its brilliance and how much light reflects on its surface. The clearer the diamond, the better it is graded.
The lowest on this list is I2, which denotes that the stone has some inclusions. FL, also known as flawless, ranks the highest on this list.
- Carat
Also known as the weight of the stone, this plays on the diamond’s size and dimensions. Some buyers might give this factor more importance than the other elements. However, a diamond’s luster and shine make it more desirable and eye-catching.
Checking for Authenticity
With the rise of modern technology comes the rise of lab-grown materials, like diamonds. Synthetic diamonds are making the rounds in many jewelry stores, with some jewelers opting for this variety for price and sustainability. And while there is a market for this, it’s best to know what you’re getting.
Visually, there’s no identifiable difference between a natural diamond from its synthetic counterpart. However, it does affect the price and resale value of the jewelry.
If you want to ensure you’re getting a genuine diamond for your rings, ask the seller. Legitimate sellers will tell you where the diamond was sourced and provide certification.
Look at the Bigger Picture
Diamond quality does not a ring make. Sure, you have the best stone, but does it fit naturally in the ring itself? If the ring can’t support the beautiful diamond, you might be throwing money down the drain.
Consider the ring style when shopping for a diamond ring. The diamond should complement the ring and vice versa. Having a loud diamond centerpiece won’t work well if you’re going with a minimalist look.
Seeing Is Believing
The age of the online marketplace made buying stuff more accessible and faster at the expense of uncertain expectations. It’s challenging to test the ring when you don’t have it on your hand, let alone guarantee that it fits what you need.
Make it a point to see the diamond ring before closing the purchase, especially for first-time buyers. This way, you can examine the diamond ring and its features carefully. Buying a diamond ring is an investment, so you must ensure that it counts.
Shining Bright Like a Diamond
Diamonds vary in quality and price, each fitting a specific budget or need. Knowing the value of a 3/8 carat diamond places you in a better position when choosing diamond jewelry. Though always remember that many factors play a role in buying diamond jewelry more than the diamond itself. I hope you enjoyed and learned from this article.
