Are brown diamonds really worthless?
Is it true that you are said to be “worthless”?
When you search for it, you'll see the keyword "brown diamond worthless." But this"If you compare it to the same standards as colorless and transparent diamonds, the market price is low."This fact is an extreme expression.
Diamond evaluation is generally determined by the 4Cs (carat, color, clarity, and cut). In the color standard (D color to Z color), where the closer to colorless and transparent the higher the evaluation, brown tends to be classified as ``colored = lower rank.''
However, it is onlyRegarding evaluation standards for colorless diamondsThis does not mean that it has no value as a gemstone.
- Brown diamond = poor quality
- It has zero value as a jewel.
- Just an industrial diamond
- The market price is low based on colorless standards.
- Regarded as a fancy color
- Used in jewelry all over the world
Difference in evaluation criteria from colorless transparent diamond
There are two main axes for evaluating diamond color. I'll organize it in the diagram below.
In other words, even the same brown diamondThe way you see value is completely different depending on which criteria you use to evaluate it.It is. When we talk about something being "worthless," we are often talking on a colorless scale.
Why brown diamonds are said to be “worthless”
The reason why the market evaluation is lower than that of transparent diamonds
As exemplified by engagement rings, the mainstay of the diamond market has long been colorless and transparent stones. The image created by De Beers that ``diamonds = colorless, shining symbols of eternity'' has permeated the world.“No color = beautiful” is the standardIt has become.
In this context, colored diamonds, not just brown, are easily seen as ``unideal stones.'' In particular, brown is not as rare as pink or blue, and its market price is modest among fancy colors.
History that it was once used for industrial purposes
Rather than “it was for industrial use = low quality”,"There was no system to evaluate it for use in jewelry."is the correct expression. It is true that low-quality stones were used for industrial purposes, but it is wrong to uniformly call even beautiful brown diamonds ``industrial grade.''
Why brown diamonds are cheap
There are three main reasons why brown diamonds tend to be affordable.
large output
The most commonly produced fancy color. Since it is not extremely rare like pink or blue, the price can be kept down by the balance between supply and demand.
Different color evaluation criteria
It is classified as low on the colorless scale (D to Z). Structural factors make diamonds significantly cheaper than colorless diamonds for the same carat weight.
Sales format such as TV mail order etc.
We purchase large quantities of mainly small grain, low clarity, and treated stones. Low-cost models are priced in the 10,000 yen range.
output is relatively large
One of the biggest factors that influences the price of diamonds israrityIt is. Brown diamonds are said to be the most commonly produced fancy color diamond.
Even though they are fancy colors, pink and blue diamonds are mined in extremely small quantities, and it is not uncommon for them to fetch hundreds of millions of diamonds at auction. Brown is a fancy color that is easy to obtain, so the price can be kept low.
Conversely,The large production volume has the advantage of allowing you to enjoy fancy colors at an affordable price.There is also.
Different criteria for color evaluation
As mentioned above, brown is classified as low on the colorless diamond rating scale (D to Z). This evaluation is reflected in the price, creating a situation where diamonds are significantly cheaper than colorless diamonds despite having the same carat weight.
However, the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) also grades brown diamonds as fancy colors."Fancy Light Brown" "Fancy Brown" "Fancy Deep Brown"There are different levels depending on the depth of the color, and the darker and more vivid the color, the higher the evaluation.
The reason why it is sold cheaply on TV mail order etc.
"I saw a brown diamond necklace in the 10,000 yen range on TV shopping. Isn't it suspicious that it's so cheap?" is a very common question. The reasons behind the low price are as follows.
- carat is small: Mainly mele diamonds (small stones) less than 0.1ct
- The color is dull/light: A stone with a low reputation as a fancy stone.
- Clarity is low: Use stones with many inclusions
- Possibilities of treated stones: Stone whose color has been adjusted through irradiation treatment and HPHT treatment
- bulk purchase:Cost design assuming mass sales
Cheapness itself is not bad, butMake sure you understand why the price is what it is before purchasing.That's important.
Compare warm brown diamonds with Selby
Brown diamonds are attractive with muted colors that are not found in colorless diamonds, such as champagne or cognac colors. You can find the one that suits you by comparing color, design, price, and condition.
A case where even brown diamonds have value
Popular colors (cognac, champagne, etc.)
Among brown diamonds, certain colors are highly popular. First, let's take a look at the typical colors.
Familiar with your skin◎
Luxury◎
Presence◎
For daily use
By all meansSELBY brown diamond jewelry listPlease take a look.
Brown diamonds with such attractive colors are far from being colored = a drawback;The color itself is the core of the designIt is rated as. Brown diamonds have a warmth and vintage feel that white diamonds do not have.
brand jewelry and design
Brown diamonds are actively used by domestic and foreign jewelry brands. The classic combination is pink gold or yellow gold, and the warm colors of the metal harmonize with the brown stones.Sophisticated earth-toned jewelryis born.
Gorgeous and gorgeous. The combination with cognac is popular. A rich impression that looks great in the party scene.
A soft and elegant impression. Excellent compatibility with champagne. A feminine style that is easy to wear on a daily basis.
Brown diamonds made into highly designed jewelry have a value that is on a different level than the average price of a single stone. If you are curious about the actual design,SELBY's Brown Diamond CollectionCheck out the range of colors and designs available.
Where is the price difference for brown diamonds determined?
Even for the same "brown diamond", there is a large difference in price. The main evaluation points are illustrated.
color depth and tint
In a world of fancy colors,The darker and clearer the color, the rarer and more expensive it is.It will be. Try imagining it on the scale below.
Also, rather than simple brownbrown with orange or pinkis more popular in the market, while grayish brown is relatively less rated.
carat and clarity
The price increases as the carat (weight = approximate size) increases. AlsoClarityBrown diamonds with less inclusions and transparency are highly valued for their brightness.
The bigger, the rarer = more expensive. If the price is 0.5ct or more, the price will go up a notch.
The fewer inclusions there are, the brighter the shine and the higher the rating. There are differences in levels that can be seen with the naked eye.
An important element that affects the reflection of light. If the cut is good, even the same stone will shine differently.
Presence of a certificate of authenticity
Whether or not it has a report from a reliable appraisal agency such as GIA or CGL (Central Gem Laboratory) also influences price and reliability.
- Color grade (formal evaluation of color depth and hue)
- Natural stone or treated stone?
- 4C rating (including carat, clarity, and cut)
- Presence or absence of fluorescence
Small mele diamonds generally do not come with a certificate of authenticity,Check if there is a certificate of authenticity for center stones larger than 0.3ct.is recommended.
Brown diamond price list | Accessory price guide
The price range for accessories using brown diamonds is wide, but the range chart below provides a rough guide.
Around 0.1ct
0.2~0.5ct
0.3~1.0ct
Depends on brand design
Even for the same item with the same carat weight, the price will vary greatly depending on the beauty of the color, the material of the base metal (platinum/K18, etc.), brand, and whether or not there is a certificate of authenticity.Understand not just the price but also “why the price”That's important.
If you would like to see the actual price range of brown diamond jewelry,SELBY's brown diamond handling pageis helpful.
Things to know before buying brown diamonds
Be careful about treated stones and quality differences.
Inside the brown diamond,Artificially colored treated stoneexists.
It changes color by irradiating it with radiation. It is possible to add brown or green colors to inexpensive diamonds.
Change and improve color by applying high temperature and pressure. The brown color can be made lighter to bring it closer to colorless, or conversely, it can be made darker.
Although treated stone is not necessarily “bad”,There is a problem if the color is falsely sold as natural color.It is. It is important to purchase from a trusted shop, as the presence or absence of treatment will be noted on the certificate of authenticity.
Choose based on design rather than asset value
Frankly speaking, brown diamondsIt is not a gemstone that has a high resale value as an asset.. If you sell it for purchase in the future, the purchase price will tend to be lower than that of a colorless diamond.
Therefore, rather than "how much it will sell for in the future",Criteria for judgment are ``Can I enjoy wearing it?'' and ``Do I like the design?''This is a tip you won't regret.
- Does the color match your taste (champagne or cognac?)
- Does it have shine? (Check transparency and quality of cut)
- What is the material of the metal (K18, K10, platinum, etc.)
- Is it natural color or treated color (can this be confirmed with a certificate of authenticity)?
- Can the design be used everyday?
- Is it a trustworthy shop?
Compare warm brown diamonds with Selby
Brown diamonds are attractive with muted colors that are not found in colorless diamonds, such as champagne or cognac colors. You can find the one that suits you by comparing color, design, price, and condition.
People who are suitable for brown diamonds and people who are not suitable for them
Based on the information so far, we will sort out the people who are compatible with Brown Diamond and those who are not compatible with it.
- I like warm earth colors
- I often wear gold accessories.
- I want unique jewelry that doesn't overlap with other people.
- Want to enjoy fancy colors at an affordable price?
- Emphasis on “being happy to wear it” rather than asset value
- I like the vintage and natural atmosphere.
- We are particular about "diamond = colorless and transparent brilliance"
- Focus on future resale value
- I want to use it for traditional occasions such as engagement rings.
- I feel reluctant to explain it to others
It's not about which is right or wrong,what you are looking forYou just have to judge it. If you are attracted to the color of brown diamond and are considering it for everyday use or as a treat for yourself, it is a worthwhile option.
Finally
What is the true meaning of the phrase "brown diamonds are worthless"?Comparison of market prices based on colorless transparent diamonds and the historical history of their being used for industrial purposesIt comes from.
Certainly, if you evaluate it using the same criteria as colorless diamonds, the market price is low. You may not have great expectations for asset value.
However, brown diamonds with beautiful colors such as cognac or champagne have a unique charm that colorless diamonds do not have. The warm glow that blends well with the skin will enrich the daily life of the wearer.
The important thing is not to judge someone else's opinion that the item is worthless, but to ask yourself, ``Do you want to wear it?''We hope that you will be able to make the best decision for you based on the information provided in this article.
If you would like to see brown diamond jewelry in person, pleaseSELBY brown diamond jewelry listPlease take a look. Why not find your favorite while comparing the different colors and designs?
Written by Takazo Saito