Debunking Common Myths Surrounding Diamond Jewelry: Part 1

Specialty jewelers generate more than 43% of the jewelry industry’s sales in the United States. But before you invest in any type of handcrafted jewelry, you should understand exactly what you’re getting. Diamonds, for example, are one of the most popular minerals for jewelry, and diamond jewelry is one of the few things that will actually increase in value over the years. And, of course, if you’re purchasing custom wedding rings or another meaningful piece of jewelry, its true value is incalculable.

So before you invest in custom jewelry, either for yourself or your sweetheart, there are a number of myths and misconceptions about diamond jewelry that many people still believe. Here are just a few of the most common myths about diamonds and diamond jewelry.

Carat is a term that refers to the size of the actual diamond
This is a common misconception. The reality is that a diamond’s carat simply refers to its weight. The size is more dependent on the depth of the cut itself. For example, a wider and shorter stone will almost always appear larger than a narrower but longer stone, even though it may have a lower carat weight. Keep in mind, however, that a cut that is too deep or shallow is likely to significantly limit the amount of light reflected in the diamond, thus lowering its overall value.

Since diamonds are the hardest substance known to man, diamond jewelry is indestructible
It’s completely true that diamonds are the world’s hardest mineral. However, that doesn’t mean that diamond jewelry itself is impervious to damage. Diamonds can still be scratched or chipped if not properly taken care of. You should also keep in mind that the vast majority of diamond jewelry uses other substances, such as gold, silver, and platinum, and some of these features are especially delicate, such as chains and links. These features make diamond jewelry vulnerable to damage just as any other type of jewelry. Not only that, but countless custom wedding rings have ended up at the bottom of a bathroom drain. Keep these facts in mind when choosing the materials for any custom jewelry designs.

A higher clarity grade means more brilliance
Brilliance is a term that refers to the amount of light reflected within the diamond. However, it isn’t affected by the color or clarity of the stone. Color grade simply refers to the amount of yellow and discoloration the stone possesses. Most diamond jewelry would need to have a very low color grade in order for its brilliance level to be affected.

Ultimately, understanding these myths about diamonds and diamond jewelry can help you make the right decision for your personal handcrafted jewelry needs. Stay tuned for the next post, where we’ll debunk even more myths about diamonds, and for more information about custom wedding rings and other handcrafted jewelry, contact your local jewelry store.