How To Buy Loose Diamonds

First-time buyers may feel that buying a loose diamond means more work – this is not true. Good vendors selling loose diamonds ensure that the process is straight forward. From choosing the diamond to mounting it in the setting and arriving safely at your door, the best companies will offer support at every step of the journey (without the pushy sales patter). These simple steps are all you need to successfully shop for loose diamonds. 

Certification 

Only consider buying a loose diamond that has been certified by the GIA or AGS. These laboratories are acknowledged as the most consistent and accurate grading authorities. Less reputable grading bodies will give inflated grades leading to customers over-spending on lower quality diamonds.

The 4Cs

Whether shopping for pre-set or loose diamonds, a competent understanding of the Four C’s is essential. Our education pages cover the Four C’s in-depth, giving you the opportunity to arm yourself with knowledge before splashing out on a diamond. Why not take a look at our diamond buying guide for more information?

Spare yourself the biased sales pitch and instead seek reliable sources that will help you maximize your budget without compromising on quality.

Compare

One of the huge perks of buying a loose diamond online is the large inventories of loose stones available to view. While a brick-and-mortar store may hold a few loose diamonds for you to look it, they cannot compete with the variety found through online vendors. This gives you the chance to make side by side comparisons of quality and diamond prices, and rule out unsuitable diamonds with ease. 

Loose diamonds aren’t only purchased for engagement rings. Pendants, rings, and even earrings can all be set with your loose stones. Vendors such as James Allen offering a matching service, allowing buyers to find equivalent diamonds for their earrings. 

Filter

Filter tools feature on almost every site selling loose diamonds. They are a fantastic way to search within specific quality brackets and observe first hand how these impact on the price. 

Advanced search filters give buyers the chance to fully refine their search, focusing in on the all-important intricacies of diamond cut. 

Diamond Images

High-res photos will prove a big help when buying loose diamonds online. James Allen, Whiteflash, and Blue Nile all provide super clear, magnified images of the diamond – even easier than using a jeweler’s loupe. Look out for ‘sample images’ used on websites; there is nothing wrong with vendors using sample images for their diamonds, but be sure to establish if what you are looking at; is the photo of the diamond you intend to buy or a stock image?

Whiteflash loose diamonds also come with additional light performance reports and images – their commitment to cut quality and fully informed customers shines through their business. 

Is It Cheaper To Buy A Loose Diamond?

Loose diamonds aren’t necessarily cheaper than their mounted equivalent, however, they have the advantage of offering buyers a ‘complete view’ – no inclusions hidden by prongs or color concealment against a setting. Buying a loose diamond online will be considerably cheaper than buying from a store.

Diamond prices and personal budgets are going to be the greatest influences over your search. No compromises, no nasty surprises – buying loose diamonds online offers complete clarity and gives you total control over your budget. 

People often ask the price of 1ct loose diamonds, for example, but whether the diamond is loose or in a setting, every quality characteristic will influence the price. Where possible, diamonds should be assessed on a stone to stone basis. You can also use our diamond price charts and calculators to get a better idea of how to set your budget.