In the past, diamonds were primarily sold as individual gemstones due to their high intrinsic value. However, over time, they became popular in various jewelry pieces, leading to a shift in the diamond market.
This transition has sparked discussions and conspiracies about whether diamonds and settings can be purchased separately. The answer is unequivocally yes, as buying diamonds and settings separately offers several advantages.
In this article, we will explore the main benefits and drawbacks of purchasing diamonds and settings individually. Additionally, we will delve into the popularity of different diamond settings and discuss the optimal timing for acquiring diamonds and settings separately.
If you’re curious about this topic and seeking answers to your questions, we encourage you to read on. Stay tuned for valuable insights throughout the article.
DESIGN YOUR OWN ENGAGEMENT RING: START WITH A SETTING OR START WITH A DIAMOND. IT’S REALLY UP TO YOU!
Buying Preset Diamond Jewelry – Pros and Cons
When it comes to purchasing diamonds, whether for a special occasion or as a gift, one must consider whether to buy a preset diamond or a loose diamond. The decision between the two options has its own advantages and disadvantages, which we will explore further.
Preset diamond jewelry offers convenience and accessibility. These pieces can be found in numerous jewelry shops, making the buying process straightforward. You can visit a store, browse through a variety of preset diamond jewelry options, and select the one that catches your eye. Once you’ve made your choice, simply inform the jeweler, pay the price, and walk out with your new jewelry. This option is ideal for those who know what they want or have a time constraint.
However, it’s important to note that preset diamond jewelry is often more expensive compared to buying diamonds separately. Jewelers tend to embed diamonds with higher carat weights in preset rings to make them more appealing, resulting in higher prices. For example, if you’re specifically looking for a one-carat preset diamond ring, you may find that most options available are actually 1.4 carats, leading to unexpected costs.
Additionally, preset diamond jewelry offers limited versatility. It can be challenging to make alterations or modifications to these pieces, and any customizations can be costly. Keep this in mind if you prefer a more personalized or unique design.
Lastly, brick-and-mortar jewelry stores typically have a limited selection of preset diamond rings, offering only a few choices. This can restrict your options and make it harder to find the perfect piece that matches your preferences.
Considering these factors, buying preset diamond jewelry may not always be the optimal choice. Now, let’s move on to discussing the most popular diamond settings to further enhance your knowledge in this area.
Popular Diamond Settings
For many people, diamonds are not their area of expertise, especially compared to those who work in the diamond industry. So, let’s take a quick look at some popular diamond settings:
- Pavé Setting: This setting involves placing smaller diamonds close together around the central diamond to create a continuous sparkle. It is a great choice for those who prefer preset diamond rings with a smaller central diamond, offering an affordable option.
- Bezel Setting: Designed for those concerned about diamond safety, the bezel setting surrounds the diamond with a thin metal rim, providing protection. It is a popular choice for people who want to wear their diamonds daily, as it ensures the diamond remains secure.
- Tension Setting: In the tension setting, the central diamond is held in place by the tension of the ring band. This setting offers both protection and an elegant, modern look. However, it is worth noting that tension-set diamond rings can be slightly more expensive due to the complexity of the setting.
If you’d like to explore more about popular diamond settings, you can click on the provided link to learn everything you need to know.
Now, let’s take a brief break from discussing individual diamond settings and focus on the pros and cons of loose diamonds versus preset settings.
Loose Diamonds & Setting – Pros and Cons
As we mentioned earlier, purchasing loose diamonds and settings separately requires more time and patience, especially if you’re looking for something unique or exotic.
One of the main advantages of buying them individually is the flexibility it offers, particularly when it comes to the central diamond. Depending on the type of setting you choose, you’ll need to strike a balance between the quality of the stone and the overall security provided by the setting.
When evaluating the quality of a diamond, the diamond industry relies on the 4Cs:
- Carat: Diamonds, like other precious stones, are measured in carats. A carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams and determines the size of the diamond.
- Color: Diamonds can be classified as either colorless or colored. It’s important to note that colorless diamonds are not actually white; they simply lack noticeable color.
- Cut: The cut of a diamond is crucial for its ability to reflect and capture light. Professional diamond cutters perform the intricate cutting process to maximize a diamond’s brilliance.
- Clarity: Diamonds are examined for both external and internal flaws to determine their clarity.
Now, let’s shift our focus back to the main topic and discuss the right time to purchase preset diamond jewelry.
Main Differences Between Preset Diamonds And Loose Diamonds
As we established earlier, preset diamond jewelry is generally more expensive compared to purchasing loose diamonds and settings separately.
This price difference is not surprising, considering the craftsmanship and skill required to create jewelry embedded with diamonds. The labor-intensive process adds to the cost of preset diamond jewelry.
It’s challenging to provide an exact answer to the question of how expensive preset diamond rings can be. However, based on current market trends, we can offer a general idea:
Flawless or D color 1-carat preset diamond rings can cost well above $10,000. On the other hand, good quality single-carat preset diamond rings are typically priced between $6,500 and $7,500.
It’s important to note that prices in the diamond industry are subject to inflation, which can significantly impact the cost of jewelry once it arrives at local jewelry shops.
So, when is the right time to purchase preset diamond jewelry?
If possible, it is advisable to conduct extensive research and explore all available options within your vicinity. Building connections with individuals working in jewelry shops can be helpful as they can provide valuable assistance and guidance.
Ideally, the best time to buy preset diamond jewelry is to order directly from a professional diamond cutter before they are sent to jewelry shops. By bypassing the retail markup, you can potentially save a significant amount of money.
Now, let’s delve into the topic of buying loose diamonds and settings separately.
When Should You Buy Diamonds & Setting Separately
On the contrary, opting to purchase loose diamonds and settings separately is a more efficient and profitable choice.
By buying them individually, you can save up to 30% or even more, depending on the central diamond and the chosen setting.
While buying preset diamond jewelry has its advantages, purchasing loose diamonds and settings offers numerous benefits across the board.
First and foremost, selecting loose diamonds and settings individually grants you greater freedom of choice. With preset diamond jewelry, you may encounter visible flaws and limitations, not to mention the higher price tag.
However, when you embark on the search for a loose diamond, you have the opportunity to thoroughly evaluate potential central stones and find the perfect match for your desired setting.
It is crucial that the setting complements the central stone, rather than the other way around. Your primary focus should be on selecting a diamond that holds its own value and worth within the jewelry piece.
Certain diamond shapes may not be compatible with most settings, so engaging in a detailed discussion with a trusted jeweler is essential in order to make the right decision.
That being said, if you are pressed for time, purchasing preset diamond jewelry is not as daunting as it may seem.
Moreover, when you buy loose diamonds and settings separately, you always retain the option to make alterations in the future, unlike many preset diamond jewelry pieces that are labeled as antique or difficult to modify.
Summarization
With these key points in mind, we conclude today’s article on the topic of “Can you buy setting and diamond separately?”. Let’s recap the main takeaways:
In most cases, it is more cost-effective and flexible to purchase diamonds and settings separately. This allows you to carefully evaluate the 4C’s (carat, color, cut, and clarity) of the central diamond, which significantly influences the quality of diamond-embedded rings.
When buying a setting, it is essential to have already found the central stone to ensure a good match. Purchasing preset diamond jewelry should be considered a last resort when time is limited and finding a suitable loose diamond and setting individually is not feasible.
In summary, it is generally a wise decision to buy loose diamonds and settings separately. We hope you found today’s topic enjoyable, and we look forward to sharing more with you in the future!
