How to Value a Pink Diamond

One thing is certain, if you are looking for a pink diamond, you are entering into the realm of exquisite, luxury jewellery. Pink diamonds are arguably some of the most valuable precious gems on the planet due to their rarity and stunning hues. It is important to understand how these precious diamonds are priced when you’re deciding which stone to buy–some pink diamonds can cost up to $1,000,000 by fulfilling certain criteria set by the industry. 

If you are considering buying a pink diamond engagement ring or pink diamond earrings, Australia is home to some of the finest pink diamonds on earth.

The Four Cs 

Put simply, the four Cs of cut, colour, clarity and carat are what determines the value of a diamond. However, in reference to the superior pink diamond, it’s the colour which plays the most important role in determining its value.

Colour

The colour of a diamond comes down to the following three factors: hue, saturation, and tone. Hue refers to the dominant colour of the stone, saturation describes its brightness, and tone describes the lightness or darkness of the hue. While these factors apply to the range of stone colours, pink diamonds are graded in value according to the Argyle scale. 

As part of this system, each diamond is separated into four different colour varieties which are labelled, in order of rarity: PP (purple pink), P (pink), PR (pink rose), and PC (pink champagne). After ascertaining the colour, a further scale is employed which represents the strength of the colour, on a scale of one to ten, with one being the deepest shade of colour. According to the Argyle scale, a diamond with a rating of 1PP would be in the rarest colour category with the most intense shade of colour, thereby making it an extremely rare and valuable pink diamond. 

Cut

Stones are meticulously cut by professionals to intensify their shine. Cutting allows the diamond to catch the light and glow. Another important factor in the cut is the shape, such as pear, cushion, princess, or solitaire, which will depend on the skill of the cutter and the piece of jewellery for which the stone is cut.

Clarity

This refers to whether or not a diamond has any imperfections, such as trauma (blemishes), or notable damage in the heart of the stone (inclusions). When these are present, pink diamonds may lose some of their value. However, the colour rating on the Argyle scale will have a much greater impact on price than the clarity of the stone.

Carat

Carat is the term for the unit of weight used for diamonds. Pink diamonds above 0.1 carats command a high value due to their rarity. Should you find a pink diamond above 0.2 carats, you’ll have one of the world’s most valuable gems, as these are exceptionally rare. One carat is the equivalent to 200 milligrams, but they are also split into a further one hundred weight points, so the variety within sizes can vary greatly. It is important to note that carat value doesn’t equate to size, as other aspects of the stone play a part in determining the size of the diamond. 

Final Thoughts

When choosing a pink diamond, keep the above factors in mind as you make your choice. Be conscious of the fact that while these attributes play a part in dictating a pink diamond’s value, it will ultimately be its colour that plays the largest role. For the best pink diamond jewellery options, be sure to check out Holloway Diamonds’ wide selection today!

Wondering whether or not diamond jewellery appreciates or how rare diamonds are in general? We can help–take a look at our recent posts.