When making a purchase on something as meaningful as a gem, it is important to do your research. Whether you are purchasing for yourself or for that special someone, diamonds are a long term investment. Make sure you understand what you are buying and that you can trust the source so you are not fooled into spending top dollar for mediocre quality.
Many people opt for buying composite diamonds but often ask themselves; are they real? Yes, Composite diamonds can be real! There are different kinds of composite diamonds so if you’re looking for the real deal, you’ll need to learn what to watch out for.
In this buyer’s guide we will go over the ins and outs of buying composite diamonds. We will explain what exactly a composite diamond is, what to look for when purchasing a composite diamond, as well as their cost and value so that you can feel confident in making this important decision.
What is a composite diamond?
Composite diamonds are formed by combining multiple smaller diamonds to create the illusion of a larger piece. Sometimes they will be fused together to form one larger diamond, or they can also be combined in a cluster so that each gem is highlighted. They can be comprised of diamonds of the same size or of a variety of sizes.
Types of Composite Diamonds
Composite diamonds are often doublets or triplets, meaning two or three diamonds are fused together in a certain pattern to resemble one larger diamond. They can also be arranged in clusters to give a unique look.
Composite diamonds are a great alternative to purchasing a piece of jewelry with one larger diamond, as the cost is usually significantly lower.
Composite Diamonds Can Be Real!
Many people wonder if composite diamonds are real. Just like many other gems, composite diamonds can be the real deal or they can be stimulants.
Stimulants vs Authentic Diamonds
Stimulants are man made gems that are not naturally occurring in the environment. They are lab made to resemble the real deal. Stimulants of composite diamonds are often made of cubic zirconia, glass, or moissanite. These imitation gems just don’t have the same sparkle and quality of authentic diamonds.
Determining whether a composite diamond is genuine is not about how many gems are fused together. It is simply about the authenticity of the diamond. Jewelry can be made up of a combination of real diamonds and stimulants also. When shopping for composite diamonds, be sure to verify that it is made up of real diamonds if that is what you’re looking for.
Composite Diamonds Are Cheaper
Most people are drawn to composite diamonds simply because of the cost. They offer beauty without the hefty price tag of a solitary diamond.
Carat weight determines the cost of a diamond, but there isn’t a uniform dollar per carat amount. You could end up paying up to five times more for a two carat diamond than you would a one carat diamond.
When you buy a composite diamond, you are paying for the carat weight of multiple smaller diamonds, making the cost much more affordable.
Price Comparison of Composite To Solitaire Diamonds
Prices of a solitary loose diamond weighing 1 carat range from about $2,000-$10,000. Prices of a solitary loose diamond weighing 2 carats range from about $10,000-$25,000!
At this price rate, you could purchase a composite diamond with a total weight of 2 carats for a minimum of $4,000. You would spend at least $10,000 for a solitaire diamond with the same weight.
Pros Of Composite Diamonds
Very Affordable
If you are on a budget, composite diamonds can offer a great solution. Composite diamonds are much more affordable than larger solitaire diamonds. They are perfect for people who want that beautiful and elegant look without the hefty price tag. At less than half the cost of a solitaire, composite diamonds are a great option!
Large Variety of Designs
Variety of designs are a huge plus when it comes to composite diamonds. They can be combined to form almost any design or shape.
Flowers, ovals, and halos are common designs chosen. Or you can have them placed to form a unique cluster design that no one else will have! Solitaires don’t offer the opportunity to create a unique design like composite diamonds do.
Ability To Mix & Match
You could also incorporate many different types of gems in a composite piece of jewelry. You could combine rubies with diamonds in a unique pattern. Multiple different types of gems could create an elegant and personal look to any piece. Composite diamonds give you the ability to personalize any piece of jewelry and make it truly your own.
Owning a composite piece of jewelry gives you versatility. It could pair well with many other pieces of jewelry or be worn on its own. A composite piece could be worn with casual clothing daily. It could also be saved for those special events when you want an elegant addition to your gown.
Cons Of Composite Diamonds
As with anything in life, there are downsides to composite diamonds. Repair costs are a big factor when considering this purchase. Since there are multiple diamonds, the chances of failure are higher. You have a higher risk of a diamond falling out of place and needing replacing or repairing.
Sometimes the cost of repair will negate the savings on the original purchase of the diamond. You should take this into consideration if you plan to have a composite piece that you will be wearing daily. These diamonds are placed closely together and their bond may become loose over time.
Difficult To Clean
Compared to a solitaire, composite diamonds have more surfaces and crevices that will require cleaning. Most jewelers offer free cleanings, but only on an annual basis. If your jeweler doesn’t offer this service or you need cleanings more than once a year, you’ll have to foot the bill.
Do Not Hold Value
Composite diamonds don’t hold their value as well as single larger diamonds. Since the diamonds in a composite piece are smaller, they are not valued as high as solitaires. A lot of composite diamonds are unique to the buyer so their demand will be lower than a solitaire.
The jewelry market is constantly fluctuating so it is hard to determine what your diamonds will be worth in the future. But keep in mind you will be hard-pressed to find someone willing to pay the same price you did if you decide to resell in the future.
Lack of Certification For Most
Most jewelers have their diamonds certified by special organizations. The Gemological Institute of America is one of the most common organizations. When a jeweler is able to certify a diamond they can increase the price.
This certification gives the buyer the confidence they need to trust the quality and authenticity of the diamond they are purchasing.
Certifications take time and cost money though, so most jewelers won’t certify a diamond weighing less than 1 carat. Since most composite diamonds consist of smaller diamonds weighing less than one carat, they likely won’t be certified. This results in a lower price tag but also a lower resale value.
Things to Look Out For When Buying a Composite Diamond
Hopefully you will be purchasing from a jeweler you can trust, but just in case we will help you understand a few terms and methods used in composite diamonds. When purchasing a composite diamond you may want to look out for a few things to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck!
How Are They Held Together?
Talk to your jeweler about how the diamonds are held together. They can be fused or glued together. Glue will break down over time, especially if your composite piece is made up of natural gems of high quality. Look for a set that has been fused together to assure it stays in place for a long period of time.
Carat Weight Explained
Another thing to look out for is total carat weight vs carat weight, often abbreviated as TCW and CW respectively. The total carat weight is the weight of all the diamonds together, while the carat weight is the weight of a single diamond.
Confusing these terms can cause you to spend more than you intend to on a smaller diamond set. TCW is the term most often used when referring to composite diamonds.
Value & Investment
It all depends on you, the buyer. When you are looking to buy a special piece of jewelry, consider all options. Composite diamonds may be a great investment for someone looking to purchase a unique and personal piece that will be cherished by one person forever.
If you’re the kind of person that may get bored with a piece, then a solitaire may be a better choice considering the ease of reselling.
Keep in mind also how often you plan to wear the piece of jewelry and the cost of repairs and cleanings. Investing in material objects isn’t always about how much their worth in monetary value, but also the joy and memories it brings someone.
Conclusion
So what are we saying? Being so versatile and affordable, composite diamonds are a great choice for many people! They offer versatility in cost and design! Mix with natural gems and stimulants for a lower cost. Combine other gems such as rubies and sapphires for a unique design and personal look! If you’re on a budget or you just want to have a piece of jewelry you know is your very own, composite diamonds are for you!
Our Team of 10 includes jewelry experts, antique Buyers & Sellers, baseball card collectors, and other appraisal experts.
