The Biggest Myths About Diamonds Revealed
Whether it’s clever marketing campaigns, uninformed sales people, or just false legends, jewelry buyers often get the wrong idea about various types of jewelry– especially when it comes to diamonds . Before making your next purchase, get the facts on some of the biggest misconceptions about this iconic stone.
Diamonds Are Indestructible
Thanks to one of the most brilliant marketing campaigns ever and a James Bond film, people assume these stones are “forever” – indestructible by man. They’re not. After all, they are cut for setting in jewelry. While they rate a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale making them one of the hardest known minerals, diamonds can chip or crack if hit the wrong way.
The Bigger, The Better
When it comes to diamonds, quality tops quantity. It’s the clarity, cut, and color that factor into the value as well as carat weight. In other words, a small, clear, well cut diamond has a greater monetary value than a larger, poorly cut, cloudy one.
Lab-Created Diamonds Are “Fake”
Diamonds that are grown in labs are physically, chemically, and optically identical to their natural counterparts. The only real difference is one is mined from the earth, the other is grown in a lab. They are real, but not natural. Lab-grown diamonds have fewer flaws than natural ones so a jeweler using a jewelry loupe can usually identify them easily. However, with the naked eye, they look the same. If you want to learn more about lab created stones, check out our article.
Diamonds Are Rare
If diamonds were rare they wouldn’t be found in every jewelry store. How many women do you know who don’t have at least one? True, there is a finite number of them available but that alone doesn’t make them rare stones. They are simply marketed as being rare to enhance their desirability and, hence, their price. The really rare gemstones out there you’ve probably never heard of or seen in your local jewelry shop.
For more diamond facts check out our series Decoding Diamonds.
