Looking at the available types of diamonds you may stumble upon salt and pepper diamonds: the remarkable stones that will draw your attention with their outward appearance and the history behind them.
Unlike traditional salt and pepper diamonds, the stones are known for their inclusions and are deemed to possess character. But how do their values stand concerning each other? Are such untraditional stones worthy of investment?
This article focuses on the value proposition of salt and pepper diamonds by breaking it from different dimensions such as aesthetic appeal, scarcity, and demand.
The Allure of Salt and Pepper Diamonds
Unique Beauty
Salt and pepper diamonds are famous for their unique appearance, which has black and white speckles inclusions that make the diamond look like it has a mystical power. Unlike the common white diamonds, where the clarity and brilliance of the stone are highly desirable, the inclusions are celebrated in salt and pepper diamonds. These characteristics make them greatly sought after due to their difference from the traditional ideal diamonds.
Natural Inclusions
The aspects of salt and pepper diamonds are inherent and each addition inside the stone is unique. Some of these inclusions, described as ‘salt’ and ‘pepper,’ may be tiny black speckles while others may be large brown areas. Although these inclusions detract from the diamond’s clarity grade, they personalize the stone and enhance its beauty. These natural variations are appreciated by many buyers, contributing to the diamond’s appeal and desirability.
Evaluating the Value of Salt and Pepper Diamonds
Market Demand
The market value of salt and pepper diamonds depends on market trends and has gradually risen throughout the last few years. This has led to an increased demand for unconventional and uncommon stones such as salt and pepper diamonds. Due to that peculiarity, they are popular in creating engagement rings and other fancy pieces of jewelry, thus affecting their market value.
Rarity and Availability
Salt and pepper diamonds are less common than normal diamonds because they contain inclusions within the stone. But they are not as scarce as other colored diamonds such as the pink or the blue diamonds on the market. Salt and pepper diamonds are not common because they are different from typical gemstones and each piece is unique. This rarity can be an advantage in its own right, especially when in the hands of collectors and other people who are looking for a unique piece of pieces of jewelry.
Price Comparison
In general, the cost of salt and pepper diamonds is lower than that of normal diamonds of the same carat size and clarity. This is because the distinguishing features of these gems include characteristics that determine their clarity grade and thus their prices. However, a low price does not mean a lower value; instead, it indicates the current market trend and hardness of the stones. While keeping the charm and uniqueness of salt and pepper diamonds in mind, this should still provide value for money for buyers.
Factors Affecting Salt and Pepper Diamond Value
Quality of Inclusions
The presence of inclusions and their quality and distribution greatly determine the value of a salt and pepper diamond. The gems where the inclusion is evenly distributed and performed as an art piece may cost more than those with the concentration of the blemishes. When valuing the rock, buyers should not only look at the general appearance of the stone concerning the inclusions present within the rock.
Cut and Shape
The cut and shape of a salt and pepper diamond can also vary, and the distinction will affect the price. In general, a higher value will be given to a diamond that is cut perfectly so that the body of the stone shows the beauty as well as the inclusions found in the gem. Just as the shape of a diamond, whether round, princess, or some other cut, can sway its relative value and attractiveness.
Certification and Appraisal
However, some additional information is required to compare these salt and pepper diamonds with other regular diamonds to do this, it is not necessary to receive the mentioned grading report, but it will make sense to receive an estimate of the value of the diamond. An appraisal involves some assessment of the cut, clarity, color, and carat weight of the diamond through which its value is ascertained.
Conclusion
Salt and pepper diamonds, with their flaws and natural incorporation of both light and darkness, are a mesmerizing accent to any piece of jewelry that does not include traditional gemstones. Even though there are differences between them and traditionally used diamonds, these stones are gaining popularity for their non-traditional appeal.
The factors affecting the value of salt and pepper diamonds include market demand, rarity, and inclusions on the diamond. However, for those who have a value appreciation for these stones, salt and pepper diamonds should be worth every dollar spent.