Top 10 Myths About Diamonds You Should Stop Believing
Many buyers walk into jewelry stores with so many myths and false beliefs about diamonds. These myths cause stress, poor choices, or overpaying. If you're shopping for an engagement ring or custom piece, knowing the facts is critical. The truth is not all that sparkles is misunderstood.
Let’s clear the confusion and myths that help you buy smarter, with clarity and confidence.
Some Popular Myths About Diamonds That Are Not True
Following are the most viral and commonly believed myths about diamonds which should not be considered true.
Myth 1: Diamonds Are Rare
Truth: Diamonds are abundant, but high-grade diamonds are limited.
Diamonds exist in large quantities globally. Advances in mining, particularly in Russia, Canada, and Botswana, have increased supply. What’s actually rare? Diamonds with flawless clarity, perfect symmetry, and fancy natural colors. These stones represent less than 1% of all mined diamonds.
De Beers' historical advertising created the illusion of scarcity. Today, transparency in diamond sourcing debunks the idea that every diamond is a rare treasure.
Fact Check: Most diamonds used in commercial jewelry are readily available and mass-produced.
Myth 2: Bigger Diamonds Are Always More Valuable
Truth: Size is only one of four key value factors.
Carat weight affects price, but it's not the only factor. The 4Cs cut, color, clarity, and carat work together to determine a diamond’s market value. A poorly cut 2.0-carat diamond may appear dull and lifeless next to a perfectly cut 1.0-carat diamond.
Diamond cutters often sacrifice carat weight to improve brilliance. That’s why cut quality carries heavy weight in price and visual appeal.
Example: A 1.25-carat ideal cut may outperform a 2.0-carat shallow cut in sparkle and price.
Myth 3: All Diamonds Are Created Equal
Truth: Certified diamonds offer verifiable quality. Others do not.
Diamond grading varies between labs. Some use loose standards, inflating value claims. That’s why GIA and IGI remain the most trusted grading institutions worldwide. They provide objective reports on every diamond's 4Cs and fluorescence.
Without certification, there’s no third-party proof of quality. Many uncertified diamonds are lower in clarity or color than claimed.
Best Practice: Always request GIA or IGI certification when buying any diamond above 0.30 carats.
Myth 4: You Can Judge a Diamond by Its Sparkle
Truth: Store lighting can be misleading.
Retail lighting is designed to enhance brilliance and mask flaws. But sparkle alone doesn't reflect diamond quality. A diamond with poor symmetry or excessive depth may sparkle in-store but appear dull in natural light.
Cut grade, polish, and light performance metrics (like HCA scores) determine real-world brilliance. Professional tools like ASET and Ideal Scope give a clearer picture.
Pro Tip: Ask to view diamonds under neutral light and with magnification tools before making a decision.
Myth 5: Diamonds Don’t Break
Truth: Diamonds are hard but not unbreakable.
Diamonds rank 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning they resist scratching. But hardness isn’t toughness. Diamonds can chip, especially near edges or sharp corners like the tips of marquise and princess cuts.
Daily wear, accidental knocks, or poor prong settings can cause damage. That’s why proper care and protection, such as insurance and regular inspections, are essential.
Recommendation: Choose a secure setting for exposed edges, especially for active lifestyles.
Myth 6: Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Fake
Truth: Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and optically identical to mined diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds are not simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite. They are real diamonds created using High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) technology. They offer a more affordable and eco-conscious alternative.
The only difference lies in origin. While natural diamonds formed over billions of years underground, lab-grown diamonds form in weeks inside advanced labs.
Bonus: Most lab-grown diamonds cost 30–40% less than their mined counterparts.
Myth 7: Fancy Color Diamonds Are Always Treated
Truth: Many fancy colored diamonds are completely natural.
Natural fancy colors; blue, pink, and yellow are among the rarest stones in the world. These diamonds get their hues from trace elements. For example, nitrogen causes yellow, while boron causes blue.
However, color-treated diamonds do exist. Heat and irradiation techniques enhance color in lower-grade stones. Only a certified gemologist can confirm the origin.
Expert Tip: Always check for color origin on the GIA grading report before purchasing a fancy colored diamond.
Myth 8: Diamonds Always Hold or Increase Value
Truth: Most diamonds depreciate after purchase.
Retail diamonds often include markup for brand, labor, and distribution. Unless the stone is exceptionally rare (e.g. Vivid Blue or Flawless D-IF over 5 carats), most diamonds lose value on the secondary market.
Investment-grade diamonds are rare, documented, and typically purchased through auctions or private dealers not retail.
Important Note: Buy diamonds for love or legacy, not as a short-term investment.
Myth 9: You Must Spend Two Months’ Salary
Truth: This rule is outdated marketing.
The “two-month rule” was created by De Beers to boost diamond sales during economic slumps. Financial advisors today recommend spending based on your savings, financial goals, and lifestyle.
A smart budget often balances all 4Cs, prioritizing cut quality and clarity over sheer carat weight.
Realistic Approach: Many customers find ideal engagement rings in the $3,000 to $7,000 range, depending on preferences.
Myth 10: All Diamonds Are Conflict-Free
Truth: Not all diamonds are ethically sourced unless verified.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) helps reduce trade in conflict diamonds, but it’s not foolproof. Gaps in traceability and regulation still exist, especially in regions without strict enforcement.
Ethical jewelers go beyond KPCS by tracing the entire supply chain. At Leon Diamond, we source from verified suppliers who follow environmental and labor standards.
Peace of Mind: Ask for sourcing policies and origin guarantees before purchasing any diamond
Frequently Asked Questions
Are diamonds always the hardest material on Earth?
While diamonds are extremely hard and can only be scratched by other diamonds, they are not the hardest material on Earth. Some synthetic materials and certain natural substances, like graphene, are harder than diamonds.
Is a higher carat always better when buying diamonds?
Not necessarily. Carat refers to the weight of the diamond, but it doesn't determine the overall quality. The diamond's cut, clarity, and color are just as important. A well-cut smaller diamond may look more brilliant than a larger, poorly cut one.
Do diamonds hold their value forever?
While diamonds can hold value, they don't always increase in price or provide a solid return on investment. The market for diamonds can fluctuate, and their resale value is often much lower than their original price.
Can a diamond's brilliance be affected by its clarity?
Yes, the clarity of a diamond plays a role in its brilliance. Diamonds with fewer inclusions (flaws) generally reflect light better, but a diamond's cut is the primary factor affecting its sparkle.
Are all diamonds ethically sourced?
No, not all diamonds are ethically sourced. Some diamonds, known as "conflict diamonds," are mined in war zones and sold to fund armed conflict. It's important to ensure diamonds are sourced responsibly through certifications like the Kimberley Process.
Break Free from Diamond Myths with Trusted Guidance
Diamond buying doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you understand what really affects a diamond’s quality and value, you gain confidence. Myths fade, and facts lead your decisions.
Leon Diamond has guided over 100,000 clients with transparent, certified diamond expertise in New York's Diamond District since 1975. Whether you're choosing your first engagement ring or customizing a one-of-a-kind piece, our experts are here to help you avoid common traps and get real value. Are you ready to make your diamond decision with clarity? Book a private appointment with one of our gemologists today.
