Why Are Diamonds So Expensive? How to Know If the Price Is Justified? What Makes a Diamond Different from Cubic Zirconia or Moissanite?

Diamonds have always been a symbol of luxury, love, and eternity. They sparkle in engagement rings, adorn earrings and pendants, and often become family heirlooms passed from generation to generation. But one of the most common questions remains: why are diamonds so expensive? And how can you be sure that the price is fair, and you are purchasing a real diamond rather than an imitation?

In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the high value of diamonds, explain how to determine whether their price is justified, and compare them with the most popular substitutes — cubic zirconia and moissanite.

1. Why Are Diamonds So Expensive?

The price of a diamond is shaped by several essential factors:

- Natural Origin

Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth under extreme pressure and temperature. Their age often ranges from 1 to 3 billion years. Each stone is a unique creation of nature, impossible to reproduce on a mass scale.

- Rarity

Diamonds are among the rarest gemstones on Earth. Mining requires tremendous effort, financial investment, and advanced technologies. From tons of rock, only a few carats of gem-quality diamonds are extracted.

- The 4Cs System

The global value of diamonds is determined according to the 4Cs grading system:

• Carat — the weight of the stone.

• Cut — the quality of the cut, which defines the brilliance.

• Color — ranging from completely colorless to shades of yellow or brown.

• Clarity — the presence or absence of inclusions.

The higher the grading in each category, the more valuable the diamond.

- Certification

High-quality diamonds are accompanied by official certificates (GIA, HRD, IGI), which confirm their characteristics. Certification significantly influences the price.

2. How to Know If the Price of a Diamond Is Justified?

To ensure you are paying the right price, consider:

• Certificate — a report from a recognized lab such as GIA or HRD.

• 4Cs evaluation — the cut, clarity, color, and carat weight.

• Origin — ethically sourced diamonds add to their value.

• Craftsmanship and brand — the artistry of a jeweler and the reputation of a brand are part of the price.

3. How Are Diamonds Different from Cubic Zirconia?

Cubic zirconia (CZ) is the most common diamond alternative. At first glance, it may look similar, but the differences are clear:

• Origin: fully synthetic stone.

• Price: dozens of times cheaper than diamonds.

• Sparkle: bright but with a “glassy” shine, lacking depth.

• Durability: scratches easily and becomes cloudy over time.

• Weight: heavier than diamonds of the same size.

CZ is good for affordable jewelry but has no long-term, investment, or emotional value.

4. How Are Diamonds Different from Moissanite?

Moissanite is another popular diamond substitute.

• Origin: naturally extremely rare; used in jewelry only as a lab-created stone.

• Brilliance: even higher than diamonds, with a rainbow-like fiery sparkle.

• Price: significantly cheaper than diamonds but more expensive than cubic zirconia.

• Durability: very hard (9.25 on the Mohs scale), but still softer than diamonds (10).

• Certification: lacks an established grading system comparable to GIA.

Moissanite can be beautiful, but its distinct rainbow flashes and lack of investment value set it apart from diamonds.

5. Why Choose Diamonds Over Their Alternatives?

• Uniqueness: every natural diamond is one of a kind.

• Investment value: the price of natural diamonds has historically grown over time.

• Emotional value: diamond jewelry often becomes part of family heritage.

• Status and symbolism: a diamond remains a timeless emblem of love, loyalty, and success.

6. Kimberli: Only Natural Diamonds and Bank-Standard Gold

At Kimberli, we believe in true authenticity. That is why we use only natural diamonds and bank-standard gold. Every gemstone is accompanied by a certificate from leading laboratories (GIA or HRD), guaranteeing its quality and natural origin.

By choosing Kimberli jewelry, you are not just purchasing a piece of adornment — you are investing in eternity, beauty, and value that will last for generations.

Diamonds are expensive because they are rare, unique, and eternal. Their price reflects billions of years of natural history, strict international quality standards, and unmatched beauty. While cubic zirconia and moissanite may look similar, they can never match the value, brilliance, and symbolism of a true diamond.