Why are smaller diamonds more difficult to find?

[lucythedog]

I read that it’s more difficult to find lab stones smaller than 1ct. Is this true? Curious as to why?!

 

[luckygreen317]

I read that it’s more difficult to find lab stones smaller than 1ct. Is this true? Curious as to why?!

I am having a tough time finding .25-.35 lab ovals for a 3 stone ring. My guess is the profit margin is too low. Would love to hear others thoughts too.

 

[Kim N]

I am having a tough time finding .25-.35 lab ovals for a 3 stone ring. My guess is the profit margin is too low. Would love to hear others thoughts too.

I agree. I believe the costs of cutting and grading are largely fixed, so there are decreasing returns as you go smaller.

 

[dkata]

I assume, there is a smaller demand. Basically lab diamonds enable people to buy their dream stone size, which is usually a bigger sized stone, so why produce smaller sizes, if people want to buy bigger ones?

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

There are plenty of LGD tennis bracelets, earrings, etc. Maybe you can’t find loose lab diamonds in small sizes but if you ask the person who you want to make your ring for you, they could source the diamonds.

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

There are plenty of LGD tennis bracelets, earrings, etc. Maybe you can’t find loose lab diamonds in small sizes but if you ask the person who you want to make your ring for you, they could source the diamonds.

ya they're more likely to sell in large parcels for necklaces, bracelets, etc.

 

[Rockdiamond]

It's all in the marketing.
The prices of smaller LGD's have remained pretty constant, while larger stones have dropped in price.
I don't see that changing due to the labor involved.
Another interesting anomoly....
As techniques improve, fewer and fewer H-I-J-K stones are being produced. So now LGD in D color can be cheaper than J color!

 

[Karl_K]

I agree. I believe the costs of cutting and grading are largely fixed, so there are decreasing returns as you go smaller.

Exactly, it does not take much longer to cut a 1ct than a .33ct.
The handling costs are the same.
They do get sold in bulk with bulk grading, a report makes no economic sense with them.