Loose Diamonds in Houston
Just as no two diamonds are alike, we know that every person is unique — and we want to help you find a diamond that reflects your one-of-a-kind style and relationship. Inter-Continental Jewelers is one of the most highly reputed jewelry stores in the Houston area, and we offer a striking selection of loose diamonds in Houston paired with outstanding service that’s second to none.
All of our diamonds are GIA-certified and conflict-free, and we craft each piece with exceptional attention to detail. If you’re looking for the best loose diamonds in Houston, you’ve come to the right place.
What are Loose Diamonds?
Loose diamonds are at the heart of each piece of diamond jewelry. These diamonds have been cut, polished, and are ready to be sold — but haven’t been set yet. At Inter-Continental Jewelers, it’s easy to find a loose diamond in a cut and weight that fits your style preference and budget. Here are some examples of the types of loose diamonds we carry:
- Marquise
- Princess
- Radiant
- Cushion
- Pear
- Round
- Heart
- Emerald
- Oval
Loose Diamonds vs. Set Diamonds
Before we get into the difference between loose diamonds and set diamonds, let’s talk about what a setting is. A jewelry setting is simply the metal the diamond is held in. Prong settings are the most common type of setting, but solitaire, vintage, and halo are all popular settings for diamond rings. The setting is generally made from the same metal as the band, although custom pieces can showcase mixed metals.
Loose diamonds are diamonds that haven’t been set. The loose diamond is bought first and then set in custom jewelry or diamond engagement rings. Set diamonds are diamonds that have already been set in a piece of jewelry — the diamond tennis bracelet that caught your eye or the three-stone engagement ring in white gold you can’t stop thinking about are examples of set diamonds.
Loose Natural vs. Loose Lab Grown Diamonds
Both loose natural and loose lab grown diamonds are diamonds that are ready to be sold and set. The difference comes down to how each diamond is grown. Natural diamonds, also called mined diamonds, are diamonds that’ve been formed under the earth’s crust over millions of years.
Lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to naturally grown diamonds. These diamonds are created in a laboratory that mimics the intense heat and pressure natural diamonds are subjected to deep beneath the earth’s crust — but instead of the process taking millions of years, it only takes a few weeks. Because lab grown diamonds pass through fewer hands than natural diamonds, they’re significantly less expensive and an excellent choice for people who want maximum sparkle with a smaller price tag.
Loose Diamond Certification
At Intercontinental Jewelers, we buy diamonds certified by the GIA IGI. We are confident in the quality of these laboratories and their ability to grade our diamonds accurately.
Both our natural diamond and a lab-grown diamond must meet specific requirements in each category to be certified. They are tested on the "the 4 C's" which include Carat, Cut, Clarity, and Color.
What are Loose Diamonds?
Carat is a unit of measurement and not weight. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams. (Did you know that the term "carat" was derived from the carob seed, which was used as a standard measure for weighing precious stones?)
Cut is how well the diamond's facets interact with light, which affects the diamond's fire, brilliance, and sparkle.
Clarity is a measure of how many blemishes or inclusions are judged on a 6-point scale from included flaws to flawless.
Color is judged on a scale from D (no hue) to Z (a yellow-hued diamond).
While both natural and lab-grown diamonds are tested, The GIA is typically used to test natural diamonds while the IGI is used for lab-grown diamonds. Our large diamonds, .70 carat and above, are all GIA certified, and every one of our natural and lab-grown diamonds comes with a GIA or IGI certification and a unique number that can be used to verify its authenticity.
Come See Our Loose Diamonds in Houston
Explore a divine array of loose diamonds at our showroom in beautiful Houston, TX. Our knowledgeable staff are passionate about what they do, and we’re thrilled to help you create the diamond jewelry of your dreams. Contact us to arrange a personalized consultation with expert guidance as you bring your special moment to life.