Analytics firm GemFind Digital Solutions recently released the latest edition of its semiannual “Diamond Click Trends” research report, which analyzes hundreds of online searches by diamond consumers.
Here’s what the study reveals about what consumers are looking for—and how they prioritize diamond characteristics—when searching for stones online.
The most popular diamond carat weight is 1–1.25 carat
Diamonds 0.75–1 ct. make up the majority of the other consumer searches. “This mirrors the engagement ring market and the economics and income level of millennials and others planning an engagement,” reads the report. “The 1-1.25 carat sizes remain a key perception as the most desired carat weight for an engagement ring.”
Round remains the most popular shape
By a long shot! But ovals have risen in popularity and have narrowly overtaken both cushions and princesses in online searches. The square cuts (cushion, princess, Asscher) dominate roughly one-fifth of the shape searches by consumers, according to the report.
The most popular diamond colors are G, followed by H and F
“The difference in DEF colors compared to G color cannot be readily seen by a consumer and is a function of rarity more than beauty,” according to the report. Though the predominance of the G–H color range does show “consumers understand diamond color and pricing for those colors in comparison with the DEF range.”
Shoppers’ prioritize clarity, but only partially understand it
“By far, the largest search segment in diamond clarity is VS1 and VS2,” reads the report. “Taken together this represents almost 40% of all diamond searches. The higher clarity demand reflects on the education of consumers and their product knowledge in general. Typically, a consumer wants the best quality without fully understanding the clarity levels. Few consumers understand that an SI1 or even an SI2 can be just as beautiful and brilliant as a VS stone. On the other hand, the very highest clarity levels of IF, flawless VVS1 and VVS2 are a very small share of the searches. Consumers show a preference for inclusion-free stones. Even though SI stones are eye clean, the consumer lack of preference in these areas illustrates key perceptions in the diamond market.”
