8 Diamond Myths That Refuse to Die
I hear these all the time.
Some come from Reddit, some from a salesperson who genuinely believed them, some from decades old marketing that never actually died.
All eight are wrong, or at least a lot more complicated than they get treated as.
Let’s go.
1. “Bigger Is Always Better”
A bigger diamond that’s cut poorly will look more dull, flat, and less impressive than a smaller diamond that’s cut well.
Size is one input.
Light performance is what you actually see.
A well cut 1.10ct will beat a lifeless 1.50ct every time.
2. “A High Appraisal Means I Got a Deal”
An appraisal is an inflated cost to replace the ring at full retail.
It’s not the resale value, and it’s not proof you paid a fair price or got a deal.
A lot of in store appraisals are built from a formula:
Retail price
+ markup (sometimes double)
= appraised value
The difference between what you paid and what it’s “appraised at” is that formula working as designed. Not evidence of a bargain.
3. “Triple Excellent Guarantees a Sparkly Diamond”
Triple Excellent means the diamond lab graded the cut, polish, and symmetry as excellent because it’s within specific parameters.
It doesn’t mean the diamond performs beautifully in person.
Cut grades are ranges, and two Triple Excellent diamonds can look very different in real life.
Always watch the video before you trust the grading.
4 “Lab Grown Diamonds Are Fake”
Wrong.
Chemically, physically, and visually, a lab grown diamond is a real diamond.
The only difference is where it came from:
One was created underground over billions of years
The other was created in a controlled lab environment
Neither fact makes one automatically better than the other, but “fake” simply isn’t accurate.
5. “Fluorescence Is Always Bad”
This one’s a leftover from a very specific pricing problem in the 1970s that doesn’t apply to most of the diamonds on the market today.
None to fait fluorescence is a non-issue.
Medium is genuinely case by case.
Only strong to very strong fluorescence deserves real caution. And even then, it depends on the specific diamond.
A blanket rule in either direction isn’t doing you any favours.
6. “The Three Months Salary Rule Is a Real Guide”
It’s marketing.
It was created decades ago to normalize spending more, not to reflect anyone’s actual financial reality.
There is no universal “right” amount to spend on an engagement ring.
There’s the number that’s financially comfortable for you. One that’s aligned with what actually matters to you and your relationship.
7. “Natural Diamonds Are a Good Investment”
Most aren’t (with very rare exceptions).
A natural diamond is worth what someone else is willing to pay for it.
And most diamonds lose significant value after purchase (like driving a car off the lot).
An engagement ring is an emotional purchase first.
If resale is a real priority for you, that’s worth planning around directly, not assuming as a given.
8. “If the Certificate Looks Right, the Diamond is Right”
Nope.
A grading report tells you what a diamond is. Not how it looks.
Two diamonds with nearly identical certificates can perform completely different in real life. And the certificate will never tell you which one you’re looking at.
Video first.
Report second.
Always.
The One Thing All Eight Have in Common
Not one of these myths are stupid to believe.
They’re repeated constantly, sometimes over generations.
They sound reasonable.
And most of them used to be true (or are true in a very specific context that got generalized into a blanket rule).
This isn’t about memorizing more rules.
Instead, check the specific thing in front of you against what it’s actually doing. Not what the label says it should be doing.
Want to Know What’s Actually True About the Diamond You’re Looking At?
Before you compare another spec sheet, grab my free guide: 5 Things to Ask Before You Buy. It’ll tell you exactly what to ask a retailer before you spend a dollar, so you’re not relying on rules of thumb that might not apply to you.
If you’ve already got a diamond in mind and want a clear answer on whether it holds up or not, I offer a quick diamond review.
Or if you want full support from the start, Let’s Talk.
Helpful Next Steps
Why Good Diamonds Still Look Bad
Fluorescence: The Diamond “Flaw” That’s Actually a 50 Year Old Pricing Habit
I Used to Write These Appraisals. Here’s What That Number Actually Is.
About the Author
Robyn Bell-Wong is a Calgary-based Independent Jewellery Advisor and Consultant specializing in engagement rings, diamonds, and meaningful fine jewellery purchases.
With over 20 years of experience in service, 5 years at the top of a fine jewellery house, 300+ clients guided, and a GIA Applied Jewelry Professional designation, she provides private, buyer-side guidance to clients making high value jewellery decisions across Canada and the U.S.
Unlike traditional jewellery retail environments, Robyn does not sell jewellery or work on commission. Her role is to act solely in her client’s best interest. Offering clear, objective guidance on quality, value, and design so clients can make confident, well-informed decisions.
Through Refined by Robyn, she supports clients with engagement ring guidance, independent ring reviews, and private jewellery consulting for meaningful purchases.
Her work focuses on helping clients avoid costly mistakes, navigate overwhelming options, and choose jewellery that truly reflects their intention, style, and budget.
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