Is Gold Worth More Than Diamonds? Which One is More Expansive?

Last Updated on December 30, 2023

Diamonds are worth more than gold, although they are not as rare.

Gold is often seen as a more valuable metal because it is rarer than diamonds. However, diamonds are worth more than gold because they have many commercial uses.

Keep on reading to learn more about the answers to the questions you have in mind, such as the following:

  • Which is better: gold or diamond?
  • What is more valuable than gold?
  • What is more valuable than diamonds?
  • Which is a better investment: gold or diamond?

Contents

Is Gold Worth More Than Diamonds?

That is a question that has been asked for centuries, and the answer is not as simple as one might think. Diamonds are worth more than gold because of their commercial applications.

Diamonds

The popularity of diamonds has only grown in recent years, as they have been featured more prominently in popular culture, thanks in part to the marketing of diamond companies.

Four primary features are used to determine the value of diamonds: cut, clarity, color, and carat (weight). A high-scoring combination of these features can result in a high value for a diamond.

Depending on the criteria listed above, a one-carat diamond may cost anything from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Because a gram of diamonds contains around five carats, the significance of weight must be taken into account when pricing it.

Another aspect that influences the value of a diamond is certification. This not only verifies the authenticity of the jewelry but can also distinguish naturally sourced diamonds from lab-grown ones.

Gold

Gold, on the other hand, is a much more common metal. It is often used in jewelry and other decorative items because of its color, malleability, and resistance to corrosion.

Gold has been mined and traded for thousands of years, making it one of the oldest metals known to humans.

In a free-market economic system, gold is a type of money. Although gold is not used as a form of payment, it can easily be turned into cash. It means that a price is set for it, it is traded, and its value can go up or down depending on other currencies.

The value of gold is determined by its purity. The more gold that is in an item, the more it will be worth. 24-karat gold is 100% pure, while 18-karat gold contains 75% gold.

In jewelry, gold is often alloyed with other metals to increase its strength. The value of gold jewelry is based on the ratio of gold to the metal used in its creation.

The price of gold is driven by production, investment, and demand. The production of gold is fairly static, so when the demand for it goes up, the price rises.

Which Is Better: Gold or Diamond?

From a strictly financial standpoint, diamonds may be more valuable than gold because of the demand from the luxury jewelry market.

The price per gram of gold costs around $56, while a gram of diamonds costs a whopping $55,000, a dramatic difference.

What Is More Valuable Than Gold?

A few things hold more value than gold because of their scarcity.

Platinum is a rare metal often used in jewelry because of its color and resistance to corrosion. As such, it commands a higher price of around $60 per gram.

Another precious metal is rhodium. This metal is used to plate other metals and has a very high melting point, making it an ideal choice for jewelry. It is also very rare, with a correspondingly high value of about $58 per gram.

What Is More Valuable Than Diamonds?

Diamonds may be considered one of the most valuable gems, but they are not the rarest.

As mentioned, the value of a diamond depends on the four Cs: cut, clarity, color, and carat weight, but generally, it costs around $12,000 per carat.

However, some gems are more scarce than diamonds and thus hold a higher value.

One of them is emeralds. These gems are prized for their beautiful green color and are found in a few select locations worldwide. High-quality emeralds can sell $18,000 per carat.

Another valuable gem is grandidierite. This mineral is found only in Madagascar and is very rare, making it highly sought-after by collectors. It can sell for as much as $20,000 per carat.

Lastly, pink diamonds are the most valuable type of diamond because of their rarity and color. A fancy pink diamond can sell for $140,000 per carat or more.

Which Is Better Investment: Gold or Diamond?

From a pure investment perspective, gold is a better buy than diamonds.

Gold is a physical asset that you can hold in your hand. It has been used as money for several years and is still considered one of the most stable investments available.

Diamonds, on the other hand, are not physical assets. They are a luxury good that is only valuable because people believe they are. A few large companies control the diamond industry, so there are many risks involved in investing in diamonds.

Eran Hayo is the Chief Editor of Jewels Advisor, with over 5 years of experience in the fields of jewelry and memorabilia. He built Jewels Advisor to serve one main purpose – to teach you everything he knows about jewelry, and help you make better-informed decisions when buying diamonds and engagement rings online. His work has been cited on famous publications such as The Sun, MSN and WikiHow.