Diamond Equivalent Weight (DEW) refers to the carat weight used to describe the size of a gemstone based on its visual equivalence to a diamond. This term is often used when discussing diamond alternatives like moissanite, cubic zirconia, or other synthetic and natural gemstones that mimic the appearance of diamonds. DEW provides a useful comparison for consumers to understand how large a gemstone looks compared to a diamond of the same size.
Why DEW is Important:
- Comparison Shopping: DEW allows buyers to compare the size of non-diamond gemstones to diamonds in a familiar unit (carats), which is traditionally used to measure the weight (and therefore often the perceived size) of diamonds. It helps in visualizing how big a gemstone will appear when set in jewellery.
- Cost Effectiveness: By using DEW, consumers can assess the value and appearance of alternative gemstones against diamonds. Since alternatives like moissanite are often less expensive per carat compared to diamonds, DEW can illustrate the size of stone that one could afford in a moissanite versus a diamond for the same price.
- Marketing Tool: Jewellers and marketers use DEW to help consumers understand the visual impact of a gemstone without referring to the actual physical weight, which might be misleading due to differences in density between gemstone types. For instance, moissanite is less dense than diamond, meaning a moissanite stone will be physically larger than a diamond of the same weight.
Limitations:
- Different Physical Properties: Because DEW is based on visual size and not actual weight, it doesn’t account for the differences in physical, optical, and chemical properties between diamonds and their alternatives. These factors can affect durability, brilliance, and overall appeal.
- Consumer Misunderstanding: There is a risk that consumers might confuse DEW with actual carat weight, misunderstanding the actual physical characteristics and value of the gemstone they are purchasing.
Conclusion:
Diamond Equivalent Weight serves as a handy tool for comparing the visual size of various gemstones to diamonds, particularly useful in the context of shopping for alternatives to diamonds. However, it is essential for consumers to understand both the benefits and limitations of using DEW as a measure and to consider all properties of a gemstone before making a purchase decision.