Challenges & restrictions with a roof tent

The freedom of camping in a rooftop tent is undoubtedly tempting. A quick and uncomplicated set-up, the prospect of breathtaking places to spend the night and the opportunity to experience nature up close are just some of the reasons why more and more adventure-seekers are opting for a rooftop tent adventure.

Of course, camping with a roof tent also has many advantages, which you can read about here:

• Roof tents Advantages

However, as with everything in life, there are also some disadvantages and limitations to consider. You can get an even better overview directly from the source: Rooftop tent disadvantages (Campwerk).

Expensive abolition: why it’s still worth it

You may have to dig a little deeper into your pockets at the beginning. Rooftop tents are often a little more expensive than conventional tents. This is because they are specially built and made of high-quality materials. But don’t worry, it pays off! Rooftop tents are still cheaper than most caravans and motorhomes and can be used for many camping adventures to come thanks to their robustness and durability. After all, you’ll save yourself the expense of other accommodation when you’re on the road because you’re equipped with a roof tent.

Here are a few important things regarding the costs:

• Purchase price more expensive, but cheaper than caravan/mobile home
• Investment pays off in the long term, as no more hotel costs

Pay attention to the fuel: additional weight

Of course, the additional weight on the car roof can also increase your fuel consumption. Your driving behavior can also be affected by the additional weight. However, it is fair to say that this does not come close to the fuel consumption of a caravan or motorhome. In comparison, the roof tent is lighter and puts less strain on your car. There is also a maximum speed limit for some roof tents. You should definitely adhere to this to prevent accidents and save fuel.

Other disadvantages are:

• Increased fuel consumption, but less than a motorhome
• Speed limit, but fewer accidents & fuel consumption

Unsafe during storms & thunderstorms: Watch out for lightning!

Most rooftop tents can withstand rain and wind, but in the event of a heavy storm or thunderstorm, it is better to stay in the car or drive to the nearest hotel. Of course, this also means costs, but on average it is still cheaper than staying in a hotel for your entire vacation. A roof tent does not have a closed metal construction like a car. In addition, it is in an elevated position due to its place on the car roof. This can quickly make lightning strikes dangerous. However, you can simply sit in the car during thunderstorms with lightning.

Pofi tip: Always check the weather forecast so that you can plan accordingly.

You should pay attention to this in bad weather:

• Less stability during storms – solve with: one night in a hotel
• Do not set up in case of lightning – solve with: wait out thunderstorms in the car

During thunderstorms you can wait in the car and then set up the roof tent again!

No space for heavy furniture, such as cupboards

A rooftop tent is one of the most space-saving options for a vacation in the great outdoors. But due to its more compact size, the space in a roof tent is not comparable to the living space in a fully equipped caravan or motorhome. And of course you can’t permanently install furniture, you have to reassemble it every time. On the other hand, a roof tent is of course much lighter and cheaper, and you often have more sleeping space compared to a conventional tent.

You have these disadvantages due to the space in the roof tent:

• Less living space than in a caravan, but more sleeping space than in a conventional tent
• Less space for permanently installed furniture, but the roof tent is therefore also significantly lighter

Tip: With the right camping accessories, you can also stow everything important in the roof tent to save space!

Fold in the roof tent: then drive on!

And while you can easily drive from destination to destination, your car is still not 100% freely available. Once you’ve unfolded the tent in the evening, you still have to fold it up to drive to the supermarket. However, most models are designed for quick assembly and disassembly, so this should be quick and you can still buy your well-earned snack for dinner.

Short & sweet:

• Roof tent must always be dismantled first, but with a little practice it can be done very quickly

Rooftop tent manufacturer: Our recommendation

We’ve just told you a lot about the disadvantages, but perhaps we’ve been able to pique your curiosity with the solution to these disadvantages. If you would like to know more about roof tents, you can find many different models with different functions in this article:

• Rooftop tent manufacturer

Rooftop tent comparison: the best rooftop tent?

To make sure you find the right roof tent for your needs and have fewer disadvantages, you can find our shopping recommendations here:

• Rooftop tent comparison

Problems can be solved – and then everyone is quickly happy again!

Camping test winner: Roof tent! Cheap, flexible + adventure

Did you know, almost 20% (18.9%) go caming every year. A huge fascination for millions, in this country alone. Teenagers and young adults love camping, older permanent campers love caravans and motorhomes. The majority of campers and also adventurers and individualists, travel with their own car and roof tent. Why: No extra driving license, low price, always and everywhere start immediately. Welcome to the world of roof tents!

The roof tent: Our camping test winner

The ultimate advantage of roof tents is that you are completely independent when travelling. Create your holiday the way you want, with your own car and roof tent. Independent of airlines, hotels, breakfast times, car rental times, bus transfers to and from the airport, etc.

Why do so many buy a roof tent for their car?

Comparison: tents, caravan and motorhome

All types of tents have the disadvantage that you need a relatively long time to set them up, you often have little space and you have to carry the tent, equipment and accessories around with you.

Caravans and motorhomes, on the other hand, are absolutely not flexible. They are bulky, you always need an extra pitch, even an extra driving licence. That’s why most people only decide on the caravan and motorhome option at the age of 50 or 60.

Disadvantage Tents:

• Elaborate assembly and dismantling
• Equipment and accessories must be carried
• Insulation from cold and moisture
• Sleeping on the rigid floor

Disadvantage caravan and camper:

• High acquisition costs
• Mostly extra driving licence
• Car with trailer hitch and sufficient horsepower (towing capacity)
• Extra parking space with sufficient room
• No spontaneous tour / change of location without planning
• High fuel consumption

Roof tents combine only the advantages of tents and living quarters. That is why they are so popular with camping fans.

Advantages: Roof tent

Why are roof tents so popular?

Roof tents are the perfect mix, compared to the tent types, caravan and motorhome. Roof tents can be mounted on any car, they are relatively inexpensive to buy (starting at 1,200 euros), you don’t need an extra driver’s license and your car only increases by a few centimeters – you don’t have a huge trailer or body.

That’s a lot of advantages that have made the roof tent our clear test winner when it comes to camping holidays!

1. Low acquisition costs, from 1,200 euros
2. No extra driving licence
3. Mounting on all car makes and models
4. … more later!

Test: 1 month in the roof tent – experiences

Videos say more than 1000 words!

Roof tent: models, car, body & price

For the first roof tent purchase, first the most important questions, on the subject of car brands, the assembly with roof rack, assembly times, time for dismantling and advice in the showroom, by the best manufacturers. In addition, our recommendation for roof tents “Made in Germany”.

First a look at the question, which roof tent for which car model?

Car models for roof tents

Fortunately, the answer to the question of which type of roof tent also fits which make and model of car is very simple.

Roof tents fit all makes and models of cars

In fact, roof tents can be mounted on all car brands (list: roof tents car brands). From Audi A4 to A6 to Q7, BMW: X5, iX, X1 as well as all outdoor brands such as Jeep, Land Rover, Nissan, Toyota and Co. to the VW for the family.

The only thing that must be present is a roof rack. But this is easy to install. The cost of such a carrier is, depending on the car model, between 300 and 500 euros and is quickly installed.

• All car makes and models
• Roof rack must be present / mounted

Roof tent structure, space and lying area

Here I can directly bring my personal experience into play! When I bought my first roof tent, I assumed that it would take me 10 minutes to set it up, maybe even 20 minutes? But in fact, it takes less than a minute to set up!

Roof tent setup time: 1 minute

Especially with the premium manufacturers, Made in Germany, the mechanics behind the roof tents is so sophisticated that it is unfolded without effort, with only one arm movement. Access to the roof tent is then, depending on the model, via a very light, yet sturdy ladder. A few seconds, all is folded out and ready for the holiday!

When unfolded, you suddenly have several square meters of space, hard to believe! There are even models, so-called “folding tent trailers”, which almost result in a small Tiny House at the end. Therefore, you still have relatively much space in roof tent, from the models two-man tent, to the family tent for 4 people, with very small children even up to 5 people possible.

So the assembly is done quickly, in less than a minute. I manage it in the meantime Locker in 40 seconds! Super handy, especially if you discover something spontaneously on a route, eg a mountain lake. Stop, turn off the engine, with roof tent briefly unfold, relax.

Tip. Starry sky when looking out of the roof window

With premium manufacturers, for example Campwerk or iKamper, you have built-in roof windows! Especially for the starry sky, for example if you are in remote areas of Spain, Denmark or even more remote, in Norway, an absolute dream.

Now for the cost: what is the price?

People and price: cost comparison

Whoever hears about roof tents for the first time immediately thinks of motorhomes, caravans. So also of prices in the amount of 30,000, 40,000 or even 50,000 euros. Upwards, of course, no limit, keyword glamping,… that’s why roof tents are so popular with campers!

The price for roof tents starts at only 1.400 Euro to 2.000 Euro, for a 2/3 person roof tent.

For a 3+ person roof tent you have to calculate with about 2.500 Euro to 3.800 Euro and for a roof tent that you can use for up to 4 persons with about 3.500 Euro to 4.900 Euro, depending on model and equipment.

Want to know even more about the different prices in comparison, the models for 2 to 4 (5) people? Take a look at individual roof tent types here:

• Roof tent up to 2 persons
• Roof tent 3-5 persons

Tip. You are on the road with a Mini or a Mini learns? There are brown roof tents for that too! Space-saving and folded out, same luxury, same comfort and all that with your Mini + roof tent.

After the advantages, the assembly, the car brands, the assembly time and the prices for the different models from 1 to 4 (5) persons, let us now come to the manufacturers of roof tents!

Roof tent manufacturer: Made in Germany + List

Roof tent manufacturers are many, a few in Asia, a few in America.

Quality is important, after all the roof tent is mounted on your car. We all know how important cars are for us! With Asian manufacturers you save 5 or 10%, but the insulation is not so good (cold and humidity at night), extras like roof windows are missing or the ladder, a very important element, is not long stable and wobbles after a few trips. Therefore, before we take a look at the roof tent manufacturer list, here is my and our recommendation:

Made in Germany: Campwerk

In Germany, Campwerk is the market leader among the umbrella tent manufacturers. Not without reason, the quality speaks for itself. On my very private search for the best roof tent (for me), I have compared a total of 4 roof tent manufacturers with each other. My recommendation is quite clear, “Made in Germany” and thus Campwerk.

• Made in Germany: Campwerk roof tents

Most campers put their trust in Campwerk, so many in fact that the brand has now risen to become the market leader and Germany’s most popular roof tent manufacturer.

Campwerk itself is full of energy and spirit for roof tents and camping! Many roof tent fans already know Campwerk from YouTube, here they have been publishing videos for a very long time, informative as on the subject of setting up roof tents, product innovations, but also give insights behind the scenes, for example when they travel to tourism and camping fairs or also work on new products, e.g. camping accessories. There are even large roof tent meetings.

Pictures say more than 1000 words, take a look at the roof tents from Campwerk, Germany’s most popular manufacturer of roof tents and folding tent caravans:

• Roof tents (Campwerk.de)

Roof tent manufacturer: List

Beware of “cheap goods” – In my experience, quality is the most important thing and a few saved % avenge themselves quickly when the ladder wobbles, the sleeping surface is too hard, too small or even worse, when it gets cold in the evening in the tent because the insulation is not good, somewhere must be saved!

List, Models & Prices – You want to save another 5,8 or 10 % on your roof tent? Then you will find a list of manufacturers where you can buy your new roof tent. In the list you will find our test winner and other manufacturers that have been rated at least good. Autocamp, Campwerk, Darche, Front Runner, iKamper & Co. – What other brands and manufacturers are there? Here you will find a large list of manufacturers where you can find out about the different sizes, models and prices.

• Roof tent manufacturer

Camping ground nearby: Recommendations

Last but not least, we have the best campsite recommendations in Germany for you! No matter if you want to spend your holiday at the North Sea, at the Baltic Sea, at the Chiemsee, in the mountains, Black Forest or in the Harz, here you will find campsite recommendations where you will feel absolutely comfortable. With enough space, the most important things you need on the campsite and of course fair prices.

• Camping / from Wednesday on FIV!

Tips: Camping trips

1. Camping XXL
2. Camping accessories
3. Living & Sleeping
4. Holiday with animals
5. Dropout: 6 stories
6. Camping holidays: Travel guide

Camping XXL

Camping, Accessories, Destinations & Tips – The perfect campsite, destinations and insider tips, new gadgets for living and cooking! Camping is the crackle of the campfire, the smell of wet grass and the chirping of birds in the morning. But camping is also waking up at the campsite with an ocean view and getting a good night’s sleep in the comfortable beds of the RV. No matter how much comfort or how much adventure you desire, camping makes everyone happy. The multi-faceted way to travel and see many places on a small budget excites more and more people. Here you can learn all about the different types of camping, the different destinations of campers worldwide and we give you some important tips for your next camping holiday.

• Camping: Guide

Camping accessories and online shops

Once with the roof tent or caravan across the country and see as much as possible – on the beach, in the mountains and in the great outdoors. But what do you absolutely have to have with you on this adventure? Which items need to be on the packing list, what can stay at home and where do I buy the right camping accessories? Our checklists with tips and recommendations for your:

• Camping accessories

Tents, accessories, furniture & Co. – Shopping tips in a list for suitable accessories, camping furniture and equipment, everything for your next camping trip, in a shopping list. Here you will find everything, from A like outdoor lighting (weatherproof) to the gas cartridge, to the pocket knife and to W, like water treatment.

• Camping Online Shops

Living & Sleeping

Camping in the tent, caravan & camping bus – tent, caravan, sleeping bag, spare time & outdoor clothing – with the camping in the nature one is mostly limited to the most necessary things, since usually not much can be taken along and no supermarkets are to be found in the proximity. But which items you should still think about and what should not be missing on a real camping trip, we have recorded here for you:

• Camping: Living & Sleeping

Holiday with animals

The holiday is coming and you are looking forward to sun, sea and relaxation. Soon you would lie carefree on the beach and relax, there remains only one problem; without his beloved pet you do not want to travel. What possibilities does one actually have? Can the four-legged best friend come along? Where is it welcome and where not? We have selected all the important information about holidays with animals, so that holidays for pet owners are no longer a problem.

• Holiday with animals

Dropout: Family, Hippie & Senior – 6 Stories

Dropouts – These people had a normal life with sometimes good professional positions and opportunities and yet they decided to take a different path. Why do you decide to sell your house, quit your job, take your savings and go out into freedom? In this article and in the videos you will discover different families, couples, as well as loners, who have dared this courageous step and have put everything on one card.

• Dropout: 6 stories

Camping holidays: Travel guide

Camping in Germany, France, Italy, Croatia and all over Europe – you want to discover even more holiday regions? Then take a look at our large XXL guide on the subject of holidays. Travel in Germany, holiday in France, holiday homes in Croatia, once along the Adriatic Sea in Italy, get to know Denmark and even further north Sweden and Norway. Here you will find all the important holiday regions.

• Vacation / from Wednesday on FIV

Safely to the right roof tent: checklist

Choosing the right roof tent can be an exciting but challenging task. With a variety of options on the market, the question becomes: which roof tent should I buy? To answer this question, there are some important aspects to consider to ensure you find the perfect roof tent for your needs.

With this checklist you won’t forget anything:

1. Material & Quality
2. Size & Capacity
3. Accessories & Extras
4. Vehicle compatibility
5. Assembly & disassembly
6. Comfort & Ventilation
7. Testimonials & Consulting

Invest in quality: high quality materials & workmanship

Find a balance between quality and budget. Therefore, you should not save at the expense of quality materials and good workmanship. Follow-up or repair costs because something breaks are not nice either. So a higher price can pay off in the long run if you buy a durable roof tent.

Optimal size for comfort: suitable additional equipment

First, you should pay attention to the size of the roof tent. Depending on the number of passengers, choose between single or double tents, as well as larger models for families. A comfortable interior is very important for a restful sleep. You can also think about a tent extension, such as an awning or an awning, to have more space for you and your family. Think about what extras you need to enjoy your camping experience. You can find tips on how to do this here: Camping Accessories.

Mounting on the roof rack: roof load & safety

First, make sure the roof tent fits your vehicle. Check if it is compatible with the roof racks of your car. The roof load of your car is also important. The roof load of a car refers to the maximum weight load that the roof of the vehicle can safely support. It includes the weight of the roof tent as well as roof racks or luggage. The roof load is important to ensure that the vehicle remains stable and that no damage occurs to the roof.

Offers of the seller: assembly & installation

Assembly and disassembly should be as simple as possible. With most manufacturers, you can have this done directly on site. You should also be able to assemble and disassemble the roof tent yourself. For example, if the roof tent is too heavy to fold, you will have little joy with it. Therefore, it is best to let a roof tent seller show you directly and try it out.

Beautiful living: cozy interior & ventilation

Then, of course, you should also like the interior. If you don’t feel comfortable there, then buying it in the first place is not a good idea. Mattress thickness and the general comfort of the interior contribute to a pleasant overnight stay. Then you should also definitely pay attention to ventilation. Good ventilation prevents condensation inside the tent. Check if the tent is equipped with mosquito nets and sufficient ventilation.

First-hand experience: testimonials & showrooms

Before you make a final decision, you should read testimonials from other buyers and get recommendations from experienced campers. These insights can help you better understand the pros and cons of different models. Of course, you can also get professional advice at a store that sells roof tents. Some roof tent stores even have showrooms where you can see the roof tents and other products up close and try them out.

Roof tent manufacturer: Which supplier?

You want to get an overview of which manufacturers there are? Then take a look here:

• Roof tent manufacturer

Roof tent store: Good prices, fast delivery

If you’re wondering where you can even buy a rooftop tent, take a quick look here.

• Roof tent stores

Roof tent comparison: Our recommendations

Looking for the right roof tent or strong accessories and equipment for the camping site? Here you will find our recommendations for shopping:

• Roof tent comparison

Advantages: Freedom on the car roof

Roof tent camping is becoming increasingly popular and not without reason. A camping vacation with a roof tent offers you many advantages. One of the biggest is that you are flexible and independent. You can camp almost anywhere as long as you can find a suitable pitch. You can discover new places without depending on fixed accommodations. So camping with a roof tent adds a sense of adventure and freedom to your travels.

Make sure you don’t sleep outside the campsite uneralubt. Read more: Wild camping.

Fold & go: Travel independently

When you want to travel further, you can simply fold up your roof tent again and drive off. Roof tents are usually quick to set up and take down. Most models have mechanisms that are designed to allow you to open the tent as quickly and conveniently as possible. You save time and can focus on exploring the surroundings faster. On the roof of the car they are also extremely space-saving and you hardly notice the roof tent on the onward journey – you can even continue to use the trunk as normal.

Small to large: different models

Unlike traditional tents, rooftop tents don’t require additional floor space. This means you usually don’t need a particularly large pitch either, which can be cheaper. Even with an awning, there are rooftop tents that require less space than a caravan or camper. For roof tent are also available for purchase in different sizes. There are different models and sizes of roof tents that can be adapted to different needs. Whether alone, in pairs or as a family – there are suitable options.

You can see the different sizes here:

• Roof tent 2 people
• Roof tent 3 people
• Roof tent 4 people
• Roof tent 5 people

Sleeping on the roof of the car: free from bad floors

The fact that your roof tent is on the car roof protects you from the cold or uneven ground. The ground plate, which is attached to the top of your car, is always straight. This way you can lie comfortably and not get stabbed in the back by a root in the middle of the night. Often it also gives you a better view and closeness to nature. Despite the feeling of being in the middle of nature, you are protected from curious animals.

In the middle of nature: but still weatherproof!

If you have a roof tent with hard shell, you usually also have extremely high stability in rain and wind. This means you are better protected from rain, moisture and other weather conditions. Nevertheless, most of the roof tent models have windows and sometimes even skylights. So you can experience the sunrise, the starry sky and the surroundings directly.

Overview: 9 advantages of roof tent camping

And finally, roof tent camping can be a social experience. Many campgrounds and meetings offer the opportunity to meet other campers and share ideas. For example, about these nine advantages of camping with a roof tent:

• Flexible travel
• Quick assembly and disassembly
• Space-saving
• Protection from animals & weather
• Versatility
• Proximity to nature
• Spirit of adventure
• Community
• Higher comfort & better view

Disadvantages & why it is still worth it

There are always two sides to the coin. A roof tent can also bring its problems. For example, the purchase price is first higher than most conventional tents or a one-night hotel stay. After that, however, the price is worth it, as there are rarely many more costs after the purchase price. With a hotel stay you would have to pay again for the next vacation, with a roof tent you have only a small fee for the campsite, because you have your sleeping place directly with it.

Pay attention to the fuel: extra weight

Of course, the extra weight on the car roof can also increase your fuel consumption. However, it is fair to say that this still does not come close to the consumption of a caravan or motorhome. The roof tent is lighter in comparison and therefore requires less load on your car. There is also a maximum speed for some roof tents. You should adhere to this in order to prevent accidents and to save fuel.

Unsafe during storms & thunderstorms: Attention lightning!

Rain and wind can withstand most roof tents, but in case of a stronger storm or a thunderstorm you should better stay in the car or drive to the nearest hotel. A roof tent does not have a closed metal structure, like a car. Additionally, its place on the roof of the car puts it in an elevated position. This can make lightning strikes dangerous very quickly.

No space for heavy furniture, such as cabinets

A rooftop tent is already one of the space-saving ways to vacation in nature. But due to the more compact size, the space in the roof tent is not comparable with the living space in a fully equipped caravan or motor home. But in return, of course, it is much lighter and cheaper.

Fold in the roof tent: then drive on!

And while you can easily drive from destination to destination, your car is still not 100% freely available. If you’ve already unfolded the tent in the evening, you’ll still have to fold it up to make one trip to the supermarket. However, most models are designed for quick setup and tear down, so this should be quick and you can still buy your well-deserved snack for dinner.

Summary: 5 disadvantages

Here you can find an overview of all 5 disadvantages.

• Higher purchase price
• Slightly increased fuel consumption
• Not suitable for storm & thunderstorm
• Limited living space
• Must be folded in before moving on

Roof tent manufacturer: Our recommendation

If the advantages have made you curious, then you will find here the various roof tent manufacturers. You will find many different sizes, types and models, so you can find exactly the roof tent that suits you.

• Roof tent manufacturer

Roof tent comparison: the best roof tent?

Looking for the right roof tent or strong accessories and equipment for the camping site? Here you will find our shopping recommendations:

• Roof tent comparison

By bike & train through the city

It’s a familiar image: the city streets are crowded and the trains are late. The daily commute to work or to friends often turns into a stressful affair. If you are a commuter or a regular short-distance driver, you already have to deal with these problems early in the morning. Whether you live in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich or Cologne, more and more people commute to Germany’s cities and want to travel more independently. On the other hand, only very few people use the bicycle to get from A to B, as it is usually very bulky and doesn’t seem very flexible. However, in order not to have to do without exercise, sport and flexibility, a folding bike would be the optimal solution. You can take it with you almost everywhere on your city trip and store it easily.

Folding bikes: Fast and uncomplicated

Why buy a folding bike when you own a regular bike? If you regularly travel around the city, or perhaps commute, you can not only save a lot of time with the folding bike, but also costs. This is because it can be combined with other means of transport. Folded up, it takes up little space and fits in the trunk of your car or on your hand on the train or bus. Compared to normal bicycles, folding bicycles are free of charge on public transport. The practical bike can now be found in every city. Bicycles and especially folding bikes make everyday life more active and can be found in numerous variations at Decathlon, for example. In addition to football, handball and swimming equipment, the sports and outdoor goods manufacturer and retailer also offers various bicycles and matching accessories. In addition to the classic folding bike, you can also find e-bikes and folding bikes here.

Mobility to go: Transport, weight, advantages

Compared to normal bicycles, folding bicycles are especially convincing due to their packing and folding size. With just a few simple steps, the bike can be halved and easily transported on the back or by hand. In addition, they can be easily stowed away in your own home if you don’t have a bicycle cellar. Besides being easy to transport and flexible in everyday life, anyone can ride a folding bike. This is because they can be adjusted to the necessary size at any time. But how much does a conventional folding bike weigh? The classic folding bikes weigh between 10 and 15 kg and are therefore much lighter than normal bikes.

Advantages at a glance – List

Independent of schedules, no crowded roads and a vital everyday life. There are many advantages of folding bikes. Here we show you the most important ones:

• Pack size
• Weight
• Acceleration
• More mobility
• Easy, free transport on train and bus
• Sizes adjustable

Normal or E-bike? Transport & Costs

As with all bicycles, there are countless variants and designs of folding bikes. What does a good folding bike cost? Depending on the equipment, the popular city companions cost between 180 euros and 900 euros. With all the options, it’s hard to choose the right one. So what kind of folding bike should I buy? For example, for those hoping for more assistance while riding, a folding bike as an e-bike would be just right. For those who want to create an active daily life and take advantage of unlimited mobility, a regular folding bike that can be folded in half will suffice. Only a folding bike that can even be quartered offers even more transport-friendliness.

Assembly and disassembly in 20 seconds

When driving through crowded cities, every second counts. The combination of different means of transport, such as train and bike can save you annoying waiting times. Get out of the train, unfold the folding bike and off you go! With a little practice, the bike can be unfolded and folded in less than 20 seconds. How do you fold a folding bike? The folding mechanism of the bikes is very simple and is usually located in the middle of the frame. Just one movement and you are mobile and can continue to explore the city, go to work or visit friends.

Tour through major German cities

If you are planning a city trip together, the well-known foreign metropolises are always named as destinations. But also in Germany there are many cities worth seeing, which can keep up with destinations abroad. Germany has namely breathtaking and diverse big cities, such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne or Frankfurt am Main. Each major city impresses with its own buildings, landmarks and landscapes. The cities often have a diverse art scene and an exciting nightlife. When the weather is good, it is especially worthwhile to explore the cities by bike. This way you are flexible, can stop at any time and experience Germany’s cities from a completely different perspective.

Berlin: Center for Art and Culture

How about a tour through Germany’s capital? Berlin is not only the political capital, but also a center for art and culture with around 160 museums. If you have discovered the Berlin lifestyle for yourself, you will love the city on the Spree. There are beautiful places in many neighborhoods and Berlin districts, all of which are easy to reach by bike. Neighborhoods like Kreuzberg, Neukölln or Friedrichshain are hip, and convince with many cafés and restaurants. The many beach bars on the Spree River also make the city particularly exciting in the summer.

Cologne: Media stronghold on the Rhine

The media metropolis Cologne is not only known for the Cologne Carnival, but also offers numerous cultural offerings, parks and excursion destinations. A visit to the old town of Cologne should not be missed during a city tour, because this impresses with colorful houses and pubs directly on the Rhine. If you are a beer lover, you should definitely go to a brewery and drink a Kölsch beer. But also culture lovers get their money’s worth. Popular and colorful neighborhoods, such as the Belgian Quarter or Ehrenfeld are worth a visit and are perfect for trying your way through the various restaurants. And the best thing about it: everything can be reached by bike!

Conclusion: On the road with the folding bike

If you are on the road a lot in the city, have to commute to work or just want to visit friends, a folding bike is a great idea. The unlimited mobility, the easy handling and numerous advantages make your everyday life not only more active, but also more flexible. Folding bikes are not necessarily suitable for off-road use, but they certainly score points on a tour through the city.

Aquamarine price (gram, carat and kilo)

Since aquamarines are also available in large sizes, there is no incremental increase in value per carat for large gemstones. A 50 ct aquamarine is worth the same price per carat as a one carat gemstone of the same quality. The price of precious gemstones depends on clarity, depth of color, and to a lesser extent, purity of color. Aquamarines can be bought in very different price ranges in the market. Depending on the quality, a carat can cost anywhere from $50 to $600.

How much does an aquamarine cost?

What you’ll be most interested in now:

How much does an aquamarine cost?

As described earlier, aquamarines are weighed in carats.

One metric carat equals 0.2 grams

Aquamarines are currently valued at an average of $352.64 per carat.

So one gram costs on average 1,763.20 USD

For one kilogram of aquamarine you pay on average 1.763.200 USD.

Gold price (gram, ounce & kilo) in comparison

How does the price of gold compare? Many investors who buy gold constantly keep an eye on the price. As an investor, you should too, because prices for precious metals are subject to fluctuations – even if the gold price is usually very stable.

Difference per gram currently: +1.702 USD

Gold is currently valued at $61 per gram, compared to aquamarine, which can fetch up to $1,763.20 as described. This big difference makes aquamarines interesting for investors as well!

Gold price current:

• 1 gram 61.14 USD or 52.47 EUR
• 1 ounce 1,901.77 USD or 1,631.90 EUR
• 1 kilogram USD 61,143.33 or EUR 52,466.80

So for one kilogram of gold you get only a fraction of aquamarines!

Aquamarine color variations

Aquamarine is made of beryl, a mineral that can be light blue, light blue-green, or even light green. It is usually clear, but the iron content gives it its blue or green coloration. The green of aquamarine is a watery green without any trace of yellow. In the past, green was the most prized color in aquamarine stones. Today, however, the most prized and therefore most valuable aquamarines have a rich, sky blue color.

It depends on the angle!

Depending on the angle from which you look at an aquamarine, it can appear in shades of blue and green or look almost colorless. This is called the pleachroic effect. Almost all aquamarines on the market have been heat treated to enhance the color. To meet consumer preference for aquamarines in deep blue, the stones are heated at 426 degrees Fahrenheit, which brings out the blue color and makes the yellows and greens disappear. The light shade of aquamarine flatters all skin tones and harmonizes with all common precious metals.

Color variations of aquamarine:

• Depending on the angle of view all shades of blue and green
• This is called pleachroic effect
• Most aquamarines are heat treated
• Flattering for all skin types

Depending on the viewing angle, aquamarines can shimmer in a wide variety of shades of green and blue:

Authenticity: Identifying characteristics

Inclusions are interesting features of this gemstone. Beryl and especially aquamarine are known for having long, hollow tubes. This feature identifies a gemstone as a member of the beryl family. Aquamarines can have transparent and metallic inclusions such as biotite and rutile in skeletal crystals. They may also contain garnet, quartz and tourmaline crystals. Some stones contain what are called snow stars, irregularly shaped droplets of liquid in a star formation. The Martha Rocha aquamarine, for example, one of the largest aquamarines in the world and named after the then Miss Brazil, has notable snow star inclusions.

Key identifiers:

• Long, hollow tube inclusions
• Metallic inclusions like biotite and rutile
• May contain garnet, quartz and tourmaline crystals
• Snow star inclusions also possible

Caution – danger of confusion!

Aquamarines are most likely to be confused with the very rare natural blue topaz or the irradiated sky blue topaz commonly found in the trade. There are 2 other irradiated topaz colors. These are London Blue and Swiss Blue. However, they are too intense to be confused with aquamarine and cannot fool an expert. The identification is ultimately done by the significantly higher weight, because a topaz is much heavier than an aquamarine of the same size.

Also common are aquamarine-colored synthetic spinels, which are often referred to as synthetic aquamarines. However, this is a misstatement! In fact, there are no synthetically produced aquamarines. Identifying those fakes is easy because spinel is single refractive, which can be determined with a dichroscope. Also, synthetic spinel in aquamarine color appears distinctly pink under the Chelsea filter.

The Aquaqmarin can be confused with these stones:

• Rare natural blue topaz
• Irradiated topaz of the color Sky Blue
• Aquamarine synthetic spinels

Mining areas and deposits

Aquamarines are found on all continents. By far the most important mining areas are in Brazil.

Other significant sites include:

• Nigeria
• Mozambique
• Madagascar
• Pakistan

In addition, aquamarines are also found in India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, the USA and some other countries of the world. In Madagascar, a special dark blue variety was mined.

Aquamarine in Europe

The European deposits in Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Finland, Norway, Bulgaria and Switzerland, for example, are of purely mineralogical interest and do not yield material useful for the gemstone trade.

Aquamarine is commonly found in cavities, gravel deposits, and sometimes in stream gravels. Beryl crystals in some coarse-grained rock forms can grow to very large sizes. Aquamarine crystals of up to 20 cm are not uncommon. The best quality stones come from Brazil, where crystals weighing several kilograms have been found.

Aquamarine mining in Pakistan: Video

Different types of grinding

The most common cut for an aquamarine is the emerald type, followed by oval or pear-shaped cuts. It is a relatively easy stone to cut and is often found in innovative shapes as cutters experiment with new shapes. Generally, all cuts used for diamonds are possible for aquamarines. It is rated 7.5 to 8 on the hardness scale, making it a fairly durable stone. Large aquamarine stones, ranging from several carats to more than 10 carats, are relatively common, as mentioned earlier. The great thing about this gemstone is that the wide price range makes it accessible to almost everyone.

• The most common cut for an aquamarine is the emerald type
• Followed by oval or pear-shaped cuts
• Easy to cut stone
• 7.5 to 8 on the hardness scale
• Durable stone

When cutting aquamarine, the primary consideration should be depth of color. Deep designs, such as barions and emerald cuts, are usually preferred. Low crown angles result in higher brilliance, but higher crowns are often used to deepen the color.

High brilliance due to polishing

The beryl family, including aquamarines, are among the easiest gemstones to polish. Diamond polishing is the most common method. A high quality polish can give bright aquamarines such brilliance that they could be mistaken for higher refractive index (RI) gemstones. Even with a moderate scatter of 0.014, bright stones with high crown angles will show off their spectral colors well. This makes them a standout gemstone. While the highest values are with the richer colors, a well-cut bright aquamarine can be one of the most spectacular examples of gemstone faceting in the world.

• The easiest gemstones to polish
• Most common method: Diamond polishing
• Can be mistaken for gemstones with a higher refractive index
• Spectral colours are brought to the fore

Aquamarine jewellery care

The best way to clean your aquamarine jewelry is with plain warm soapy water (with mild liquid soap) and a small brush. Once you have washed the stone, be sure to rinse it well with clean water. Be sure to use warm water instead of hot water to reduce the risk of thermal shock.

Detergents containing enzymes and detergents should be avoided as they can cause allergic reactions. It is also not advisable to clean aquamarine in an ultrasonic tank. Sudden temperature changes, steam formation and contact with cosmetics, hairspray, perfume or household chemicals should also be avoided if possible.

• Cleaning with simple warm soapy water
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water
• Avoid detergents containing enzymes and detergents

Biggest aquamarine find ever

The largest aquamarine was found in 1910 in Brazil, near the village of Marambaia. It weighed around 110 kg, was almost half a meter long and 38 cm wide. It was then cut into smaller stones, which together yielded over 200,000 carats!

Here lies the mine where the largest aquamarine of all time was found:

Investing in aquamarine: yes or no?

As already mentioned above, aquamarines come in very different price ranges. This makes investing in aquamarines interesting even for investors with a smaller budget. A negative factor is the lack of a global reference price, as it is available to potential gold investors with the London gold price. The market can therefore be subject to strong price fluctuations in general.

These thoughts should not be understood as a fundamental recommendation against the aquamarine purchase, but rather as an invitation to critically reflect on a potential purchase decision.

Diamond price (gram, carat and kilo)

The largest diamond producer by volume is Russia (mainly Siberia). But if you look at the value of the diamonds, Botswana (mainly Jwaneng Diamond Mine) wins. Both produce over 1 million carats a year, which sounds like a lot, but is actually only 200,000 g, or 200 kg per country per year. It is these small quantities that make diamond so valuable.

The most famous and legendary of all gemstones, diamond is very unique in many ways. It is known for being the hardest substance on earth, its sparkling fire, durability and rarity make diamond the most valuable of all gemstones. No gemstone contains as much attraction and interest as diamond. Most diamonds used as gemstones are colorless or very faintly colored. Colored diamonds, called “fancies,” however, can be extremely rare and valuable, and the most valuable gemstones ever known were fancy diamonds. In fact, fancy diamonds are the most valuable substances known to mankind, with colored diamonds selling for more than a million dollars per carat in the past!

What you’ll be most interested in now, of course:

How much does a diamond cost?

As described earlier, diamonds are weighed in carats.

One metric carat equals 0.2 grams

Diamonds are currently valued at an average of $7,116 per carat.

So one gram costs on average 35,580 USD

Diamond Price Current (08/20):

• 1 carat 7,116.17 USD or 5,990.54 EUR
• 1 gram 35,580.90 USD or 30,100.16 EUR
• 1 kilogram USD 35,580,170.34 or EUR 30,100,160.81

Gold price (gram, ounce & kilo) in comparison

How does the price of gold compare? Many investors who buy gold constantly keep an eye on the price. As an investor, you should too, because prices for precious metals are subject to fluctuations – even if the gold price is usually very stable.

Difference per gram currently: +35,519 USD or diamonds are 583x more valuable

Gold is currently valued at $61 per gram, compared to diamonds, which can fetch up to $35,580 as described, a huge difference that also makes diamonds interesting for investors.

Gold price current:

• 1 gram 61.14 USD or 52.47 EUR
• 1 ounce 1,901.77 USD or 1,631.90 EUR
• 1 kilogram USD 61,143.33 or EUR 52,466.80

So for one kilogram of gold you get only a fraction of diamonds!

Countries of origin and largest mining areas

Since the 1870s, most of the world’s gem-quality diamonds have been mined in Africa.

Top 7 producing countries over 1 million carats / year

These seven countries have been world leaders in the production of gem quality diamonds for over a decade.

Production over 1 million carats:

1. Russia
2. Botswana
3. Canada
4. Angola
5. South Africa
6. Democratic Republic of the Congo
7. Namibia

Russia leads the list of producers with its gigantic areas. A large part of the productive mines can be found in Yakutia.

Mine: Yakutia, Russia

Inside Yakutia: Russia’s largest mine – video

Yakutia in northeastern Siberia is home to huge diamond deposits, where the gems are mined in huge pits dug deep into the permafrost. The Mir mine in Mirny is 525 meters deep and one of the largest man-made holes in the world.

Production countries with 100,000 + carats / year

Apart from the dominant producers, numerous countries produce less than one million carats per year, but are regular, consistent producers. They all produce over 100,000 carats of gem-quality diamonds per year and have averaged at least that much over the past decade. This production comes from smaller mechanized mines or an enormous number of artisans in alluvial deposits.

• Australia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Guinea
• Guyana
• Lesotho
• Sierra Leone
• Zimbabwe

Number 1 in the 2nd division is Australia. Tip. Read more about production and price of Opal here.

Mine: Australia (Argyle Diamond Mine, Lake Argyle WA 6743)

Inside Argyle: Australia’s Diamonds – Video

A look inside the unique Argyle diamond mine. Located in the spectacular East Kimberley region of Western Australia, the Argyle Diamond Mine produces over 90% of the incredible Pink Diamonds. See how they recover the diamonds from deep underground in their modern block cave mine.

Russia: The largest diamond producer in the world

Diamonds were found in Russia as early as the 18th century. The first significant production occurred in 1957 from the Mir kimberlite pipe and adjacent placers. Since then, numerous diamondiferous pipes and alluvial deposits have been found. Most of Russia’s diamond production to date has come from the open pit mines of the Mir and Udachnaya pipes in the Sakha Republic of Siberia.

Today, Russia is the world’s leading producer of gem-quality diamonds by carat weight and has held this position for over a decade. Botswana is the only country with a higher production value – mainly because its production includes a high proportion of large, high-quality diamonds.

• First finds in the 18th century
• First production facility 1957
• The majority are open-cast mines in the Republic of Sakha.
• Central is Yakutia (10 of 12 mines)
• World leading producer in gemstone quality
• Holds the title for over a decade

ALROSA as the largest export company

ALROSA, a Russian group of diamond mining companies, produces almost all of the diamonds mined in the country. ALROSA sorts and sells its rough diamonds to a number of polished diamond manufacturers located mainly in Russia, Belgium, India, Israel, Hong Kong and China. Most sales are made through long-term supply agreements, but the company also makes one-time sales and is developing methods for online sales.

Primary control of ALROSA is in the hands of Russian government authorities. The Russian Federation Agency for State Property Management owns approximately 44%, the Ministry of Property and Land Relations of the Republic of Sakha owns approximately 25% and the municipal district administrations of the Republic of Sakha own approximately 8%. The remaining approximately 23% is owned by individuals and legal entities.

Away from it all, a look inside the mine is nothing short of spectacular.

Number 1: Largest diamond mine in the world – Video

Botswana: Small country, huge yield

Course a look at Botswana as a country if you don’t know much about it yet.

• Capital: Gaborone
• Currency: Botswana Pula
• Population: 2.254 million (2018, source: World Bank).

Botswana on the map, Jwaneng Diamond Mine:

Botswana was one of the first areas to use bulk sampling and indicator mineral mapping to characterize and identify diamond pipes in a large and difficult geographic area. Exploration began in the 1950s and diamond mining started in 1971.

In the mid-1980s, Botswana had some of the world’s highest-yielding mines, and the tiny country was one of the world’s leading diamond producers.

For over a decade, Botswana has been the second largest diamond producer by carat weight and the leading producer by value. It holds this position because its average diamond size is larger than those produced by Russia and of generally higher quality.

• Diamond mining began in 1971
• 2. largest diamond producer (quantity)
• PS: Measured by value, even the leading producer

Number 1 mines: The most expensive diamonds

Botswana’s Jwaneng mine is often referred to as “the richest diamond mine in the world”. The mine has been producing about 10 million carats of high quality diamonds annually. The mine is owned by a company called Debswana, a joint venture company between De Beers and the government of Botswana – hence the name “Debswana”.

The diamond industry is the most important factor for economic activity in Botswana. Diamonds account for about 60% of Botswana’s exports and about 25% of its gross domestic product. De Beers is responsible for the sale of all of Debswana’s rough diamonds and has built the largest diamond sorting and sales facility in the world in Gaborone, the capital and largest city of Botswana. There, the stones mined by De Beers in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa are sorted and offered to diamond buyers and manufacturers from all over the world in De Beers’ famous “Sightholder Sales”.

• Most important factor for economic activity in Botswana
• 60% of Botswana’s exports are diamonds
• About 25% of its gross domestic product
• Garborone has the largest diamond sorting and sales facility in the world

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCEmCUdSnXc

Canada: The big surprise

Canada was the big surprise in the diamond industry. Geologists suspected that gem-bearing diamond pipes pierced the rocks of the Canadian Shield, but many of the world’s most experienced diamond explorers could not find them. Then in 1991, two geologists, Chuck Fipke and Stewart Blusson, found evidence of diamond-bearing kimberlite pipes about 200 miles north of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. The deposit proved commercial, and mining began there in 1998. Several other mines came on line in quick succession, quickly making Canada one of the world’s leading diamond producers.

Some of the Canadian mines have already been closed due to difficult mining conditions or ore bodies being worked out. However, the country’s position as the third largest diamond producer in the world has been maintained. Most of Canada’s mines are located in remote and cold places in the northern part of the country. Some can only get their heavy supplies by trucks traveling on ice roads that can only be traversed during the coldest months of the year. The mines must also have all the necessary facilities to house and support their workers for months at a time. The mines have proven themselves even in the face of these costly challenges.

• First diamonds were found in 1991
• In 1998 the dismantling began
• Mines mainly in the north, supply via ice roads

Popularity due to good production conditions

Canadian diamonds have been very popular with consumers. Some like them because they are produced away from conflict, because workers are well paid and because there are regulations to protect the environment. Diamond and jewelry manufacturers in Canada have advertised their national origin by labeling their belts with certificate numbers and trade logos. These include a maple leaf, a polar bear, CanadaMark symbols or the words “Ice on Fire.” These inscriptions assure consumers of the provenance of their diamond, link it to a certificate, and are a very successful marketing feature.

Mining of rough diamonds

Diamonds are mostly extracted from vents of extinct volcanoes. They are first mined in open pits, then underground. Extensive open-pit mining of this type is carried out in Botswana, Russia and Angola. In Namibia and South Africa, diamonds are also found inland in some river valleys and in submarine basins. For underwater mining, specially designed ships are used to wash the diamonds out of the sand that is sucked in.

World production of natural diamond is currently around twenty tons per year, which currently only covers around 20 % of industrial demand. Synthetically produced diamonds, whose properties such as toughness, crystal habit, conductivity and purity can be precisely influenced, are therefore increasingly filling this gap in demand.

Statistics: Development of the worldwide diamond production in the period from 2005 to 2020

You can find more statistics at Statista

Recognised grading system: The 4 Cs

A grading system introduced by the GIA was established to evaluate diamonds based on four aspects. These four grading systems are known as “the four C’s” in which all diamonds are graded:

1. Colour
2. Cut
3. Clarity
4. Carat weight(Carat weight)

Colour (Colour #1)

The color of a diamond is graded on an alphabetical scale, ranging from the letters D to Y. This scale measures color saturation, which ranges from absolutely colorless to deep yellow (or yellow-brown). D is completely colorless, with no hint of any other color. Y indicates intense deep yellow or deep yellow-brown. The letters between D and Y describe the color, depending on the degree of yellow saturation.

The color bar below shows the letter and the color saturation it represents. (The bar is not limited to yellow; it can also be yellow-brown and is not necessarily accurate, as monitor saturation can vary.) The letter Z in a diamond’s color grade can sometimes be used to indicate a fancy diamond.

Cut (Cut #2)

The cut, or facet, of the diamond is the shape and style in which it is cut. The most common cut is the brilliant cut, a facet specifically designed to bring out the most fire in the stone. Sometimes this cut cannot be given, either due to flaws or cleavage habits. A great deal of planning must be done before cutting a diamond, as a slight flaw in the facet can significantly reduce the value of the stone.

Brilliant cut and old cut

The brilliant cut is the classic cut for diamonds. The 57 facets of the brilliant cause the best possible light reflection.

The old cut is the precursor of today’s brilliant cut. This particular cut is mainly found in jewellery from private collections. Special features of this cut are a somewhat higher upper body and a smaller table as well as a cut calette. A perfectly round cut was not necessarily aimed for. This cut still enjoys particular popularity among connoisseurs today.

Purity (Clarity #3)

The brilliance of the stone also depends decisively on the clarity, which is of course very strongly reflected in the value of the diamond. Truly flawless stones are very rare and therefore also particularly valuable.

Carat / Weight (Carat #4)

The size of a diamond is measured in carats (abbreviated as ct). One carat is equal to 0.2 grams (about 0.007 ounces).

Another weight measurement sometimes used for small diamonds is the point measurement (abbreviated as pt). Each point is equal to one/one hundredth of a carat. For example, a stone weighing 34 pt weighs 0.34 ct. Larger diamonds are worth more than proportionally smaller ones, meaning that a 3 ct diamond exceeds the value of three 1ct diamonds.

Diamonds (as well as other precious colored gemstones) are often sold with a certification document that lists comprehensive details about the stone, specifically their 4 C’s. These certificates are usually authenticated by recognized organizations such as the GIA and the AGS (American Gem Society) and offer authenticity about the stone being purchased. Diamonds that are certified have a premium over non-certified.

Detect fake diamonds?

Since a diamond is real, it must have some inclusions! These inclusions are visible to the naked eye or under magnification. If no inclusions, black spots or milk spots, are visible in a diamond, then it is either a zirconia or a piece of glass.

Diamonds that have no inclusions under 50x magnification are very rare and can only be found by collectors. The small black specks that are visible in diamonds are crystals of graphite or other forms of carbon. These black specks glow under the light. Diamonds have an affinity for grease; the surface of a cut diamond generally has a film of grease when touched.

• Inclusions (naked eye or under magnification)
• No inclusions under 50x magnification = very rare
• Black spots are crystals of graphite or other forms of carbon
• Affinity for fat

Test methods for the authenticity of diamonds

The most important test of a diamond is that all light entering the front of the stone is completely reflected by the back facets, which form a series of mirrors. A well-cut diamond, when viewed from the back and held up to the light, will show only a pinpoint of light from the cult. Moreover, when you look down at a brilliant diamond, you don’t see the wearer’s finger under the stone, as you do with other stones. White light entering a diamond is scattered into a spectrum of colors, creating vials of different colors from the smaller crown facets.

Detect diamond imitations: Video

Various quartz shapes

There are many forms of quartz that can be called diamond. Many are locality specific and precede the word diamond with a locality name. Many of these names are rarely used or invented by dealers, but there are a few, such as Herkimer Diamond, that are used universally. Here are some names to consider that describe quartz varieties:

Names describing varieties of quartz:

• Arkansas
• Baffa
• Bristol
• Cape May
• Cornish
• Dauphine
• Herkimer
• Hot springs
• Marble Marsh
• Pecos
• Vallum
• Zabeltitzen

Other false names are also used which do not refer to quartz. They are as follows:

• Alaskan Black – Hematite
• Jourado – Colorless synthetic spinel
• Killiecrankie – Colourless topaz from Killiecrankie Bay at the northern end of Flinders Island, Australia.
• Matura – Colourless zirconia
• Strass – Colorless glass as gemstone simulant
• Swarovski – Highly polished form of glass

Production of synthetic diamonds

For many years, it was very legitimate to use the terms “diamond production” and “diamond mining” as equivalent – at least for gem quality diamonds. That has changed. The United States Geological Survey reports that in 2015, an estimated $52.4 million worth of gem-quality diamonds were produced in laboratories within the United States.

Already produced $52.4 million worth of synthetic diamonds in 2015

An unknown quantity is also produced in laboratories outside the United States. Most of these synthetic diamonds enter the gemstone market and are labeled as “lab-created” or “lab-grown” or “synthetic” at the time of sale to consumers. When this occurs, these man-made diamonds are generally sold at a price at least 25% below the cost of natural diamonds for stones of similar size and quality.

Still complicated and costly at the moment

It is extremely difficult and costly to distinguish man-made diamonds from natural diamonds, especially at the wholesale level when synthetic diamonds are inserted into large lots of very small diamonds. This infiltration of synthetic stones into natural stone stock has raised concerns among the gem and jewelry trade, as well as consumers. Is my diamond “natural”?

Most consumers still buy “natural diamonds” because the supply of lab-created diamonds is relatively small. However, a lower selling price attracts certain consumers to lab-created diamonds because they have the same chemical composition and physical properties and look exactly like natural diamonds to the eye. Time will tell how interested consumers will be in natural diamonds and how much of a discount they are willing to refuse.

For a layman not to recognize: The difference between natural and synthetic diamonds.

Biggest diamonds ever

In this chart you can see the biggest diamonds that were sold until 2010:

1. The Golden Jubiliee – 545.67 carats
2. The Cullinan I – 530.2 carats
3. The Cullinan II – 317.4 carats
4. The Centenary – 273 carats
5. The Millenium Star – 204.4 carats

Diamonds for investors

Investors should base the purchase decision on the “4 Cs” described above to ensure a minimum level of quality. In order to ensure successful resaleability at a reasonable price, it makes sense to keep the standards rather high.

Role of diamonds in the portfolio

In contrast to shares, ETFs or other forms of investment, the long-term price development of diamonds is characterised by a relatively steady rise. Therefore, diamonds are very well suited as a defensive addition to the portfolio to cushion strong downturns. A fundamental outperformance compared to stock indices such as DAX or MDAX, however, is usually not given.

Your motivation in buying diamonds as an investment should be to minimize risk by diversifying your assets.

This means that diamonds are not recommended in a small portfolio. If you have to exceed a maximum portfolio share of 5 percent to reach the minimum size and quality when buying diamonds, you should rather wait with the investment.

Diamond Cut: 21 Shapes & Types

Diamonds are known to have the unique property of refracting light in such a way that it sparkles intensely! So much so that diamonds continue to increase in value. Today, 1 carat (0.2 grams) will cost you 7,116.17 USD or 5,990.54 EUR. Besides the brilliance, the cut determines a large part of the purchase price. There are different shapes of cut diamonds, 21 of which I want to introduce to you today. To the cut forms belong for example round cut (also brilliant cut), heart, oval, marquise, radiant and princess (princess cut). The cut quality significantly determines the value of a diamond. When determining the value, it is all about how well the facets of a diamond interact with the light.

The cut of a diamond is crucial to the final beauty and value of the stone. Of all the 4Cs of diamonds, the cut itself is the most complex and technically difficult to analyze.

• Diamond cut: 21 types

Investing in diamonds: Yes or No?

Short-term speculation with diamonds is practically impossible due to the value added tax and the high spreads. This can also be used as a basic argument against diamonds as a value investment, because the investor is first of all in the red with 19 percent after the purchase and has to reckon with further discounts when selling. In addition, there is the lack of a global reference price, as it is available to potential gold investors with the London gold price.

These thoughts should not be understood as a fundamental recommendation against buying diamonds, but rather as an invitation to critically reflect on a potential purchase decision.