As gemologists and industry experts, we are here to demystify just how much diamonds are really worth. From factors that affect a diamond’s retail price to a diamond’s resale price, our gemologists have the answers to all of your diamond price questions.
Get answers to the following questions:
- What is the difference between diamond retail value and resale value?
- Which factors affect the value of a diamond?
- Do diamond prices fluctuate?
- How can I get a price for my diamond?
- Where can I sell diamonds for the best price?
Diamond Retail Value vs Resale Value
When determining how much diamonds are worth, we have to know the difference between retail value and resale value:
- Diamond retail value: The retail value is the price you paid at purchase. Brick and mortar jewelry stores place significant markups on their diamond jewelry, these can be 100% to 200% higher than what they purchased the piece for (though the larger the diamond, typically the lower the margin). These price markups are to cover operating costs, slow moving inventory and to make a profit. Online jewelry stores in comparison, typically have lower overhead, which results in lower markups.
- Diamond resale value: The reality is that your diamond’s resale value will be much lower than its retail value. Depending on where you bought your diamond (and the markup) and its qualities, you can expect to get back 25% to 50% of your diamond’s purchase price. Similar to driving a new car off the lot, diamonds depreciate in value once they leave the jewelry store. Even unworn, it still experiences this dramatic price drop because the retailer has charged a markup from the wholesale price.
What Factors Affect The Value Of A Diamond?
You may hear about diamonds being priced per carat, but the reality is not that straight forward. Whether you are buying a diamond ring or selling a loose diamond, the diamond’s value is largely determined by the 4 C’s. These are the universally accepted diamond grading criteria established by the GIA.
The 4 C’s include:
- Color Grade: How much color a white diamond displays on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (faint yellow). Fancy colored diamonds such as blues and pinks are graded on their color intensity from Fancy Light to Fancy Vivid.
- Clarity Grade: How many and what type of imperfections a diamond has, such as feather or cavity. It is important to note that not all imperfections are visible to the naked eye. Diamond clarity is graded from FL (flawless) to I3 (visibly flawed).
- Cut Grade: Cut quality refers to how well-cut and proportionate round diamonds are; graded from Excellent Cut to Poor Cut. Fancy cut diamonds (diamond shapes such as pears and ovals) do not have official cut grades.
- Carat Weight: How much a diamond weighs in carats, frequently shortened to ct.
You can find the 4 C’s of your diamond on paperwork that came with its purchase such as a diamond grading report, jeweler’s appraisal or insurance appraisal. If you have lost your paperwork or never received any, you can meet with a local jeweler to get a rough idea of your diamond’s characteristics.
Of course there are many factors beyond color and clarity that impact price, including:
- Brand: Diamond jewelry from luxury brands such as Tiffany &. Co. or Harry Winston will command higher prices than non branded jewelry.
- Branded Box: If your diamond is from a luxury brand, selling it with its box and papers in good condition will increase its value.
- Certification: Diamonds with certification from reputable diamond grading labs, such as the GIA, demonstrate the diamond’s authenticity and characteristics.
Do Diamond Prices Fluctuate?
The short answer is no, the majority of diamonds do not experience price fluctuations. The diamond market is tightly controlled by diamond distributors who release a certain amount of new diamonds into the market every year to maintain prices. While your diamonds will benefit from long term inflation over the span of many decades, you are not likely to recoup what you spent on your diamond.
There is only a small category of diamonds whose value increase over time. Large white diamonds with outstanding color, cut and clarity grades as well as exceptional fancy colored diamonds, such as reds, blues and greens, increase in value because of their limited supply and high demand.
For instance, there are only about 20 to 30 truly red diamonds believed to exist. According to the Natural Color Diamond Association, “prices for natural blue diamonds has been gradually and consistently rising between 12 and 17 percent every year over the past decade.”
How To Get A Price For My Diamond?
The best way to find out how much are diamonds worth is to inquire with expert diamond buyers, such as myGemma. Simply fill out our online form to receive your price quote from the diamond experts. Our professional selling process takes as little as 24 hours and is entirely free. Our commitment to excellence is illustrated by our A+ rating with the BBB and hundreds of outstanding customer reviews.
In 2012, myGemma was established by industry veterans with the goal of revolutionizing the process of selling diamonds and diamond jewelry such as engagement rings. Having recognized that the only options available to consumers were slow and tedious (auction houses or online ads) or a low-end selling experience (pawnbrokers): myGemma was created.
We provide a simple, fast and free way to sell diamonds and diamond jewelry for competitive prices. With a dedicated client manager working with you from start to end, as well as the option to sell online or in person, our goal is to make the process of selling as enjoyable as the process of buying was. With offices in 3 continents, we work with hundreds of customers from around the world on a daily basis.
Our service is backed by a team of GIA trained diamond experts who understand the complexities of the pre-owned diamond market. As international diamond buyers, we possess the necessary industry connections, knowledge and buying power to get our clients the highest prices for their diamonds.
Where Can I Sell Diamonds For The Best Price?
Diamond pricing is complex and nuanced: there is no one static diamond price chart. The best way to get the most money for your diamonds is to sell to the diamond experts: the entire process can take as little as 24 hours. myGemma' experienced GIA trained gemologists have in-depth knowledge of the second diamond market and will help you secure higher prices.
To get started, complete our simple online form with information about your diamond. Your dedicated client manager will shortly get back to you with a price quote and answer any questions you may have. There are never any hidden fees or commissions deducted from your offer, so the final price you hear is exactly what you will be paid.
To get your final offer you can either schedule an appointment at one of our discreet and comfortable offices in New York, the UK, Tokyo or Hong Kong. Or you can sell online, using our free, fully insured shipping service.
