Diamonds form from carbon atoms under great pressure and high temperature, deep in the Earth's core. As such, each diamond is entirely unique. When looking to sell your diamond, it is important to understand exactly what you have. However, in many cases, people are in a situation where they no information on their diamond. Perhaps they do not have any paperwork because they have either misplaced it, or they never received it (for example, if a diamond was gifted to them).
In this article we will cover the following:
- Different types of diamond documentation
- Diamond certificates
- Diamond appraisals
- What to do if you have no information on your diamond
- What information you need on your diamond to get a price
- How to get a price for your diamond
What Are The Different Types Of Diamond Documentation?
First, let's explore the different types of diamond documentation that can prove to be beneficial in assessing the value of your stone. These include, but are not limited to:
- Diamond certificates from diamond grading laboratories such as the GIA or AGS.
- Jewelers or insurance appraisals
Having these documents will aid you greatly if you are seeking to resell your diamond or if you simply want to know the value of your diamond. They provide key information and will give you a better understanding of its value. Not every diamond will come with a certificate, depending on where it was acquired from.
What Is A Diamond Certificate?
Diamond certificates are issued by diamond laboratories and provide detailed documentation on characteristics of your stone, beyond just the 4 C’s. The GIA is the gold standard in the diamond grading industry and provides extremely reliable grading’s. Other laboratories vary in the reliability of their grading standards, but nonetheless are a great starting point and can at least give you an approximate idea of the quality of your diamond.
What Is A Diamond Appraisal?
These are issued by jewelers for insurance purposes. They do not contain as much information as a certificate and are the opinion of a jeweler (not a trained gemologist following strict diamond grading standards). It is important to note that any monetary value on an appraisal is highly inflated as this allows insurance companies to charge high premiums. This should not confused with the resale value of your diamond however.
What If I Have No Information On My Diamond?
Not a problem, you can still sell your diamond, there are just a few steps to take. Your first port-of-call when seeking information about your diamond should be to receive a a free, verbal appraisal from a jeweler. Do not pay for a full and written appraisal. You are simply looking for a rough idea of the characteristics of your diamond.
What Information Do I Need On My Diamond?
In order to receive a price quote, you will want to provide the following information:
- Carat Weight: You will want the weight of the largest stone. Carat (often abbreviated to ct) is the standardized, global weight measure for diamonds. A carat weighs 0.2 grams. The heavier the stone, the more valuable it is. Generally speaking, a diamond weighing 2ct will be worth more than a diamond weighing 1ct.
- Color Grade: This will come in the form of a letter ranging from D (colorless diamonds) to Z (light yellow and brown diamonds). The closer the letter is to D, the higher quality the color is.
- However, diamonds beyond Z enter the realm of fancy color grades, such as: vivid red diamonds, light blue diamonds and deep pink diamonds (among others). These fancy color diamonds are extremely rare. We always recommend that high value fancy colored stones be certified by the GIA.
- Clarity Grade: this will range from FL (flawless diamonds) to I3 (heavily included diamond). Inclusions as well as external blemishes impact the clarity of the stone. The position, size and number of the characteristics will influence the overall clarity of your diamond. The cloudier your diamond looks, the worse the overall clarity is.
- Shape: The shape (also referred to as cut, but not to be confused with cut grade, see below) of your stone also influences the value of your diamond. Round shapes typically hold much greater value than other shapes, closely followed by princess cuts. The shape of your diamond influences its value depending on what shapes are popular and in fashion at the time. You can typically determine the shape of your diamond simply by referring to this diagram guide to assess which shape most closely resembles your stone.
And to a lesser extent:
- Cut grade: While it is always good to have your diamond’s cut grade as this will help receive a more accurate price quote, you can still receive a price quote without this. Cut grade refers to the dimensions of your diamond as a result of the cutting and polishing the rough diamond underwent. It rates the level of sparkle and how well light is reflected in the stone, ranging from Excellent to Poor. It is important to note this only applies to round brilliant diamonds.
- Condition: Diamond is the hardest material on the planet, and yet it can still chip or abrade over time.
Remember that the anatomy of each diamond is unique, and so for a more comprehensive understanding of your diamond, you will need the opinion of a diamond specialist.
How Can I Get A Price For My Diamond?
Now that you have the basic facts on your diamond, complete our online form to receive your bespoke price quote.
In order to receive a final price, a trained gemologist will need to examine the stone in person. There are two selling options available:
- Sell diamonds in person: At myGemma, we offer appointments with our diamond experts in New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo and the UK.
- Sell diamonds online: We also offer free and fully insured shipping to our headquarters. Our offers are made within 24 hours of receiving your stone and we provide safe, fast payments.
About myGemma
myGemma is a BBB accredited business with an A+ rating, ensuring a safe selling process. Established in 2012 by leading industry veterans, we believe that selling diamonds and diamond jewelry should be a fast, transparent and high-end experience. As such, we have streamlined the selling process and provide a reputable, 21st century alternative to pawnbrokers and jewelers.
Our process can take as little as 24 hours from start to finish. We buy your diamonds, luxury jewelry, watches and handbags directly. There are no fees, commissions deducted or middle men involved. With over 1,000 customer reviews, our team of GIA trained gemologists works with hundreds of customers on a daily basis from around the globe.
Please note that we do not buy synthetic diamonds, black diamonds, brown diamonds or rough diamonds.
