what is my diamond worth? How to determine the value of my diamond?

So many factors go into determining the value of a diamond.  I am sure you've heard of the 4's before, if you haven't see our other blog post which dives deeper on the 4 C's or ask us.  The main factors that determine diamond value are clarity, color, cut, and carat weight.  These factors sum up a general overall view of the stone but do not define the intricates of each particular diamond.  That is why, lots of the time we need to physically see a stone.  In other words, on paper the stone may look good however in person its not or vice versa! 

In diamonds, and other gems for that matter, there are different companies who evaluate diamonds and gems for their properties including these factors an others such as fluorescence, origin, etc.  Seeing the whole picture can help increase or decrease a diamond or gems value.  At Velvet Box Society we take each and every one of these factors into account.  Grading reports such as those issued by The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) can be important in knowing what the properties of the stone are.  Additionally Other factors can be important when determining value. They include but are not limited to: the market:
-Do you have a stone that is not as popular in shape a it once was or how about a grade that is harder to sell at this present time.  Knowing the market takes years of experience buying and selling each day.  That can be tricky and should be left to true experts.  Having an international market helps us be more competitive than most jeweler in this country. 
-Another factor can be provenance.  Provenance means this history and importance of the history of that particular diamond.  Was stone stone owned by someone famous, does the diamond have a documented story.  These factors can make a stone or piece dramatically more valuable. 
-Brand is another important factor, who cut it, what's the origin and where did it come from (argyle stones are a great example of this) etc.
-Type of diamond can also be important; firstly natural or synthetic and secondly the actual structure of the diamond: Ie Type IA or Type IIB etc. 
​-Finally the setting the stone is in can also play an important role and actually increase the value of the stone.  For example should the stone be in a Graff setting, or antique Cartier setting it certainly will increase the value of the stone and make the entire piece more valuable.  

So as you can see determining the value of a diamond, gemstone, or piece of jewelry is no simple or easy task if you dive into the details.  Many buyers simply look at the general piece (ie: the metal weight, and the stones and add them together) and that works for some  pieces.  For more valuable pieces, and more important pieces a much more thorough evaluation is important.  Selling  your diamond can be a stressful and confusing process.  Our recommendation is to use a trusted source and true experts of the craft in doing so.  We are graduate gemologists with awards from GIA.  The reason we have so much inventory on our website is simple, we pay more. 

To learn more about our appraisal services click here
For a list of qualifications click here. 
For our press page click here.  

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