The house · Diamantaires OG
How to Tell If Your Diamond Is Really Worth Something?
This is the question many people ask before contacting us. And it is the right question to ask — because an unnecessary trip wastes everyone's time. Here are the 5 essential criteria to assess whether your diamond truly has market value.
1. Is the diamond natural?
This is the number one disqualifying criterion. A lab-grown diamond (CVD or HPHT) is worth 80 to 95% less than a natural diamond of the same appearance. If your ring was purchased after 2018 at a reduced price, there is a high chance it is a synthetic diamond. Only an equipped gemologist can determine this with certainty.
2. Is there a GIA or IGI certificate?
A GIA certificate (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI is the passport of your diamond. It guarantees the stone is natural and documents its precise characteristics: weight, color, clarity, cut. A certified diamond sells for 15 to 30% more than a non-certified diamond with the same characteristics. Without a certificate, our gemologists can still analyze your stone on site.
3. Carat weight
Below 0.3 carats, the market value of a single diamond is generally limited. The value increases exponentially with weight:
| Weight | Standard quality | High quality |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 carat | €1,500 – €2,500 | €3,000 – €5,000 |
| 1 carat | €4,000 – €7,000 | €8,000 – €18,000 |
| 2 carats | €12,000 – €22,000 | €25,000 – €60,000 |
4. Is the jewelry signed by a prestigious house?
A Cartier ring, a Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet, or a Boucheron necklace have additional value linked to the brand's signature. These items sell significantly better than unsigned jewelry, even with stones of equal quality. The presence of the original box and certificate of authenticity further increases the value.
5. Color and clarity
A D-F color (colorless) or VVS-IF clarity diamond is worth much more than a yellowish diamond or one with visible inclusions. If you can see inclusions with the naked eye, the market value will be limited. Conversely, a visually flawless diamond with a beautiful white color may be worth several thousand euros even without a certificate.
What we do not buy
- Lab-grown diamonds (synthetic) — resale value virtually zero
- Jewelry made of gold-plated or gold-tone metal with no intrinsic value
- Fashion stones (cubic zirconia, crystal, rhinestone)
- Antique jewelry with no real stone or house signature
Unsure? Get your diamond appraised for free
Our GIA-certified gemologists analyze your stone in minutes and give you an honest answer. The appraisal is free, without obligation, and entirely confidential.
43 Rue Beaubourg, 75003 Paris — walk-ins or by appointment
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✉ [email protected]
Our services
Free, no-obligation estimate
Combien valent vos bijoux ?
In-person appraisal by a state-certified gemologist — firm offer, immediate payment, in complete confidentiality.