What is the price of a diamond?

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Estimating the price of a diamond is complicated because it depends on many factors: the diamond's characteristics, its value and quality criteria, the dynamics of the diamond market, and the diamond's market price at the time of estimation... This is why we recommend having the diamond's value assessed by a professional laboratory (GIA, IGI, HRD...) before selling it. Here is a short guide to help you understand the different factors that determine a diamond's price.

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Diamond price, selling price, price per carat

1. 1 Carat Diamond Price Guide
2. 2 Carat Diamond Price Guide
3. 3 Carat Diamond Price Guide
4. 4 Carat Diamond Price Guide
5. 5 Carat Diamond Price Guide

The selling price of a diamond at a diamond dealer or jeweler is different from the diamond's price. Indeed, the selling price also includes the margin on the piece of jewelry or the diamond. To talk about a diamond's price, we generally use the price per carat.

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The carat is the unit used to measure a diamond's weight. 1 carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams: a 5-carat diamond therefore weighs 1 gram, and a 10-carat diamond weighs 2 grams. For the same diamond quality, it is estimated that the heavier the diamond, the higher the price per carat. Thus, a 2-carat diamond will cost more than double a 1-carat diamond with the same characteristics.

How is a diamond's price calculated?

A diamond's price is mainly calculated based on its quality. Quality is assessed based on the diamond's characteristics, namely the famous 4Cs:

Cut (cut)
Carat (weight)
Color (color)
Clarity (clarity)

To know these different characteristics of the diamond, it is advisable to have a certificate issued by a gemological laboratory. This certificate will allow you to more accurately assess the diamond's value, without making mistakes (some characteristics, particularly color and clarity, are subjective and require an expert eye).

Factors influencing diamond price

Let's review the different factors that influence a diamond's price.

Diamond cut

The diamond's cut is one of the 4Cs. The cut includes, on one hand, the diamond's shape, and on the other, the quality of its cut.

The diamond's shape is the easiest to estimate with the naked eye, even if you are not an expert. Among the shapes are: round brilliant, princess, oval, cushion, radiant, pear, marquise, heart, emerald, triangle, or asscher. For example, the round brilliant cut, one of the most expensive and best-selling, is distinguished by 57 facets in total, counting the table.

As for the quality of the diamond's cut, it is more difficult to estimate. There are 4 parts on a diamond: the table, the crown, the girdle, and the pavilion. The better these parts are proportioned relative to the diamond's diameter and height, the better the cut quality. The cut quality determines how light will reflect off the diamond.

Diamond weight in carats

A diamond's weight is expressed in carats, with 1 carat = 0.2 grams.

To estimate a diamond's weight, a precise carat scale is used, accurate to at least one tenth of a carat. The larger the diamond, and therefore the higher the carat number, the higher its value (and thus its price).

As we noted above, a diamond's price is not proportional to its weight: the larger the diamond, the higher the price per carat.

Diamond color

To estimate a diamond's color, a scale is used from the letter D (the color with the most value) to the letter Z (the color with the lowest value). The further along the alphabet, the more yellow the diamond's tint. D-color diamonds are thus colorless.

To be precise, the estimation of a diamond's color should preferably be done in a laboratory by an expert, who will compare the diamond to be analyzed with comparison diamonds of calibrated color using the naked eye. This method is subjective, which is why it is preferable to have your diamond analyzed by a gemological laboratory recognized by diamond dealers, such as GIA, IGI, or HRD.

Diamond color plays an important role in estimating its value and price, because a single degree on the diamond color scale can change the price by up to 20%!

Diamond clarity

The diamond's clarity grade is determined by observation under a 10x magnification loupe: the aim is to observe the inclusions present in the diamond. The more inclusions a diamond has, the lower its value (and thus its price).

Thus, diamonds with no inclusions (Flawless or FL on the grading scale) are the purest, while diamonds whose inclusions are visible to the naked eye (P1 to P3) are considered the least pure.

After FL, the scale includes the grades IF (Internally Flawless), VVS1 and VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included), VS1 and VS2 (Very Slightly Included), SI1 to SI3 (Slightly Included), and P1 to P3 (Included).

The difference from one clarity grade to another is often difficult to discern with the naked eye, yet the price differences can be significant. For equal quality, two diamonds of two successive grades may show a price difference of 10 to 20%!

Discover our complete guide on diamond clarity

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Diamond market price

A diamond's price strongly depends on demand: if customers want a diamond without fluorescence, then fluorescent diamonds will be cheaper. Demand constantly changes the diamond market price. To find your way, you can consult the report titled "Diamond Price List", which regularly updates reference prices for diamonds according to the 4Cs.

The diamond market price is mainly determined on RAPNET: the diamond trading platform reserved for professionals

Colored diamond, synthetic... price differences

The prices of natural colorless diamonds are not the same as those of colored or synthetic diamonds. For example, for a colored diamond, the price will largely depend on the intensity of the diamond's color, but also on the type of color (intense red or pink, for example, has more value than straw yellow).

As for synthetic diamonds (a type of diamond created in a laboratory), their price will largely depend on the technique used to produce them (CVD or HPHT method, the former having more value than the latter). In general, a synthetic diamond will be 20 to 50% cheaper than a natural diamond, simply because it is not rare and can be reproduced identically indefinitely!

Estimating your diamond's price to sell it

If you wish to estimate your diamond's price, the first thing to do is have it certified by one of the world-renowned gemological laboratories (GIA, LFG, HRD).
Certifying your diamond will cost you a few hundred euros, but it will allow you to know your diamond's strengths to better estimate its price. You will then have all the cards in hand to resell it to a professional (diamond dealer or jeweler) or to a private individual at the fairest price!

Selling / Appraising a diamond online

We examine all diamonds, and the appraisal of your diamond is free.

How to estimate the price of a diamond at Diamantaire Paris?

The estimation of a diamond's price depends on several factors such as the diamond's characteristics, its value and quality criteria, the dynamics of the diamond market, and the diamond's market price at the time of estimation. It is recommended to have the diamond's value assessed by a professional laboratory (GIA, IGI, HRD...) before selling it.

What is the difference between the selling price and the diamond price at Diamantaire Paris?

The selling price of a diamond at a diamond dealer or jeweler includes the margin on the piece of jewelry or the diamond, while the diamond price is generally based on the price per carat.

What criteria are used to calculate a diamond's price?

A diamond's price is mainly calculated based on its quality, estimated from the 4Cs: Cut, Carat (weight), Color, and Clarity.

Can I get a free and confidential appraisal of a piece of jewelry at Diamantaire Paris?

Yes, it is possible to visit us for a free and confidential appraisal of a piece of jewelry at Diamantaire Paris. A pre-appraisal can also be sent by email to [email protected].

Is it possible to go to the Diamantaire Paris store without an appointment for an appraisal?

Yes, it is possible to visit us at 43 rue Beaubourg 75003 Paris, near Réaumur – Sébastopol metro station, with or without an appointment for an appraisal.

Understanding a diamond's value is essential, whether you are considering buying, investing, or selling. At Diamantaire Paris, our diamond price guide is an invaluable resource for navigating the complex world of diamond pricing. We break down the factors that influence price, helping you understand why two apparently similar diamonds can have very different values.

If you are looking to sell, our expertise is not limited to diamonds. We have a deep appreciation and knowledge of historical and artistic pieces, offering specialized services to estimate and sell Art Deco jewelry. Our team of experts is also qualified to evaluate and sell designer jewelry, including renowned houses such as Boucheron, for which we offer specialized services to estimate, sell, or evaluate jewelry.

For those looking to invest, we offer advice on how to choose the perfect diamond, taking into account all essential criteria, including clarity. Our diamond clarity guide via the 4Cs rule is a valuable resource for understanding how clarity affects a diamond's value.

At Diamantaire Paris, we pride ourselves on our transparency and commitment to our clients. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or simply obtain an estimate, we are here to provide you with accurate information and quality services. Visit our homepage to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in your journey with diamonds and precious jewelry.

A price range does not replace an examination of the stone. Our diamond dealers in Paris appraise it in front of you.