Diamond appraisal vs. grading – does it matter?

If you are looking to sell your diamonds, you might have been told first to get them graded or appraised. Diamond grading is a professional service carried out by gemological labs. Evaluators or jewelers offering this service may charge for appraisals by the hour or by trying to take a percentage of your item’s final value. The two options also serve different purposes. Which should you choose?

Jewelry appraisal

There are several types of diamond appraisals. Some are required for insurance purposes, estate/tax purposes, or for reselling. You might be looking for an assessment to prove that your diamond warrants a high price tag; however, understand that an appraisal might not reflect the diamond retail price. There are several reasons for this: re-worn diamonds or diamond jewelry might only equal or outdo the cost of new retail items if they are extremely rare, auction-worthy, or designed by a highly esteemed jewelry brand like Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, or Cartier. At any rate, you want the appraisal to be reasonably priced, objective, and accurate.

Jewelry grading

Grading is an in-depth assessment of a diamond and its attributes according to the 4C’s – cut, carat, color, and clarity. In contrast with Contrasted with appraisals, diamond grading reports don’t allocate a fiscal value to the item. They are performed by certified professionals at internationally renowned and recognized gemological laboratories, such as the GIA and IGI. A diamond grading report is the most accurate, objective, and transparent tool needed to establish how the market values your diamond at a specific point in time. The market assigns value to a diamond consistent with its grading, so knowing your diamond’s 4 Cs will give you its ballpark market value.

Diamond appraisal vs. grading

Many people think a diamond or jewelry appraisal reveals the item’s absolute value. However, this is not accurate. An appraisal reflects the Retail Replacement Value – how much it will cost to replace an item, and it is primarily associated with insurance plans. An appraisal does not reflect the resale market value. If you want to finance or sell your diamonds or jewelry, you do need a grading report. An appraisal does play an important part in the sales process.

Benefits of free diamond appraisal

If you are looking to sell your diamonds but are not ready to pay for grading reports or expensive appraisals, there is a solution. Find a reputable diamond buying company known to offer professional, honest, and completely objective appraisals for free. This solution not only saves you from finding an appraiser and then finding a diamond buyer but can lead to a straight, hassle-free sale. You have your buyer and appraiser in one go. 

DNR Diamonds NY stands out from the crowd for these reasons and its confidentiality and customer-centric approach. The company not only buys diamonds and diamond jewelry for cash at the highest market price but offers a free appraisal with no pressure to sell! 

Contact DNR for a free appraisal!