Diamond Price Guide

Since diamond prices are controlled from their source, they follow reasonably predictable trends. Therefore, although it is sometimes possible for the individual to chart prices, today the Rapaport list is considered the primary source of diamond prices. In reality diamond cutters' depend upon the wholesale prices they pay for rough crystals, their overhead, and other costs.

They are then able to compile a price list of their own at which they sell diamonds of various sizes and qualities. This may be different from a similar price list produced by another cutter. It is sometimes forgotten by retailers that there is no absolutely fixed price for a diamond. Diamond cutters compete with each other just like other merchants when it comes to price and quality.

Method of Estimating Diamond Prices :

If one wants to evaluate or buy a diamond, it is very important to be able to arrive at reasonably accurate price. Anyone who doesn't deal with diamonds regularly, and doesn't have a mental picture of the price structure, can use these three basic rules to reach the correct price for the diamond:

1. Weigh the diamond or make an accurate estimation of the weight by using a gauge.
2. Evaluate the quality of the diamond as explained (By color, clarity, and cut).
3. Refer to the Rapaport list of diamond prices.

There are some diamond merchants who do show the price list to their customers. A current Rapaport list price can obviously be made the basis for estimating the price of the diamond. Actually being experienced and involved in the buying and selling of wholesale diamonds provides the most useful information.

The Rapaport diamond price list compiles prices for reference according to three variables - weight, color, and clarity. Cut is omitted and all diamonds are assumed to be of a good cut. A mental allowance should be made for lower qualities of cut. Having correctly identified the qualities of the diamond, one can find out the price.

Being able to evaluate diamond prices can be confusing and takes time to learn. Even once the 4Cs are established and the diamond price located on the list, more evaluating components are needed.

Using the Rapaport List
4 simple steps are used in extracting diamond prices from the Rapaport list:

• Locate the diamond color grade listed on the left.
• Follow numbers horizontally (you may want to use ruler) until you are underneath the correct diamond clarity grading.
• Multiply the number you have reached on the list by 100 in order to come to the carat price.
• Multiply the result you got in step three by the weight of the diamond thereby coming to the total diamond price according to the list.

Next you need to assess other factors like fluorescence, type of diamond cut, and angles in order to make a correct diamond purchase.