Arriving at the decision to sell your loose diamonds can be a significant and emotional moment. Regardless of your reasons for doing so, the decision to sell should not be done on impulse or left to chance. Before you take the massive step of selling your loose diamonds, read our guide on your options, and how to maximize your return.
First, figure out where you will sell your diamonds. Although diamonds and other gemstones aren’t everyday commodities, there are lots of places willing to buy your diamonds. While some people take their chances with a direct online buyer, auctions, or consignment stores, an especially smart option is your local pawnbroker. A pawn shop may be more open to buying diamonds of varying value and quality and can get you cash in hand in minutes.
Next, understand that diamonds are not rare. Therefore, the value of your diamond may depend on what’s referred to in the gem industry as the “Four C’s”:
- Cut: Cut refers to the angles cut into a raw diamond by a craftsman. These cuts are designed to optimize the reflection and refraction of light through a diamond. Of the “Four Cs,” cut is usually considered the most heavily-weighed factor in determining a diamond’s value, as it dramatically influences the diamond’s and brilliance.
- Color: Color actually refers to a lack of color in a diamond. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the diamond color scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). This scale excludes unusual colors like pink, blue-green, yellow or red diamonds. If your diamonds happen to be one of these fancy colors, you’re in luck: fancy colored diamonds are becoming increasingly rare.
- Clarity: Clarity is a scale of imperfections of a diamond. The level determines the number, size, and location of the flaws relative to the size of the diamond and the resulting overall impact on the appearance of the stone. There are 11 potential grades, from “flawless,” which are extremely rare and valuable, to “included,” which has flaws clearly visible to the naked eye.
- Carat: This is the unit of measurement of the weight of diamonds. One carat weight is the equivalent of .02 grams; the value of a diamond increases sharply the bigger it is. You should keep in mind that the value of a diamond is based on the cumulative score of the “Four Cs”; carat weight alone will not tell you enough about the quality of your diamond to gauge its potential value.
If your loose diamonds are exceptional one or more in these regards, you may expect a higher price and increased interest from your potential buyer.
Understand your diamond and its value
You should know as much as possible about your diamonds before you attempt to sell them. Although it may cost you a little upfront, you should get them certified; certification is worth the investment because it will tell you the value of your gemstones. Being educated about your diamonds will put you in a position of strength when it comes time to haggle and can get you more money for them.
Research your potential buyer
Your diamond buyer should be knowledgeable about the gemstone market and should be willing to answer any questions you have about diamond buying and selling. Many pawn shops in your area may have a certified gemologist on staff or contract with one to do appraisals. Don’t be afraid to call around to find the right shop for you.
Don’t expect full value
While you might expect a cash offer of a significant percentage of your diamond’s worth, the fact of the matter is that you will need to adjust your expectations. Use the value of your diamonds as a starting point and aim for around 40 – 60%. Bring any certification, supporting documentation or paperwork to help you get the best offer. Your local pawn shop, or any buyer, for that matter, must be able to turn a profit on the items they buy and must take that into consideration when working with you.
But, don’t be afraid to haggle
Selling your diamonds to your local pawn shop will allow you to haggle on price, which is something you will not be able to do with most other buyers. However, many people shy away from negotiating or haggling, which doesn’t have to be the case. But you have more power and leverage than you probably think. If you approach your pawnbroker with respect, knowledge of your diamonds, and a realistic expectation of price, you can enter into peaceful negotiation and find a price that works for everyone. Most pawn shops are more than willing to haggle with customers and come up with a price both parties are happy with.
Don’t give into undue pressure
Trusting the buyer of your loose diamonds is essential. Selling your loose diamonds can be an emotional experience, and you may be especially vulnerable to making impulse decisions. Make sure you are not being pressured or being asked to agree to something that doesn’t feel right. If possible, bring along a trusted companion to look out for you. If something seems off, take a few days to consider your offer. A local pawnbroker like Central Mega Pawn will understand and will let you know how long their offer stands. They will never demand that you sell them your diamonds right there and then.
Be as objective as possible
We understand that selling loose diamonds can be a personal decision that may affect your whole family. But, to get the most much-needed cash in hand, you must remove as much emotion from the transaction as possible. Your local pawnbroker will not be able to offer you any additional money based on the history or sentimental value of your diamonds; getting a satisfactory deal will require you to keep your emotions out of the sale.
Selling your loose diamonds to your local pawn shop will get you the best return for your jewels. Our team of experts understands the second-hand market and will get you the best possible deal, getting you some much-needed cash in minutes.
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