A loose diamond of any significant size and value today automatically comes with an independent diamond grading report that has no connection whatsoever with the diamond retailer. That means that a diamond is graded before it’s even delivered to the wholesaler or retailer.
A diamond grading report is used to describe and identify an individual diamond and is based on the four c’s: cut, clarity, carat and color. This is carried out in a gem trade laboratory under strict appraisal conditions by a fully qualified GTL grader. This serves to protect the jewelry trade and ultimately the end consumer from fraud.
Loose Diamonds – Beyond The Four C’s
The four c’s will only give a partial evaluation of the quality and price of diamonds because there are further factors to be aware of in this process. A diamond grading report also goes beyond the four c’s but is not an official guide to the price of a loose diamond.
It is the individual wholesaler/retailer who sets the price of a loose diamond and not a gem trade laboratory. However they will use the 鑽石等級 report that comes with the diamond and a report called a rapaport sheet as indicators in setting the price.
The rapaport sheet is a jewelry industry diamond price guide that recommends a reasonable wholesale and retail price across a wide range of loose diamond grades.
Anyone buying diamonds should also get an independent appraisal (Independent from where they bought it and NOT just a second opinion whilst on the premises). This will serve two purposes:
- As an insurance valuation
- As reassurance against fraud
