How Do I Sell a Large Diamond?

Diamonds exude glamour, luxury, and romance. They have long symbolised longevity as originally their strength was alleged to travel directly to the wearer’s heart via the ring finger. However, the1947 DeBeers campaign ‘a diamond is forever’ was so successful that diamonds have since been associated with love and romance and have become the most popular stone for engagement rings.  It is also the birthstone for people born in April.

^{A rare 11.03ct diamond three-stone Kutchinsky ring}

^{Sold for £51,000}

First mentioned in Roman literature in the first century, Diamonds were the preserve of royalty and the wealthy, until the 20^th Century when they became associated with movie stars, glamour, and luxury goods and now, they are woven into our culture, in songs, books, and films. Who can forget Marilyn Monroe in her glorious jewellery singing ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend’ in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes!

The value of a diamond is determined by the 4Cs (Cut, Carat Weight, Clarity, and Colour), the universal method for assessing and certifying diamonds since 1940.   Almost all natural diamonds will have inclusions (internal faults) and blemishes (external faults) which, although invisible to the naked eye, can affect light reflection and ‘sparkle’.

^{A diamond solitaire ring}

^{Sold for £41,000}

For white diamonds, the closer to colourless (D grade) the more valuable, although this does not hold true for fancy colour diamonds where the value increases with the strength and purity of colour. Diamonds come in all colours, from green, purple, and orange to the rare, and very valuable, pink, and blue. 

Prices jump by many tens of thousands of US Dollars per carat for the same size diamond depending on its colour and clarity.  However, some markets will place value on carat weight over colour and clarity (mainly the American market) whilst others prefer colour and clarity.

To get the maximum value for a large diamond it would need to be certified.  Not all certification is equal and therefore it is very important that your diamond is certified by a reputable lab. The market would discount certification of a diamond set in a piece of jewellery so, at Dawsons, we have our large diamonds unset, certified by the internationally renowned DeBeers Institute of Diamonds, and then reset.

^{An Art Deco style diamond cocktail ring}

^{Sold for £41,000}

Once the diamond is certified, the value can be determined using diamond trading network intelligence such as the RapNet Price List, a daily updated list of average and best asking prices based on diamonds currently for sale, and the Rapaport Weekly Market Comment, a global round-up of the diamond market and its variances.

At Dawsons, our specialist team in the Jewellery department can help you with the certification and subsequent valuation of your diamond to ensure that consistency and accuracy informed by global markets is used across our estimate ranges. 

We will assist you at every stage in the selling process, from collection and logistics to the marketing and sale of your diamond. Our bespoke marketing reaches a huge global audience creating a competitive bidding environment and so ensuring the maximum return on your diamond at auction.

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Is it a Good Time to Sell Diamonds?

Will Diamonds Increase in Value?

Are you considering selling a large diamond?

With a global audience of over 10 million known bidders, Dawsons can secure the highest prices.

Get in touch with an expert Valuer for confidential sales advice, we would be delighted to help you:

0207 431 9445 / info@dawsonsauctions.co.uk