People who are seeking diamonds for sale, whether as an investment, for use in crafted jewelry or both, will find no shortage of online sources; entering the term in any search engine will return nearly a quarter million results. But where is the best place to find diamonds for sale?

Diamonds are Different

Unlike gold, silver and other commodities, you won’t find loose diamonds traded on a commodity exchange. The reasons: diamonds for sale generally have a substantial mark-up; the resale market for diamonds is quite limited; and control of that market is remarkably concentrated. Recently, well over 90% of all the world’s gem-quality diamonds were cut and processed in Surat, India; London, Tel-Aviv and New York are active markets for loose diamonds. The other major diamond jewelry center is Antwerp, Belgium, where the diamond-cutting industry got its start some 500 years ago.

How Valuable Is It?

Loose diamonds are subject to both inspection and appraisal. The former is also called certification; any diamonds for sale that you find should be accompanied by documentation of that fact.

Certified diamonds for sale have been measured, examined and analyzed for weight, clarity, color and cut by trained specialists called gemologists. These professionals prepare a grading report based on criteria established by the Gemology Institute of America (GIA). Diamonds of greater weight without visible marring or scratches that have been professionally and carefully cut are naturally worth substantially more than rough stones; additionally, colored diamonds with rich hues may command more of a premium than the more common white or “clear” ones.

How Reliable Is The Report?

It should be apparent that a grading report that has been prepared by an independent, unaffiliated, outside agency has much greater reliability than a similar report prepared by the diamond merchant’s “in-house” gemology lab. The most reputable dealers that have diamonds for sale generally agree on this point, and will provide documentation of this with the loose diamonds prior to purchase.

It is important to understand however that such an analysis and grading process can be carried out only on loose diamonds; because of the procedures used, such an evaluation is impossible to do once diamonds have been mounted in a setting.

How Much Do Loose Diamonds Cost?

Although the price of certified diamonds has historically risen, many factors – including the content of the grading report, current market conditions, and even location can cause fluctuations in the priced of diamonds. If you are planning to enter the market and are considering the purchase diamonds for sale, it is highly advisable to educate yourself about these remarkable gems and the market in which they are traded.