When you send in a diamond piece of jewelry, the stone is examined by experienced gemologists. We assess all 4Cs and compare with current price indices to ensure a fair valuation. If you have a certificate (from GIA, HRD, or IGI) it simplifies the process considerably and can increase the payout.

A certificate (grading report) is a document issued by an independent gemological laboratory that objectively describes the diamond's 4Cs and other properties. The most respected laboratories:

• GIA (Gemological Institute of America): The world's most prestigious gemological laboratory and creator of the 4C system. GIA certificates are the industry's gold standard.

• HRD (Hoge Raad voor Diamant): Belgium's prestigious laboratory, well-known and respected throughout Europe.

• IGI (International Gemological Institute): A large global player, increasingly certifying lab-grown diamonds as well.

A GIA or HRD certificate eliminates uncertainty about quality and typically raises the secondary market value considerably. If you find a certificate for your diamond – always include it.

Beyond the 4Cs, additional factors determine what a diamond is worth on the secondary market:

• Carat size: Price per carat rises exponentially. A 1.00 ct solitaire is often three times more valuable per carat than a 0.50 ct of the same quality.

• Certificate: Certified stones (GIA/HRD) are easier to value and resell – and are priced higher.

• Shape: Round brilliants hold value best historically. Fancy shapes have more volatile resale value.

• Melee stones: Stones under ~0.20 ct are valued in bulk. We sum the total carat weight of all small stones in a piece.

• Market prices: Diamond prices fluctuate with the wholesale market and affect what we can pay at any given time.