The Rapaport Diamond Report is a pricing matrix that lists the standard cash asking value for specific diamonds based on shape, carat, color and clarity. This Diamond pricing guide is the international standard used to determine diamond prices in all of the industry’s arenas, including cutting centers, wholesale diamond dealer markets and, retail outfits. The wholesale Diamond price list or “Rap Sheet” is the basic starting point for negotiations of diamond transactions, and is updated periodically depending on diamond industry events and supplies.

To read this diamond pricing matrix, you need to identify the shape and carat weight of the diamond you want to price. Locate the grid or chart on that page of the Rapaport Diamond Report that correlates to your particular stone and then look at the clarity and color and find the number that is listed as price per carat weight. When determining the diamond price, you have to remember that the numbers listed are cost per carat and in hundredths. So multiply the amount listed by 100, and then by the carat weight and you will have the standard cash asking value for that particular stone.

For example, if we were to try and determine the “wholesale” value of a 1.35 carat round brilliant, G color SI1 diamond off of the March 18, 2005 Rapaport Diamond Report, we would see that the price per carat of a Round G/ SI1 in the 1.00-1.49 Ct Chart is listed as “59.” We would then take that number, multiply it by 100 to reach the dollar amount; which would be $5,900 per carat. Then to get the standard cash asking value for this particular stone we have, we multiply 5,900 by 1.35, which gives us a diamond price of $9,735.

Now, most dealers can purchase diamonds at a minimum of 10% “back” or 10% less than the stated full rap sheet value. Most retail outfits price their diamonds at 10% over full rap sheet value or more. Some of the “higher end” jewelry retailers will charge between 100%-300% above the Standard Cash Asking Price of a diamond. But with the advent of online diamond retailers and the competitive market place that has developed in the retail diamond industry, it is not uncommon to find sources that are selling diamonds to the public for as much as 10% 15% 20% back or more.

But be weary, folks; just b/c a diamond price seems substantially less than the Rapaport Diamond Report stated value, recognize that there are more elements than shape, color, carat and clarity that determine absolute diamond worth. Finding a diamond broker in your area or online that that you respect and trust and one who is willing to hold your hand throughout your diamond shopping process is an invaluable resource. The reason being, unless you, a relative or close acquaintance is in the diamond market place on a regular basis, your chances of understanding all the ins and outs of what goes into diamond prices so as to get the best deal possible is limited. If you have questions about the diamond buying process, feel free to call us for unbiased advice. 1-877-232-6286.

and typing in report number (listed above) and carat weight.

$9,808 which is 17% off Wholesale Pricing!!!!

Includes:
Free 4 or 6 prong 14kt white gold Tiffany Style Solitaire mount
Free insured shipping
7 day inspection period

$12,300

Clarity is graded as: Flawless (FL), Internally Flawless (IF), very, very slightly included (either VVS1 or VVS2), very slightly included (either VS1 or VS2), slightly imperfect (either SI1, SI2 or SI3), and imperfect (either I1, I2 or I3). By strict grading standards, many times diamonds can appear to be clean to the naked eye even up to SI1 or SI2 clarity grades.

Diamond grading systems refer to diamond color as a letter. D is the highest color grade a diamond can get (the most white) and Z the “most yellow” before a diamond enters into the Fancy Color category.