EXACT STONES – DIFFERENT PRICES?

Well, this is Interesting!

When you’re Comparing Diamonds with Different Jewelers, there’s Bound to be Slight Differences in Prices.

And if you then Compare those Prices to Online Stores (like James Allen), usually the Online Prices are Cheaper – No Overhead.

Plus, there can also be a BIG Price Difference if you Compare Different Certificates, like GIA Versus EGL.

(EGL Diamonds are Generally NOT as Accurate, and many are Graded BETTER than they really are, which also means, you’re Paying MORE for that Diamond than you should! – So Always Stick with GIA!!!)

But…

What happens if you’re Comparing GIA to GIA, and all the other Factors are the Same, at the Same Jewelers?

Like for Example…

These Two Particular Diamonds HERE:

Both are GIA Certified, VS1 Clarity, E Color, and both are 1.00 Carat Diamonds with Excellent Cuts.

See them here:

CARAT WEIGHT, CLARITY, COLOR, CERTIFIED	PRICE	VIEW
1.00, VS1, E, GIA CERTIFIED	$10,120	VIEW
1.00, VS1, E, GIA CERTIFIED	$7,990	VIEW

The Problem is, one Diamond is Priced at $7,990, and the other Diamond is Selling for $10,120.

WHAT?

That’s a Price Difference of $2,130 for THE SAME STONE!

How can there be a Difference?

The Carat, Color, Clarity AND Cut is the Same…???

Well…

You have to look at EVERYTHING!

If you look closer at the Diamond Specs, you’ll see that the Cheaper Diamond has “Excellent” Polish (Just like the more Expensive one), but it drops one Grade in Symmetry, down to “Very Good“.

And…

It also has Faint Fluorescence!

Is that enough to Charge $2,130 MORE for the Same Stone?

Apparently IT IS!

Now, let’s Tighten the Search Parameters and look at Stones that are EXACT (No Differences Anywhere this time).

These Two Diamonds Shown Below are .90 Carat, VS1 Clarity, E Color, with Excellent Cut, Excellent Polish and Excellent Symmetry. They are BOTH GIA Certified and have No Fluorescence.

See the Diamonds HERE:

CARAT WEIGHT, CLARITY, COLOR, CERTIFIED	PRICE	VIEW
.90, VS1, E, GIA CERTIFIED	$7,360	VIEW
.90, VS1, E, GIA CERTIFIED	$5,500	VIEW

Still…

One Diamond is $1,860 MORE than the other!

WHAT?

HOW?

Because of 3 Reasons:

• 1) Cost
• 2) Range
• 3) Visual Impact

Now let’s look closer…

1) The Cost

If the Diamond Market is Lower (and it Changes every day), and the Dealer Buys some Stones, those Stones will often reflect the Lower Cost (Hence, the Markup doesn’t Change). The Dealer will still make the Same Profit, but the Customer gets it Cheaper!

It’s a Win-Win Situation for all! :)

2) The Range

Not all VS1 Diamonds (or any Clarity or Color) will look Identical. Color and Clarity is Graded in a Range, so one VS1 Diamond will Appear Better than other VS1 Diamonds. One could fall towards the Higher VS1 Range (closer to VVS2) and Command more Price. The other could be at the Lower VS1 Range (Closer to the SI1 mark).

If one Diamond Faces Up and looks More Attractive (Desirable), it will often Sell for More.

3) The Visual Impact

GIA knows that the Visual Aspect of a Diamond plays a Huge Role in Grading a Stone.

Some Diamonds that are Not-So-Ideal, can still Out-Shine and Out-Sparkle others.

Sometimes a Diamond just has Tons of Brilliance and Sparkle and looks Better than other Diamonds of the Same Quality.

This is why it’s Important to View as many Diamonds as you can, and really find one that Knocks your Socks off.

So is the More Expensive Stone Worth it?

NOT ALWAYS!

You’ll have to View the Diamond. Tilt it in the Light (Another Reason to Shop at James Allen). See it Sparkle to really know for sure.

Scrutinize the Flaws. See what’s inside the Stone. Read the Certification…

Because one Characteristic could Change the Look and Price Drastically!

It’s more than just the 4C’s when we’re talking about Beauty.

It’s the Whole Kit and Caboodle!

Cheers! :)