How We Value Diamonds and Gemstones in Jewelry
Understanding how stones are evaluated as part of a jewelry review
I put this guide together to help explain how diamonds and gemstones are considered when you bring in jewelry. Every piece is different, and not everything can be judged online — but I hope this helps answer some common questions.
If you’d rather talk it through or want me to take a look, feel free to give me a call. My name is Dave, and I’m always happy to help.
When jewelry includes diamonds or gemstones, people often wonder how those stones are factored into the overall evaluation. It’s a fair question — and one we’re happy to explain clearly and honestly.
This page provides a high-level look at how stones are reviewed as part of a jewelry evaluation, without getting overly technical or confusing.
When gold jewelry includes diamonds or gemstones, it’s natural to wonder how those stones factor into the overall evaluation. This page is meant to provide a clear, high-level explanation of how diamonds and gemstones are reviewed as part of a jewelry evaluation — without getting overly technical or confusing.
Every piece is different, and the most accurate way to understand value is always an in-person review, where questions can be answered clearly and directly.
A Thoughtful, Straightforward Approach
When we evaluate jewelry with diamonds or gemstones, we don’t ignore the stones — and we don’t make assumptions. Each piece is reviewed individually, with care taken to explain what we see and how different elements contribute to the overall evaluation.
Our focus is on clarity, transparency, and helping you understand your jewelry — not rushing decisions or applying one-size-fits-all formulas.
How Diamonds Are Evaluated
When reviewing diamonds, we use widely accepted professional standards you may already be familiar with — often referred to as the 4 C’s. These standards help us understand quality and market demand, but they’re only part of the overall picture.
At a high level, we consider:
- Overall size and presence
- Visual appearance and brilliance
- Clarity, which is described using a recognized professional range
- How the diamond fits into the jewelry piece as a whole
Clarity is typically described along a standardized scale, ranging from stones with visible characteristics to those with very few. Most diamonds fall somewhere in between, and differences are often less dramatic — and less impactful — than they may sound on paper. We’ll explain what we see and why it matters for your specific piece.
How Colored Gemstones Are Considered
Colored gemstones — such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and others — are evaluated a bit differently than diamonds. What matters most is:
- Overall appearance and color
- Condition and how the stone has held up over time
- How the gemstone contributes to the jewelry as a whole
Some gemstones may add meaningful value, while others may be more sentimental than market-driven. When gemstones are present, we explain how they’re considered so there are no surprises.
What About Certificates or Paperwork?
If you have grading reports or documentation, you’re welcome to bring them. They can be helpful, but they’re not required.
Many people bring in jewelry they inherited or purchased years ago without paperwork. That’s completely normal. We evaluate jewelry whether or not documentation is available and explain our findings clearly during the review.
Every Piece Is Different
Diamonds and gemstones are just one part of a jewelry evaluation. Their contribution depends on a number of factors, including the jewelry itself, current market conditions, and how the piece comes together overall.
Because of that, online descriptions and general guidelines can only go so far. The best way to get clear answers is to sit down and review your jewelry in person.
Ready to Have Your Jewelry Reviewed?
If you’re selling jewelry that includes diamonds or gemstones, Dave will:
- Review your jewelry with you
- Explain what he sees in plain language
- Answer your questions honestly
- Let you decide what to do next — with no obligation
You can return to our We Buy Gold Jewelry page to learn more about the overall process, or give us a call if you’d prefer to talk things through first.