Diamonds are timeless symbols of love, elegance, and investment. Whether you’re purchasing a diamond, insuring one, or inheriting a piece of diamond jewelry, understanding its true value is essential. But not all diamonds are created—or appraised—equally.
At Associated Gemological Services in Honolulu, we specialize in accurate, certified diamond appraisals. In this guide, we’ll explain how professional appraisers determine diamond value, including a breakdown of the 4Cs and other key factors that influence market worth.
The 4Cs—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight—are the globally recognized standards for evaluating diamonds. These characteristics, when assessed together, provide the foundation for determining quality and value.
Often misunderstood, cut doesn’t refer to a diamond’s shape (like round or oval) but rather how well it was faceted and proportioned. Cut affects brilliance, sparkle, and light return.
Excellent or Ideal cuts command a premium. Cut is often the most influential factor in perceived beauty.
Diamond color is graded from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The less color a diamond has, the more rare and valuable it typically is.
Color can impact market value by hundreds or even thousands of dollars per carat, depending on rarity and demand.
Clarity refers to the presence of internal inclusions or external blemishes. The fewer imperfections, the higher the clarity grade.
Clarity often matters most in larger diamonds, where inclusions are more visible. However, many SI and VS diamonds offer excellent visual appeal at a lower cost.
Carat weight measures how much a diamond weighs. It’s one of the most noticeable factors in value—but bigger isn’t always better.
Appraisers assess both carat weight and proportional dimensions to determine if the stone has been cut to maximize weight or brilliance.
While the 4Cs are essential, a comprehensive diamond appraisal also considers:
Some diamonds fluoresce under UV light, which can either increase or decrease market value depending on intensity and color grade.
A diamond accompanied by a GIA, AGS, or IGI grading report is often appraised at a higher value due to added authenticity and buyer confidence.
Is the diamond set in platinum, white gold, or a designer mount? The surrounding jewelry plays a role in the overall value of the piece.
Appraisers factor in current market conditions, including demand for specific shapes (e.g., round vs. cushion) and metals.
An appraisal helps you:
At Associated Gemological Services, our certified appraisals provide:
Environmental factors like humidity, salt air, and wear from daily use can affect your jewelry’s condition and appearance over time. Our appraisals take into account:
A diamond may sparkle in the sunlight—but only a professional appraisal reveals its true worth. Whether you’re protecting your investment, updating insurance, or preparing to sell, understanding what impacts value ensures you’re never left in the dark.
Need your diamond appraised?
Contact Associated Gemological Services in Honolulu today to schedule your certified appraisal with a trusted local expert.
