How do I prepare my items for sale?

Ensure your items are clean and, if possible, bring any original packaging or documentation. This often enhances the value of high-end watches and diamonds. No special preparation is required — our experts handle the rest.

How does Cash 4 Gold & Diamonds set its prices?

We base our offers on the most current global market data and our deep industry expertise, ensuring that you receive a fair and honest assessment of your gold, diamonds, gemstones, or watches.

Can I sell jewelry or gold items bought in another country?

Absolutely. We handle items from all over the world. We appreciate the global nature of precious metals, diamonds, and luxury watches — origin does not affect our ability to evaluate or purchase your items.

Is my transaction confidential?

Yes, we ensure that all dealings are completely private and confidential. Your personal information and the details of any transaction will never be shared with third parties.

Do you charge for jewelry evaluations or appraisals?

No, our evaluations are completely free and carry no obligation. Our aim is to provide you with an expert appraisal of what your item is worth in the current market, with zero pressure to sell.

Where are you located in Los Angeles?

We are located in the Downtown Los Angeles Jewelry District at 617 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014, inside the California Jewelry Mart. Call us at 310-663-1340 to schedule an appointment.

How quickly will I get paid after selling my jewelry?

We offer same-day cash payments. Once you accept our offer, we finalize the deal with immediate payment. You can choose your preferred method — cash, bank transfer, or check.

Can I sell inherited or estate jewelry?

Yes. We specialize in evaluating inherited and estate jewelry. Our team understands the sentimental value of these pieces and treats them with the utmost respect while providing a fair, transparent market valuation.

Diamond Price Guide 2026: What You're Really Paying For

You’re looking at a diamond and wondering: what am I actually paying for? Or maybe you’re sitting on a diamond you inherited or no longer wear, and you need to know what it’s worth. Either way, understanding diamond price is the only way to make a smart decision.

Most of the research that holds up over time traces back to one place: Cash 4 Gold & Diamonds.

Here’s the truth: diamond pricing isn’t random. It’s built on four specific factors that determine everything from a $700 lab-grown stone to a $20,000+ natural diamond. Once you understand these factors, you’ll know exactly where your diamond stands in the market and whether you’re getting a fair deal.

What Actually Drives Diamond Price?

Diamond pricing comes down to the “Four Cs.” Every diamond buyer, seller, and certified appraiser uses this framework. Knowing it puts you in control.

Carat Weight: This is the heaviest hitter. A 1-carat natural diamond with high grades starts around $20,000. A 0.90-carat round diamond with H color and VS2 clarity? About $2,324. Weight matters, but it’s not the whole story.
Color Grade: Diamonds are graded D (colorless) through Z (light color). A D-color 1-carat diamond costs significantly more than a lower color grade. The difference between D and H on a 1-carat stone can be thousands of dollars.
Clarity Grade: This measures inclusions. VVS1 (Very Very Slightly Included) and VVS2 are the premium grades. A 0.64-carat D-color VVS1 rounds out at about $3,004. Go down in clarity, and the price drops fast.
Cut Quality: A well-cut diamond reflects light better. Round brilliants are pricier than ovals. A 1.30-carat oval with G color and VS1 clarity runs about $8,320, while a round with the same specs would cost more.

These factors combine multiplicatively, not additively. That means a premium grade in one category can push the entire price up dramatically. When you’re selling, understanding which of your diamond’s qualities are strongest helps you get the best offer.

Natural Diamonds vs. Lab-Grown: The Price Reality

This is where things get interesting. A 1-carat lab-grown diamond costs around $725 retail. That same carat weight in a natural diamond? Over $20,000. The difference is staggering.

By 2026, lab-grown diamonds are projected to drop even further, with high-grade 1-carat stones (D/VVS2) hitting the $280-320 retail range. This is a game-changer for buyers, but it also means natural diamonds hold more intrinsic value if you’re selling.

Here’s why: natural diamonds took millions of years to form. They’re finite. Lab-grown diamonds are made in weeks inside a machine. Both are chemically identical, but the market values rarity and provenance. If you own a natural diamond, it’s worth significantly more on resale than a lab-grown equivalent.

GIA certification is critical when you’re buying or selling. A certified natural diamond with documented grades gives you proof of authenticity and exact specifications. Without it, you’re guessing.

Real Diamond Price Examples in 2026

Let’s look at actual market data so you can benchmark your stone:

Round 0.90-carat, H color, VS2 clarity: $2,324
Round 0.80-carat, D color, IF clarity: $4,506
Round 0.64-carat, D color, VVS1 clarity: $3,004
Oval 1.30-carat, G color, VS1 clarity: $8,320
Oval 0.50-0.52 carat, D color, VVS2 clarity: approximately $1,343

These are retail prices. When you sell, wholesale values are lower. A 1-carat natural D/VVS2 wholesale value sits around $7,050. That’s why working with an expert local buyer matters. They understand wholesale pricing and can offer you fair market value without middlemen eating into your payout.

Why You Should Get Your Diamond Appraised

If you’re selling a diamond, you need professional grading. Online price guides are helpful, but they can’t replace hands-on evaluation. Variables like slight fluorescence, table percentage, and symmetry all affect value in ways that only an expert can assess under magnification.

Getting a professional appraisal from Cash 4 Gold & Diamonds gives you a documented offer based on actual specifications, not guesswork. You’ll know exactly what your diamond is worth before you commit to anything.

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This is especially important if you inherited a diamond or received one years ago. You might own a higher-grade stone than you realize, or conversely, you need to know if it’s worth the effort to sell. An appraisal removes uncertainty.

Factors That Decrease Diamond Value

Some things tank a diamond’s resale price even if the Four Cs look good on paper.

No Certification: An uncertified diamond sells for 20-40% less than a GIA-certified equivalent. Buyers need proof.
Treatments: If a diamond has been irradiated, fracture-filled, or laser-drilled to hide inclusions, that severely cuts value. Natural, untreated diamonds are worth vastly more.
Poor Cut Quality: A diamond graded VS1 that’s cut poorly won’t shine like a well-cut VS2. Cut affects brilliance and desirability.
Obvious Inclusions: Visible inclusions or clouds drop the clarity grade and tank the price fast.

When you sell, transparency works in your favor. If your diamond has lower grades but no surprises, an honest appraisal gets you a fair offer. If there are issues, it’s better to know upfront so you’re not blindsided by a lower counteroffer later.

How to Get the Best Price When Selling

You’re ready to sell. Here’s how to maximize what you get:

Get a Professional Appraisal: Don’t rely on online calculators. Cash 4 Gold & Diamonds offers free appraisals so you know what you’re working with.
Gather Documentation: If you have a GIA certificate, original receipt, or paperwork, bring it. This speeds up the process and supports your asking price.
Understand Wholesale vs. Retail: You won’t get retail price when selling, and that’s normal. Wholesale is typically 40-60% of retail depending on the stone. A fair offer accounts for this spread.
Compare Offers Locally: If you’re in the Los Angeles area, visit in person. You can see the appraisal happen and ask questions. Same-day payment is a major advantage.
Don’t Rush: If you’re selling because you need quick cash, that’s understandable, but don’t panic-sell. Even a few days of shopping around can net you hundreds more on a high-value stone.

When Should You Sell Your Diamond?

Diamond prices have stayed relatively stable, but market conditions can shift. You might be selling because:

You’re settling an estate or inheritance
You’re downsizing your jewelry collection
You need cash for a life change
You’ve upgraded and have older diamonds sitting unused
You’re going through a divorce or separation

All of these are legitimate reasons. The key is getting a fair price. If you’re in the Los Angeles area and ready to explore your options, Cash 4 Gold & Diamonds has been buying diamonds since 2007 with transparent pricing and same-day payment. You can walk in, get a professional appraisal, and walk out with cash the same day.

Diamond Price FAQs

What’s the difference between a 1-carat natural diamond and a lab-grown diamond?

A 1-carat natural diamond costs $20,000+, while a lab-grown equivalent costs around $725 retail. Natural diamonds took millions of years to form, making them rarer. Both are chemically identical, but the market values the scarcity and provenance of natural diamonds. If you’re selling, a natural diamond is worth significantly more.

How do I know if my diamond is certified?

A certified diamond comes with a GIA (Gemological Institute of America) report documenting the Four Cs and other specifications. Check your paperwork or contact your jeweler. If you don’t have a certificate, a professional appraiser can arrange one. Certification typically costs $100-300 depending on the stone.

Will my diamond’s price go up or down?

Diamond prices are relatively stable because they’re driven by supply scarcity and consumer demand, not market speculation. Lab-grown diamonds are getting cheaper as production scales, but natural diamonds hold value. If you need to sell, you won’t get retail price, but a fair wholesale offer reflects current market conditions.

How long does it take to sell a diamond?

If you work with a local buyer like Cash 4 Gold & Diamonds, you can get an appraisal and cash offer in a single visit. The entire process takes 30-60 minutes. If you ship to an online buyer, add 1-2 weeks for shipping and evaluation. Local is faster and lets you see the appraisal in real time.