Ever dreamed of upgrading your diamond but felt lost in the jargon and worried about getting a fair deal? You're not alone! This insider's guide is your secret weapon, packed with clarity and expert knowledge to make your diamond upgrade journey seamless, stress-free, and filled with sparkle.
Trust the Industry Standards: Rapaport Price List and RapNet Platform
Whether you're a seasoned collector with an eye for exquisite sparkle or just starting your diamond adventure, we understand the importance of trust and transparency. That's why we rely on the Rapaport Price List, the industry standard for over 40 years, to ensure you get a fair and accurate value for your pre-owned diamond.
But we don't stop there! We want you to feel completely in control every step of the way. We'll provide you with a snapshot of similar diamonds from the exclusive RapNet platform, used by diamond professionals, giving you a transparent view of market prices and quality comparisons. It's like having an insider peek at the diamond trade world!
STEP 1: Diamond Evaluation: Discovering Your Gem's Worth
Begin your ILANIS Signatured Diamond Upgrade program experience effortlessly, no matter the status of your precious diamond. If it's GIA certified, we'll send you an insured pre-paid shipping label to securely transport your diamond for verification. Following a meticulous evaluation to ensure its authenticity, we'll make you an offer based on the respected Rapaport diamond price list, which reflects current market standards for diamonds.
Don't have certification? Not a problem. We'll guide you through the process of having your diamond professionally graded at GIA – the Gemological Institute of America , the leading authority in gemology that sets the standard for diamond quality and certification. Rest assured, all associated costs will be transparent and in line with GIA's official fee structure.
Should you feel hesitant about shipping your diamonds, we understand and are here to support you. We can guide you to the nearest GIA Laboratory for your convenience and peace of mind.
Upon the arrival of your diamond, especially if it's set within a piece of jewelry, we'll document the unboxing through a secure on-camera process to preclude any misunderstandings should there be any pre-existing damage. Our specialists will then proceed with a meticulous evaluation, ensuring every step is clear, precise, and trustworthy.
The evaluation process for pre-owned diamonds typically spans approximately two weeks, although variations may occur based on the diamond's specific characteristics and the chosen evaluation service.
For diamonds submitted to GIA for grading, the standard turnaround time is generally one to two weeks. Diamonds featuring unique attributes, such as fancy shapes or unusual colors, may necessitate additional time for a comprehensive assessment. GIA offers expedited grading services capable of reducing the evaluation period to as brief as one to two days. Be aware, these faster options incur extra fees and are subject to availability.
If your diamond is mounted in jewelry, in most cases, we will need to remove the stone from its setting to perform a professional appraisal. This is to ensure that the stone matches the one described in its GIA certificate, as, unfortunately, there are instances of fraud in the industry which we strongly oppose. We'll request your written consent before proceeding with the removal.
STEP 2: From Evaluation to Elevation: Your Diamond Upgrade
Understanding Diamond Appraisals vs Evaluations
Many people think a "diamond appraisal" tells you how much a diamond is worth. However, an appraisal is actually more like a receipt - it doesn't give you the current market value.
The process of assessing a diamond's value is called an "evaluation." This is where a professional gemologist examines your diamond using specialized equipment like a gemological microscope. They will carefully study the diamond's cut, color, and clarity grades to check for any flaws or wear and tear.
The gemologist will then research recent sales of similar diamonds using the Rapnet Platform, to determine the current market value of your diamond. This evaluation process gives you an estimated dollar value based on today's rates.
So, in summary - an appraisal is just documentation, while an evaluation by a qualified gemologist is necessary to actually find out how much your diamond is truly worth on the current market.
Diamonds Simplified: The Four C's
When it comes to diamonds, their value is not just about size or sparkle. Professionals in the diamond industry use a special set of guidelines, called The Four C's, to determine a diamond's true worth and evaluate its quality and desirability. Additionally, the "eye clean" standard, which refers to a diamond appearing clear and free of inclusions or blemishes when viewed with the naked eye from a normal distance under regular lighting conditions, is crucial for assessing a diamond's visual appeal and value.
The Four C's Explained
Carat: This is how much a diamond weighs. Think of it like the size of the diamond. A bigger number means a bigger diamond. But bigger doesn't always mean better; the other C's matter too!
Color: Diamonds come in all sorts of colors. The ones without color are usually more sought after. Diamonds are graded from "D" (no color) to "Z" (visible color). No color? More sparkle!
Clarity: Diamonds are natural and can have tiny marks called inclusions. The fewer marks, the clearer the diamond. Some diamonds have no marks visible without a magnifying glass, while others have marks you can see with the naked eye.
Cut: This is about how well the diamond has been shaped and polished. A good cut means the diamond will shine and sparkle more because it reflects light better.
Checking for the Eye Clean Standard
Before sending your diamond to us, we encourage you to examine it closely to determine if it meets the eye-clean criteria.
Here's how you can check:
1. Find a Well-Lit Area: Natural daylight is best, but if that's not possible, use a bright, indirect light source.
2. Clean Your Diamond: Ensure your diamond is clean. Dirt and smudges can mask or mimic imperfections.
3. Visual Inspection: Hold the diamond at a distance of about 6-12 inches from your eye. Look at it from various angles, paying close attention to the presence of any visible inclusions or blemishes.
If your diamond appears clear and free from visible imperfections to the naked eye, it likely meets the eye-clean standard. However, if you notice visible inclusions or blemishes, please be aware that the diamond may not qualify for our upgrade program under the eye-clean standard. In such cases, the client will be responsible for the costs associated with two-way shipping.
Understanding Diamond Value and Total Carat Weight
When it comes to diamond jewelry, two crucial factors play a significant role. Firstly, the setting design can create an illusion, making the main diamond appear larger than its actual size.
Secondly, the total carat weight is an essential consideration. This refers to the combined weight of all diamonds present in a piece of jewelry. It's important to note that a single, larger diamond often holds more value than several smaller diamonds with the same total carat weight.
For instance, a ring featuring a central 3-carat diamond is typically more valuable than a ring with six smaller diamonds totaling 3 carats in weight. This is because larger diamonds are rarer and more sought-after, commanding a higher premium in the market.
STEP 3: Begin your Upgrade Journey with ILANIS from Pre-Owned to Re-Imagined
At ILANIS, we understand the sentimental value attached to your pre-owned diamond, and we are thrilled to guide you through the process of transforming it into a re-imagined luxury creation. To initiate your bespoke jewelry journey, we follow a simple and transparent process:
- Deposit: To get started on your bespoke jewelry journey, we simply ask for a 50% deposit upfront. This deposit serves as a confirmation of your commitment to upgrading your diamond through our program and marks the beginning of an exciting, personalized experience.
- Purchase of Your Pre-Owned Diamond: Once the deposit is received, we'll take care of paying you for your pre-owned diamond. We use trusted services like Zelle, PayPal, and others - so you can get paid Cash for your pre-owned diamond however is easiest for you. Don't worry, the whole process is smooth and hassle-free.
- Seamless Transition: The deposit facilitates a smooth transition into the next phase – designing your brand new, custom-made jewelry featuring an upgraded diamond at ILANIS. Ilanie will work closely with you to understand your vision and preferences, ensuring that every detail is meticulously crafted to perfection.
Throughout this process, you can rest assured that we prioritize transparency and hassle-free experiences. Ilanie and her team is dedicated to making your journey with ILANIS a remarkable one, where your cherished pre-owned diamond is transformed into a re-imagined luxury masterpiece.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let Ilanie guide you through the diamond upgrade process. Trust ILANIS to transform your pre-owned diamond into a re-imagined masterpiece, backed by industry-leading standards and transparency.
