Wholesale Diamonds

When most people consider buying diamonds, they immediately think of elaborate pieces of expensive jewelry, but wholesale diamonds can be an easy and affordable investment with the proper preparation.

What are Wholesale Diamonds?

Simply put, wholesale diamonds are those sold directly to the consumer rather than being offered through a jeweler. This is a way for individuals to purchase quality loose diamonds while avoiding costly markups from retail stores. Most diamonds go from a miner to a cutter (lapidary) to an international buyer or wholesaler, to a jeweler, and finally to the consumer. By purchasing wholesale gems, buyers can avoid one or more steps in the process and obtain high quality stones without the highest prices.

Why Buy Wholesale?

Finding a reputable wholesale dealer and investigating different options may seem to be a tedious process, but it does have benefits. If customers are interested in matching the characteristics of a certified diamond, they can more easily find one wholesale than by dissecting other pieces of jewelry. Furthermore, wholesale diamonds are perfect for replacing stones in engagement rings and other jewelry that needs repair, and they are also the perfect choice if you are interested in designing your own engagement ring.

How to Buy Wholesale

The first step in buying quality wholesale diamonds is education. Buyers should be well-versed in the characteristics of diamond quality, including cut, carat weight, color, and clarity as well as potential flaws. Other diamond issues to be knowledgeable about include:

• Treated Diamonds: If flaws have been removed by treatments, those details should be noted on the stone’s certificate.
• Colored Diamonds: Not every color is valuable, and knowing which ones are most desirable helps consumers make a wise investment.
• Conflict Diamonds: Many people avoid diamonds that finance rebellions, and these stones have less investment value and potential.
• Synthetic & Imitation Diamonds: Unscrupulous dealers may attempt to pass off artificial stones as diamonds to novice wholesale buyers.
• Diamond Shapes: Different shapes have different investment value depending on the stone’s overall quality.

Before buying wholesale gems, customers should be familiar with the rapaport diamond price list that tracks current industry trends and prices, so they are not overcharged unwittingly. Consumers should always examine the diamonds thoroughly (in person if possible), and obtain an unbiased second opinion immediately after the purchase to verify the stone’s worth. Reputable dealers will offer return policies if the diamond does not meet your expectations. Generally, the best stones to buy wholesale as an investment are high quality, colorless round diamonds – they have the greatest potential for increased value without being subjected to jewelry trends. If the diamond is GIA certified, the investment will be even stronger.

Benefits of Buying Wholesale

Naturally, the biggest benefit of buying wholesale diamonds is the opportunity to cut out at least one of the middlemen in the industry and negotiate a lower price than a jeweler would offer. In fact, wholesale stones can be up to forty percent cheaper than store prices, allowing a couple to purchase loose stones of a higher quality and have them set in a customized ring that will have greater symbolism than an off-the-rack design. Wholesale stones can be used to create any jewelry, including pendants, earrings, rings, bracelets, and more.

Finding Wholesale Dealers

Many wholesale dealers operate online stores, making it easy and convenient to locate a reputable merchant. Always investigate their credentials, however, including whether they are listed with the Better Business Bureau. Local jewelers and retail stores are usually less willing to sell loose diamonds at wholesale prices: by doing so, they stand to lose a significant portion of their profits. Gem and mineral shows may be visited by wholesale dealers, and larger shows often publish a list of confirmed merchants prior to the event.

Cost of Wholesale Diamonds

Just because wholesale gems may be cheaper than store-bought gems doesn’t mean they will be. The key to a good deal is finding the highest quality diamond for the best price, and that is where the buyer’s knowledge is most valuable. The stone you purchase may be more expensive than a similar size, shape, or cut in a jewelry store, but if it is a higher quality, less flawed stone it will appreciate in value far more than a less distinguished gem. Wholesale stones range in price just as store bought diamonds will, from less than $100 to several thousand depending on the quality.

Purchasing wholesale diamonds is a superb investment for a savvy shopper. After all, even if the stone is never meant to be sold and will be set in an engagement ring or other piece of jewelry for a loved one, it still represents an investment in that relationship and the quality will be appreciated.