Rapaport's diamond price list is a valuable tool for diamond dealers. The diamond price list can be used to approximate guideline for the evaluation of diamond prices. This list is regularly updated, like for example, the diamond price list for round and pear-shaped diamonds. It is important for users of this tool to be acutely aware of its capabilities. These include prices quoted, standards used to describe the diamonds, and the limitations of this list. It is a useful tool to aid both ends of the spectrum, the buyers as well as the sellers in the diamond industry.
The Rapaport Price Lists quote Rapaport's opinions of high cash asking prices for Rapaport Specification 2 and better diamonds. One aspect worthy of noting is the fact that the prices on the list may be substantially greater than actual transaction prices. It is very typical for the diamond trade to transact the diamonds at a discounted rate in comparison to The List. Although this is the norm, select qualities of diamond that are in short supply or are subject to speculative demand may trade at significant premiums to the List. These premiums apply most commonly for large, very fine cut diamonds.
Information and details on the Rapaport diamond price list is found online. Specifically on Rapaport diamond trading networks. These discounts in their Trade Sheets which is published in their monthly magazine "Rapaport" magazine. The level to which the discount or premium is applied varies greatly and is influenced by the many moving parts and factors of the diamond industry.
These factors include stone quality and cuts, credit/memo terms, the location and type of market and the liquidity level of the particular size and quality combinations. The associated risk of ownership and liquidity also play as important factors. The faster a diamond moves or sells, the lower the discounts are to the Rapaport Price Lists. Diamonds that prove to be hard to sell in the trade at large discounts. Diamonds that are high in demand or scarce diamonds may trade at a premium to the Rapaport Price Lists.
As a cautionary note to readers and diamond traders. Rapaport emphasizes that the Rapaport Price Lists do not provide transaction prices but rather provide dealers with price indications or markers that may serve as starting points of negotiations and a basis for estimating the value of a diamond for a broad range of sizes and qualities. Transaction prices are the result of these negotiations between the buyers and sellers in the market. These prices end up reflecting a plethora of characteristics that include the physical characteristics of particular diamonds, terms of the condition of sale, service to a customer, and more. Transaction prices vary significantly and therefore can be substantially higher or much lower that the Rapaport Price Lists prices.
The Rapaport diamond price list is based on the GIA nomenclature and with the exception of SI-3. An additional intermediate non-GIA grade for eye-clean stones. The Rapaport Price Lists relates to diamonds that have GIA grading reports for D-J, IF-VS2 diamonds that are commonly sold with grading reports. Lower-quality stones that do not have these grading reports should always be graded to GIA standards. It is important to remember that grading laboratories use subjective methods of analysis to grade the diamonds presented. Grading reports along with the Rapaport Price Lists can not replace the human factor in the evaluation of a diamond quality or price determination.
The asking price for larger sizes ranging from 5 carat prices to 6-to-9 carat stones is speculative. These indications sare only guidelines. Furthermore, the prices accompanying these stones may vary significantly from one dealer to the next. As well as from one stone to another. This is limited availability for these large and better quality stones. Also, buyers may find that asking prices and/or transaction prices may be significantly higher or lower than these prices indications. This price information is only a general indication of the current market.
Blue fluorescence in diamonds have their own price indications. The overall impact of fluorescence on price depends on its noticeability. Many of the higher color stones have a fluorescence that gives the stone a milky white appearance. This substantially lowers the value of the stone. In some cases, the fluorescence can be hardly visible. Therefore, it has a minimal impact on the brilliance of the stone as well as the overall stone's value.
Additionally, blue fluorescence may add value to lower color stones. This is because it can give the stone a whiter, brighter, appearance. Furthermore, buyers regularly pay better prices for highly blue fluorescent J and lower color diamonds on the market. Also, yellow or white fluorescence may expect an additional 5 to 10 percent discount to the stone. Overall, the higher the quality of the stone and the price per carat, the more the fluorescence can lower the value of the stone.
The Rapaport Diamond Price list is an important tool for the diamond industry.
http://gia4cs.gia.edu/EN-US/gr-diamond-grading-reports.htm?gclid=CP-HlraYoMACFUNgMgodXEgAcA
http://www.pricescope.com/wiki/wholesale-diamonds/diamond-pricelist
GIA Grade Impact Diamond Value