How to Sell a Diamond Engagement Ring: What Determines Its Value?

Selling an engagement ring can be emotional.
It can also be confusing.
You may have an old appraisal showing one number, see similar rings advertised online for another number, and receive completely different purchase offers.
That is normal because insurance value, retail asking price and actual resale value are not the same thing.
At Cash for Old Jewelry in Ambler, Pennsylvania, we evaluate diamond engagement rings for customers throughout Montgomery County, Bucks County, the Main Line and the greater Philadelphia area.
The Diamond Usually Drives the ValueIn many engagement rings, the center diamond represents the largest portion of the resale value.
A professional evaluation usually begins by examining the diamond itself.
Important factors include:

• Carat weight
• Color
• Clarity
• Cut
• Shape
• Fluorescence
• Certification
• Natural or laboratory-grown origin

Each of these can affect market value.
Carat WeightCarat measures weight, not size.
One carat equals 0.20 grams.
Two diamonds of the same carat weight can look different in size depending upon their proportions and shape.
Larger diamonds generally command higher prices per carat, although quality still matters.
Diamond ColorFor many white diamonds, less visible color generally increases value.
GIA commonly grades white diamonds from D through Z.
D represents the highest color grade in that system.
However, fancy-color diamonds are valued differently.
Yellow, pink, blue and other naturally colored diamonds can sometimes be highly valuable depending upon color strength and rarity.
Diamond ClarityClarity refers to internal and external characteristics.
GIA clarity grades range from Flawless down through Included.
Two diamonds of the same size and color can differ significantly in value because of clarity.
Diamond CutCut quality has a major effect on how a diamond looks.
A well-cut diamond can appear brighter and more attractive.
For round brilliant diamonds, grading reports may provide an overall cut grade.
Proportions, symmetry and polish can also matter.
Diamond ShapePopular shapes include:

• Round
• Oval
• Cushion
• Emerald
• Pear
• Marquise
• Princess
• Radiant
• Asscher
• Heart

Market demand for different shapes changes over time.
Round diamonds generally have a broad market, but certain fancy shapes can also be highly desirable.
Natural vs. Laboratory-Grown DiamondsThis distinction has become increasingly important.
Natural diamonds and laboratory-grown diamonds can look extremely similar.
However, they generally trade in very different resale markets.
A professional buyer should determine what type of diamond you have before estimating value.
Diamond Grading ReportsIf you have a GIA or other grading report, bring it with you.
A report can provide useful information about:

• Carat weight
• Color
• Clarity
• Cut
• Measurements
• Fluorescence
• Proportions

The report number may also be inscribed on the diamond's girdle.
A grading report does not establish a cash selling price, but it helps identify exactly what is being evaluated.
What About the Setting?The ring mounting can also have value.
Common metals include:

• Platinum
• 18K gold
• 14K gold
• White gold
• Yellow gold
• Rose gold

The setting may also contain side diamonds or gemstones.
Designer settings can sometimes have additional value.
Designer Engagement RingsIf the ring is from a recognized luxury house or designer, do not assume the setting should be treated simply as scrap metal.
Examples include:

• Tiffany & Co.
• Cartier
• Van Cleef & Arpels
• Harry Winston
• Graff

Authenticity, model, documentation and condition may all influence resale value.
Why Is My Offer Lower Than the Appraisal?This is one of the most common questions sellers ask.
An insurance appraisal is usually designed to estimate what it would cost to replace the jewelry at retail.
It is not the same as a cash purchase price.
Retail replacement value includes costs and margins that do not apply to a resale transaction.
A purchase offer reflects what the diamond and ring can realistically be bought and resold for in the current market.
Should You Remove the Diamond Before Selling?Usually, no.
Bring the complete ring.
A professional can evaluate both the diamond and mounting together.
Removing the stone unnecessarily can create risk and expense.
Should You Get the Ring Cleaned First?A light professional cleaning is fine, but it is not required.
The buyer can generally clean the ring sufficiently for examination.
Avoid aggressive polishing, especially on antique or designer pieces.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhere can I sell an engagement ring near Philadelphia?Cash for Old Jewelry in Ambler provides private evaluations for diamond engagement rings and other fine jewelry.
Does a GIA report increase value?It can make a diamond easier to identify and market, but value still depends on the diamond's actual characteristics and current demand.
Are lab-grown diamonds worth less than natural diamonds?They generally have a significantly different resale market than comparable natural diamonds.
Is the gold or platinum setting worth anything?Yes. The metal, side stones and designer value may all contribute.
Should I sell my diamond online or in person?Some people prefer the convenience of online selling, while others prefer a private in-person evaluation where they can see who is examining the ring.
Sell Your Diamond Ring PrivatelyIf you are considering selling an engagement ring, bring it to Cash for Old Jewelry for a private, no-obligation evaluation.
We evaluate the center diamond, setting, side stones, precious metal and any relevant designer value.
Cash for Old Jewelry
31 E Butler Ave, Floor 2
Ambler, PA 19002
215-792-3434

Selling Sterling Silver: What Is Valuable Besides the Melt Value?Sterling silver can be more complicated than it appears.
Some pieces are primarily valuable for their silver content.
Others may be worth considerably more because of their maker, pattern, age, craftsmanship or collectibility.
At Cash for Old Jewelry in Ambler, we evaluate sterling silver jewelry, flatware, hollowware and other silver items for customers throughout the greater Philadelphia area.
What Does Sterling Silver Mean?Sterling silver is generally 92.5% pure silver.
That is why many sterling items are marked:
STERLING
925
.925
The remaining portion is generally another metal added to make the silver stronger.
Pure silver is relatively soft, so sterling silver is more practical for jewelry, utensils and decorative objects.
Sterling Silver vs. Silver PlateThis distinction is extremely important.
Sterling silver contains silver throughout the item.
Silver-plated items usually consist of a base metal covered with a thin layer of silver.
Silver plate may look nearly identical to sterling, but the metal value is usually very different.
Common silver-plate markings include terms such as:
EPNS
Silverplate
Quadruple Plate
A1
If you are unsure, bring the item in rather than trying to determine it yourself.
Sterling FlatwareSterling flatware can have significant value because of its silver content.
However, the maker and pattern can also matter.
Certain discontinued or collectible patterns may have resale value beyond melt.
Well-known makers may include:

• Tiffany & Co.
• Gorham
• Reed & Barton
• Wallace
• Towle
• International Silver

Condition, completeness and pattern demand all matter.
Are Sterling Knives Solid Silver?Often, no.
Many sterling table knives have sterling handles with stainless-steel blades.
The handles may also contain cement, resin or another filling material.
That means the total weight of the knife cannot simply be treated as sterling silver weight.
This is one reason professional evaluation can be helpful.
Sterling HollowwareHollowware includes items such as:

• Tea sets
• Coffee pots
• Trays
• Bowls
• Candlesticks
• Creamers
• Sugar bowls
• Serving pieces

These items may have value for both silver content and craftsmanship.
Some antique or designer pieces can be much more valuable than their melt value.
Weighted SterlingCertain sterling items are marked "Weighted Sterling."
Common examples include:

• Candlesticks
• Bud vases
• Compotes

These pieces may have an outer layer of sterling silver surrounding a weighted base.
The total object weight therefore does not represent the amount of silver present.
Tiffany Sterling SilverTiffany & Co. sterling silver is a good example of why maker matters.
Certain Tiffany jewelry, flatware and decorative objects may command a premium above basic silver value.
The specific item, pattern, age and condition are important.
A knowledgeable buyer should identify it before treating it as scrap.
Antique SilverAntique silver can also have collector value.
Age alone does not automatically make something valuable.
However, unusual form, fine workmanship, rarity, provenance and maker can all affect desirability.
Older pieces should be examined before being melted.
Sterling JewelrySterling jewelry may be worth more than its metal content if it is:

• Designer signed
• Antique
• Native American
• Handmade
• Set with gemstones
• Collectible

A heavy unsigned sterling chain may be valued mostly for silver content.
A signed collectible bracelet could be a different story.
Should You Polish Sterling Before Selling It?You generally do not need to polish sterling before bringing it in.
Heavy polishing can remove patina and detail from antique pieces.
If an item might be collectible, it is better to let a professional see it in its existing condition.
Does Tarnish Reduce the Silver Value?No.
Tarnish is a surface reaction and does not mean the silver has lost its underlying precious-metal content.
A heavily tarnished sterling item may still be valuable.
Frequently Asked QuestionsIs sterling silver worth money?Yes. Sterling contains 92.5% silver and can have significant value depending upon weight and market conditions.
Is silver plate worth the same as sterling?No. Silver plate usually contains only a thin layer of silver.
Should I polish silver before selling it?Usually not. Antique or collectible items should be examined before aggressive polishing.
Are sterling knives solid silver?Many are not. They may have sterling handles with steel blades and filled interiors.
Can Tiffany sterling be worth more than melt?Yes. Certain Tiffany pieces can have resale or collectible value beyond the silver content.
Sell Sterling Silver in Ambler, PAIf you have sterling flatware, jewelry, tea sets, hollowware or other silver items, bring them to Cash for Old Jewelry.
We can help determine whether your items are sterling, silver plate or something else and whether they should be valued for silver content or additional collectible value.
Cash for Old Jewelry
31 E Butler Ave, Floor 2
Ambler, PA 19002
215-792-3434