Back to: Diamond Grading Basics
Wholesale Price Lists: A Crucial Tool for the Diamond Trade
Similar to diamond grading reports, wholesale price lists play a crucial role in the diamond industry. Originating in the 70s, these lists provide valuable information necessary for trade. The wholesale prices provided are determined by the combination of the Four Cs – carat, color, clarity, and cut. It is important to note that these prices are highly influenced by market conditions at any given time.
While wholesale price lists offer valuable insights, it is important to recognize their limitations, Nevertheless, diamond professionals can still make use of these lists to compare a diamond’s quality report with its listed value. This enables them to determine a fair price for the diamond and make informed decisions regarding buying or selling.
In the diamond trade, wholesalers typically sell goods in large quantities. As for retailers and jewelry manufacturers who purchase significant volumes, they often enjoy considerable price discounts due to their buying power.
Rapaport Diamond Price List
The Rapaport Diamond Price List is a widely recognized and respected pricing resource in the diamond industry. It is used primarily for wholesale pricing of diamonds rather than retail pricing. The Rapaport Price List provides diamond dealers with a benchmark for pricing diamonds based on the Four Cs – carat, color, clarity, and cut.
The cost to subscribe to the Rapaport Diamond Price List depends on the level of access you require. They offer different membership levels such as RapNet, Rapaport Diamond Report, and RapLab services. Each level provides different features and pricing options. It is recommended to visit the Rapaport website or contact them directly for detailed information on the current subscription costs and membership benefits.
Please note that the Rapaport Diamond Price List is intended for industry professionals and diamond traders. Retail consumers are generally not the target audience for this pricing resource.
Reading the Rapaport Diamond Price List requires an understanding of the information provided and how it is organized. Here are the key elements to consider when reading the Rapaport Diamond Price List:
- Carat Weight Ranges: The list is typically divided into different weight ranges, such as 0.01-0.49 carats, 0.50-0.99 carats, 1.00-1.49 carats, and so on. The price per carat for each range is usually listed separately.
- Color Grade: The color of the diamond is an important factor in determining its value. The Rapaport Price List assigns a letter grade from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown) to indicate the diamond’s color. The price is listed separately for each color grade within the carat weight range.
- Clarity Grade: The clarity refers to the presence of internal or external flaws, known as inclusions and blemishes, respectively. The Rapaport Price List uses clarity grades such as IF (Internally Flawless), VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included), VS (Very Slightly Included), SI (Slightly Included), and I (Included). The price for each clarity grade within the carat weight range is listed individually.
- Cut Grade: The cut of a diamond impacts its brilliance and how well it reflects light. The Rapaport Price List may include a separate column or section for cut grades, such as Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor. The price for each cut grade within the carat weight, color, and clarity range is listed separately.
By cross-referencing the carat weight range, color grade, clarity grade, and cut grade, you can determine the price of a diamond. Keep in mind that these prices are wholesale prices and may not be directly applicable to retail transactions.
It is important to note that the Rapaport Diamond Price List should be used as a benchmark rather than a definitive price. Market conditions, supply, demand, and other factors can influence the actual price of a diamond. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with industry experts and perform thorough research before making any purchasing or selling decisions based on the Rapaport Price List.
