Learn why diamonds lose value once purchased. Discover the difference between retail and resale price, and what you can expect when selling your diamond in India or abroad.
When you buy a diamond, you pay the retail price.
When you sell a diamond, you get the resale price.
These two numbers are not the same.
Think of it like a new car.
The moment you drive it out of the showroom, it loses value.
Diamonds work in a similar way.
Why Retail and Resale Prices Differ
- Retail price includes costs beyond the diamond itself
• Store rent
• Marketing expenses
• Staff salaries
• Brand markup - Resale price only reflects the stone’s market demand
• Quality of the diamond (cut, color, clarity, carat)
• Current wholesale market price
• How fast the buyer can resell it
Example:
You bought a 1-carat diamond ring in Kochi for ₹5,00,000.
When you try to sell it, a jeweler may offer only ₹2,50,000 to ₹3,00,000.
This is not cheating.
It reflects the actual resale value.
What You Can Do
- Know the market before you sell
Ask multiple jewelers for quotes. - Understand the 4Cs
A small difference in clarity or color can change your resale price. - Get a grading report
Certificates from GIA or IGI give you stronger ground when negotiating. - Don’t expect retail value back
You are selling into the wholesale market, not buying from retail.
Ask Yourself
- Would you pay the same price for a second-hand car as a new one?
- Then why expect the same for a diamond?
Most first-time diamond sellers confuse retail price with resale value. A diamond, like a car, loses value the moment it is purchased. Retail price covers store costs and branding, while resale price depends on market demand and quality. Learn how to set realistic expectations when selling your diamond in India or abroad.