Gemstones, including rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, can be sold for cash, much the same as diamonds and other jewelry. This post summarizes how to understand the value of your gemstone, the process of how to sell gemstones for the highest price, and the most reputable gemstone buyers.
How can I sell my gemstones for cash?
From my investigation over the past 10 years, these two companies are amongst the most reputable gemstone buyer: Diamonds USA.
Diamonds USA specializes in buying gold, silver, platinum, and diamond jewelry and scrap metal and lose gemstones. BBB A+. Learn what your jewelry is worth at Diamonds USA, and get paid within 24 hours >>
How do I sell raw gemstones?
Crystals, such as amethyst, quartz, selenite, citrine, jade and lapis lazuliare believed to possess various types of energy and healing powers and have become very popular in recent years. Typically unpolished or in a raw or rough state, these semiprecious stones may have some secondary value on a site like etsy or ebay. Raw or rough gemstones like rubies or sapphires, if they are of significant size and quality, may be of interest to the buyers in this post. Keep reading!
Here’s what else you should know about selling gemstones (both polished and raw gemstones):
- Where can I sell a gemstone for cash?
- How to find the value of your gemstones
- How to appraise your gemstone
- Is there money in selling gemstones?
Where should I sell my gemstones for cash?
Whether your gemstones are loose or are a component of jewelry, you can typically sell your gemstone to the same buyers that might be interested in purchasing diamonds or precious metals. Jewelers, gemstone dealers, diamond buyers, diamond exchanges, antique dealers, and local pawn shops all typically accept gemstones. Some may even specialize in buying and selling stones. Selling through a consignment store is also an option.
Who buys gemstones? Places where you can sell gemstones and raw gemstones “near me” include:
Pawnshops, jewelers, local cash-for-gold shops and estate and antique dealers in your area likely buy diamonds. There are pros and cons to selling locally: Pros include that you may personally know and trust a gemstone buyer, and it can feel safer to sell in-person.
However, online diamond buyers that have good reputations are incentivized by sheer Internet competition to pay the highest price, and maintain a good, honest business because their potential client base is national or international — and not just local. Plus, online businesses do not have to invest in expensive retail locations or sales people, which keeps their costs down, and can pass the savings on to buyersin the form of higher prices paid out.
What about selling to an online gemstone buyer?
Online gemstone buyers are another excellent option for selling your stones. These buyers operate through websites or online platforms to either purchase your gemstone directly, or to connect you with a buyer who might be interested in your stone.
Diamonds USA specializes in buying jewelry and precious metals, paying within 24 hours of receiving your item, and guaranteeing the highest price, or they will return your item free of charge immediately. Diamonds USA stands out as one of the oldest and most reputable online gold buyers, as a Fox5 news investigation found the company to pay three times more than its competitors.
Diamonds USA has an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, and secures your trackable FedEx shipment up to $100,000. Free, insured returns.
How do I find the value of my gemstones?
In order to get the most money, you must understand how gemstones are graded, which gives you an idea of what they’re worth.
What to know about gemstone grading:
While there are a number of factors that will influence the value of your gemstone, the most important are the same as for diamonds:
- Color: What specific color or hue is your stone? The rarer and more vibrant the color, generally speaking, the more valuable your gemstone.
- Clarity: The clearer your stone, the more valuable it will be.
- Carat: The larger your gemstone, the more valuable it will be.
- Cut: If your gemstone is processed, the specific cut and quality of cut will impact its value.
Also, any stone treatments (such as heating) can potentially impact value greatly, even if the end result is a large, clear, and vibrant stone. The origin of colored stones can also play a large part in their value. For example, with all factors being equal, an emerald from Colombia is worth more than an emerald from Zambia, just like a Burmese ruby is valued higher than one from Mozambique.
While it may be possible to reference online charts and resources to conduct some sort of assessment for yourself, in order to get an accurate picture of your gemstone’s worth you need an appraisal.
What are the grades of gemstones?
According to the Gemological Institute of America, there is no standard quality-grading scale for gemstones. In most gemstones grading reports, gemologists simply note whether a gem is “eye-clean” (meaning inclusions aren’t visible to the naked eye) or has visible inclusions, which lower a gem’s value. GIA groups colored gems into three clarity types:
- Type I (usually eye-clean)
- Type II (usually included)
- Type III (almost always included)
While it isn’t an “official” grading system, many individual companies follow these designations:
AA-AAA Grade:
- Near perfect
- More expensive
- AAA usually reserved for precious gems like rubies, emeralds, and sapphires
- AA usually reserved for semi-precious stones like amethyst and garnet
- High transparency
- Vivid and even color saturation
- Not usually color enhanced
- Typically faceted cut
A-B Grade:
- Slight inclusions
- Good transparency
- Well cut
- Slight color variations or streaks
C-D Grade:
- More inclusions
- Low transparency
- Varying cuts and styles
- More noticeable color variations or streaks
What is AAA grade gemstone?
AAA grade gemstones are considered to be near perfect based on color, clarity, carat, and cut.
What is the highest quality of gems?
The highest-quality gems have no inclusions visible to the naked eye, are vibrant in color, and are typically precious gems like rubies, sapphires and emeralds. GIA would rate the highest-quality gemstones as Type I, while most individual companies would issue a AAA designation.
These are the 10 most valuable gemstones in the world:
- Blue Diamond – $3.93 million per carat
- Jadeite – $3 million per carat
- Pink Diamond – $1.19 million per carat
- Ruby – $1.18 million per carat
- Emerald – $305,000 per carat
- Alexandrite – $70,000 per carat
- Musgravite – $35,000 per carat
- Red Beryl – $10,000 per carat
- Black Opal – $9,500 per carat
- Tanzanite – $1,200 per carat
How are gems rated?
There is no standard quality-grading scale for gemstones, but most individual companies rate gems on a scale of AAA to D, with D representing the lowest-quality stones.
How to appraise your gemstone
You can find appraisers who specialize in appraising gemstones; many jewelers and buyers also appraise stones. The most accurate of appraisals will require laboratory testing to measure color and clarity against scientific benchmarks and recent market data — whether yours is a loose stone, newer piece, or estate or antique jewelry.
These posts will help you understand more about reselling fine jewelry for the highest price, including necklaces, engagement rings, earrings, bracelets, and pieces from Tiffany and Cartier — as well as timepieces.
What is the difference between precious vs. semi precious gemstones?
There are only four gemstones considered to be precious — diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. All other gemstones are designated semi precious. Precious gemstones are set apart because of their quality, rarity, and the vibrance of their colors.However, according to the International Gem Society, today’s gemologists don’t typically use those terms because they imply that some gems are worth more than others, which isn’t always the case.
How much is alexandrite worth?
Alexandrite is a popular gemstone in how its color can change in different lights: blue or green in daylight, and purple, pink or red in incandescent or candlelight. As such, the value of your alexandrite is most impacted by the purity of its color, as well as how dramatic and noticeable the color change.
Other factors, such as clarity, carat size, and cut will also determine the value of your alexandrite. Low-quality alexandrite can sell for as little as $100, but high-quality stones can sell for tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
How much are emeralds worth?
As mentioned above, color, clarity, carat, and cut will all determine the value of your emerald. The most important of these factors, however, is color.
The most valuable emeralds are typically those that exhibit a vivid, saturated, not-too-dark bluish-green to a pure green color. The color should be evenly distributed throughout the gem, and the gem should be fully transparent. Generally speaking, the richer and more saturated the hueof the emerald, the more valuable it will be.
Emeralds sell for anywhere between a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
How much is a ruby worth?
As with other colored gemstones, color is one of the most important factors determining the price of your ruby. The most valuable of rubies tend to be an intense deep red in color, and may even be a slightly purplish red. Likewise, the clearer the stone—the fewer inclusions, or impurities—the more valuable it will be.
While richer and deeper hues are typically better for gemstones, if a ruby is too dark in color it may actually negatively affect the price. This is typically a concern with stones that are so dark that the color of the ruby cannot be appreciated because it absorbs too much light. On the other end of the spectrum, once they are clearly pink and not red, they’re pink sapphires, and they can also fetch competitive prices.
Generally speaking, the rarer the color, the more valuable the ruby will ultimately be. The most common hues falling in the middle of the spectrum between pinks and deeper reds can sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars, with rarer and higher-quality stones selling for tens of thousands of dollars.
How much is a sapphire worth?
The value of sapphires, like rubies and emeralds, is predominantly tied to the color of the stone. Stones which have a high degree of clarity, color intensity, and saturation will be worth more than stones of lesser quality. Note: Treatments a stone may have undergone will play a part in its final value. It is likely that a smaller untreated ruby with amazing clarity, color, and saturation will fetch much more than a larger, heated ruby with the same clarity, color, and saturation. Heating sapphires and rubies to achieve a more desirable color is an accepted treatment, so untreated stones with naturally desirable colors are rare and hence valued more.
While most people think of blue gemstones when they think of sapphires, the truth is that these gems can be found in a wide range of colors. Blue, pink, purple, orange, and yellow sapphires are all highly sought after. One of the rarest, and therefore most valuable, of colors is the Padparadscha sapphire, which is pink-orange in color.
Sapphires range in price from $25 to $11,000 per carat.
How much is opal worth?
Opal is a unique stone in how it reflects light, and as such the value of opal is often tied to these unique qualities. The class (single vs. doublet vs. triplet, body tone (white vs. black opal), play of color (variety of colors reflected in light), brilliance (clarity of the stone), and internal pattern can all significantly impact the value of an opal. Rare opals can sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars — or be worth tens of dollars.
Learn more about the price of gold and selling gold for the highest price, including gold buyers near you, the best silver buyers, as well as what platinum is worth.
Learn about how much pearls are worth and how to sell them.
Bottom line: Is there money in selling gemstones?
Yes! Once you learn about how to sell gemstones, you will want to know where to sell gemstones. You can certainly do a search for “gemstone buyers near me,” but there are two reputable online gemstone buyers we recommend.
Diamonds USA is our No. 1 recommendation for selling your gemstones. Get an immediate quote and get paid within 24 hours of accepting your offer now >>
Learn how much your silver is worth and how to sell it
Where should I sell my gemstones for cash?
Whether your gemstones are loose or are a component of jewelry, you can typically sell your gemstone to the same buyers that might be interested in purchasing diamonds or precious metals. Jewelers, gemstone dealers, diamond buyers, diamond exchanges, antique dealers, andlocal pawn shopsall typically accept gemstones.
Who buys gemstones near me?
Pawn shops, jewelers, local cash-for-gold shops and estate and antique dealers in your area likely buy diamonds.
How do I find the value of my gemstones?
In order to get the most money, you must understand how gemstones are graded, which gives you an idea of what they’re worth.
Is there money in selling gemstones?
If you have a gemstone or gemstone jewelry,Diamonds USAis the best place to sell your item quickly and securely, getting paid within 24 hours.
FAQs
Where is the best place to sell gemstone? ›
Jewelers, gemstone dealers, diamond buyers, diamond exchanges, antique dealers, and local pawn shops all typically accept gemstones. Some may even specialize in buying and selling stones. Selling through a consignment store is also an option.
How can I sell gemstone? ›You could try selling your gemstones or jewelry through a local auction house or through an online auction site. If a gemstone or piece of jewelry is of high quality, you might consider selling it through one of the larger auction houses.
What is the best gemstone to sell? ›The most common high-quality gemstones that are generally worth more include emeralds, alexandrite, garnet, tourmaline, amethyst, and other colored diamonds. You can find out your gem worth by getting it appraised by a certified gemologist or by contacting an expert gem and diamond buyer.
Is there a market for gemstones? ›The major regional markets for gemstones are North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. The key players in the above market include Gem Diamonds Limited, Swarovski Group, Bric Jewels Co.
Are gemstones hard to sell? ›Alas. Rough gemstones will never have the same resale value as a beautifully cut and set piece of jewelry, and they can be difficult to sell unless you are able to reach someone with the tools and knowledge to make it into something marketable.
Do jewelers buy gemstones? ›If you offer fair prices for your stones, you'll make more money in the long run. Jewelers may buy stones from you that will sit in their cases for so long they may have to name them. (I have a stone named Clyde in my case). When such a stone just sits there, the jeweler's money is tied up.
What gemstone holds its value? ›There are some rare finds among the so-called semi-precious gems that can be priced higher than the big three, but in general, a fine ruby, sapphire or emerald will hold its value and command more respect and a higher price than other gemstone.
How much do gemstones sell for? ›New Classic gems can cost between $50 and 1000 dollars per carat for an average one-carat gemstone.
Can you sell gems to a pawn shop? ›Gemstones tend to be a safe bet for pawn shops, since they retain their worth over time—unlike electronics and other items that quickly depreciate. Stones like diamonds and emeralds are always in high demand, but pawn shops will often buy other semiprecious stones, too.
How do I know if my gemstone is valuable? ›How To Identify Valuable Gemstones by Dr. Lori - YouTube
Which stones increase in value? ›
The vast gemstone market can be a maze, but some of the best known rocks also represent the most investment-worthy. Rubies, emeralds and diamonds are all beloved of collectors, based on their solid returns. But newer entrants like tourmaline and tanzanite have been performing even better as investments.
How can I make money with stones? ›...
Full-time Job Opportunities
- buying entire collections,
- browsing auctions,
- buying from part-time rockhounds,
- or shopping wholesale online.
This is an accepted practice and does not diminish the stone's value. Resale value: The demand for gemstones is low, though some jewellers may buy natural ones, especially if they come with an authenticity certificate. You will not get more than 85% of the stone's value.
Do gems depreciate in value? ›A gemstone is a long-term investment, and since it does not depreciate in value, it's a smart investment to keep for a rainy day.
Do gemstones increase in value over time? ›As a rule, gems increase in value at the rate of inflation. This means you should assume that a bad deal today will be a bad deal in 3 weeks or 3 years when you eventually sell.
What is the best way to sell crystals? ›Some crystal sellers choose to sell solely on Instagram or Facebook. You can list items by posting them on your page or in Instagram Stories, but the most effective way to sell large volumes of crystals is through streaming sales on Facebook Live or Instagram Live.
Is it better to take jewelry to a pawn shop or jewelry store? ›Pound for pound, pawnshops tend to offer better prices when you need to buy or sell jewelry. This is because, unlike jewelers, who focus on maximizing profit at every sale, pawnbrokers are more concerned with keeping their inventory moving.
Can gemstones be resold? ›The One Rule of Gem Investment
If you're investing in commercial-quality gemstones, you're going to take a loss. There are no two ways about it. Commercial gems have little to no resale value so stay far away from them. What you should be looking for are the far superior investment-quality gemstones.
HOW MUCH DOES A GEMSTONE APPRAISAL COST? A gemstone appraisal should either be charged by the hour or with a flat fee per gem. Hourly rates for appraisals can vary between $50 to $150 per hour depending on the complexity of the piece. Appraisal fees should never be based on the value of the gemstone itself.
What gemstone is not considered precious? ›There are only four precious stones: diamond, sapphire, ruby and emerald. All other stones are therefore called semi-precious stones. This distinction is also due to their hardness, which translates into scratch resistance. One stone is harder than another if the former can scratch the latter.
What are the big 3 gemstones? ›
Emeralds, Sapphires, and Rubies (the “big 3”) are generally considered precious gemstones whereas most other gemstones are considered semi-precious. Precious gemstones are more sought after, and more expensive than semi-precious and there are several reasons for this. Firstly, Rarity.
Is it better to sell or pawn? ›A pawn store will generally offer more money if you're selling your item instead of pawning it. However, it does depend on a few factors. For instance, if you're selling an in-demand item, such as gold jewelry or a high-end watch, the pawnbroker is more likely to offer you a higher cash value.
What will pawn shops pay most for? ›- Jewelry.
- Precious metals.
- Watches.
- Firearms (registered to you)
- Electronics.
- Power tools.
- Musical instruments.
- Sporting goods, such as bikes.
How Pawn Shops Work. At a pawn shop, you leave your property—the most commonly pawned items are jewelry, electronic and photography equipment, musical instruments, and firearms. In return, the pawnbroker typically lends you approximately 25% to 60% of the item's resale value.
Is there an app to identify gemstones? ›Our newest app feature, Gemstone ID, allows you to identify your own gemstones and store them in your Master Collection quickly and easily. You can also create a record for each gemstone with important facts, appraisal documents, photos and other details all in one place.
How can I tell if I have a real gemstone? ›While transparent and flawless gemstones are hard to find, look for any cracks, scratches, and black spots inside the gemstone before you zero in on your purchase. You can also consult a qualified gemologist to find out if the gem is natural or not.
How can I test my gems at home? ›Hold a cut stone to the sun, table toward your eye. if you can see straight through it, it is a form of glass, because glass reflects light, while gem material refracts light.
What is the rarest stone in the world 2022? ›Painite : Not just the rarest gemstone, but also the rarest mineral on earth, Painite holds the Guinness World Record for it. After its discovery in the year 1951, there existed only 2 specimens of Painite for the next many decades.
Is selling gem profitable? ›Due to the fact that gemstones are natural products with a finite supply, they continue to increase in value over the long term. Buying and selling gemstones can be such a lucrative activity.
What Rock gives you money? ›The best crystals for money are gems that invite abundance. Citrine is known as the merchant's stone, Pyrite is called fool's gold, Green Jade brings luck and abundance, and Green Aventurine is a dab hand at attracting wealth.
What rocks are good for money? ›
- Pyrite.
- Citrine.
- Green Jade.
- Malachite.
- Tiger's Eye.
- Peridot.
- Amazonite.
- Clear Quartz.
Number 1. The gemstone for number 1 is Garnet and it symbolises courage and strength.
What is the most desired crystal? ›Amethyst. This is one of the most popular crystals for a reason. Gorgeous and versatile, the purple-hued crystal's powers purportedly range from quelling anxiety to securing a good night's sleep.
What crystal is the rarest? ›Taaffeite is considered the rarest crystal in the world because there are only around 50 known samples of this rare gemstone. When Taaffeite was first identified in 1945 by Irish gemologist Edward Taaffe (the rare crystal's namesake), he initially thought it was a spinel.
What jewelry has best resale value? ›- Cartier.
- Van Cleef & Arples. ...
- Harry Winston. ...
- Tiffany & Co. Diamond Banc pays a premium for designer brands like Tiffany. ...
- David Yurman. Founded in the 1970s, David Yurman is the youngest jewelry brand on this list, however, the brand remains iconic within the jewelry market. ...
How to Sell Your Gemstones and Jewelry
Some Pointers on Selling Gemstones
Gemstones That Make Money
How To Identify Valuable Gemstones by Dr. Lori - YouTube
What gemstone holds its value? ›There are some rare finds among the so-called semi-precious gems that can be priced higher than the big three, but in general, a fine ruby, sapphire or emerald will hold its value and command more respect and a higher price than other gemstone.
How much do gemstones sell for? ›New Classic gems can cost between $50 and 1000 dollars per carat for an average one-carat gemstone.
How much does it cost to appraise a gemstone? ›HOW MUCH DOES A GEMSTONE APPRAISAL COST? A gemstone appraisal should either be charged by the hour or with a flat fee per gem. Hourly rates for appraisals can vary between $50 to $150 per hour depending on the complexity of the piece. Appraisal fees should never be based on the value of the gemstone itself.
Do gemstones increase in value over time? ›
As a rule, gems increase in value at the rate of inflation. This means you should assume that a bad deal today will be a bad deal in 3 weeks or 3 years when you eventually sell.
Is there an app to identify gemstones? ›Our newest app feature, Gemstone ID, allows you to identify your own gemstones and store them in your Master Collection quickly and easily. You can also create a record for each gemstone with important facts, appraisal documents, photos and other details all in one place.
Do gemstones have resale value? ›This is an accepted practice and does not diminish the stone's value. Resale value: The demand for gemstones is low, though some jewellers may buy natural ones, especially if they come with an authenticity certificate. You will not get more than 85% of the stone's value.
What are the big 3 gemstones? ›Emeralds, Sapphires, and Rubies (the “big 3”) are generally considered precious gemstones whereas most other gemstones are considered semi-precious. Precious gemstones are more sought after, and more expensive than semi-precious and there are several reasons for this. Firstly, Rarity.
Which stones increase in value? ›The vast gemstone market can be a maze, but some of the best known rocks also represent the most investment-worthy. Rubies, emeralds and diamonds are all beloved of collectors, based on their solid returns. But newer entrants like tourmaline and tanzanite have been performing even better as investments.
Can you make money selling stones? ›Can you Make Money Selling Rocks? You can make money and even a career out of selling rocks, but, like many other instances of hobbies-turned-careers, it is not easy and requires some perseverance, a whole lot of know-how, a few secrets, and more than a little luck.
Which gemstone has the most value? ›1. Blue Diamond – $3.93 million per carat. The most expensive and rarest gemstone in the world is a natural blue diamond. That explains the price of $3.93 million per carat.
› Why-is-resale-value-of-precious... ›