Diamond and jewellery buyback in Paris: sell or get an appraisal

1. Having a diamond appraised, how it works

An appraisal means examining your stone against the four international criteria (carat, colour, clarity, cut), checking whether an existing certificate truly matches the stone, and comparing these characteristics against current market prices. If the stone has never been certified, it can be graded on the spot and then sent to a laboratory (GIA or HRD) if formal certification would help going forward.

2. Selling a diamond or piece of jewellery: who to approach

Three options generally exist: a general gold-buying counter, an auction house, or a specialised independent diamond dealer. General counters often value stones quite roughly, their expertise lies in precious metals, not gemmology. Auctions involve delays and commission fees. A specialised dealer values the stone for what it truly is, with a fast response and direct payment.

3. Insurance value vs resale value: don't confuse the two

Many owners are surprised by the gap between the insurance valuation on an old notarial document and the buyback offer. This is normal: insurance value reflects the cost of an equivalent new piece at a jeweller's (including retail margin and taxes), while resale value reflects what a professional can offer for the stone alone.

4. How a selling appointment works

The appointment takes place privately, in my showroom in the 9th arrondissement. Bring the stone or jewellery, and the certificate if you have one, not having it is not a problem. After examination, I provide a clear estimate, in most cases the same day, and you remain entirely free to accept or decline.

5. What I buy

I buy cut diamonds, with or without a certificate, and also:

• diamond rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets, including the gold of the setting;
• signed jewellery from the great houses (Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron, Bulgari…);
• coloured gemstones: sapphires, rubies, emeralds;
• rough diamonds.

6. Payment, documents and confidentiality

If you accept my offer, payment is made by bank transfer on the same day. Bring a valid ID: the law requires it for any purchase of jewellery or stones. The appointment takes place privately, and your appraisal remains confidential.

7. Why the appraisal is always done in person

I do not give prices from photos. A photo cannot show the colour, the clarity or the cut quality, and a price given remotely would inevitably be wrong. The appraisal is therefore done by appointment, free of charge, and you leave with a clear answer.

8. After an inheritance

After an inheritance, many families do not know what the jewellery they received is worth. I appraise the whole collection, tell you piece by piece what has value, and you freely decide what to keep or sell.

9. Frequently asked questions