Selling Diamond Jewelry in 2025

I've no idea what they are worth, but I just read an article in the WSJ about diamond prices tanking due to the prevalence of synthetic diamonds. I think they're up to 20% of all diamond sales now. Apparently they are 100% carbon, and sparkle just like the real thing. Now everyone can have diamonds so they've lost a lot of their cache. I suspect your mom's diamonds are worth more for sentimental reasons than actual value. Maybe find a jeweler to appraise them for you? As to where to sell them, I've no clue.

 

A few months ago I took my mother’s 2ct diamond solitaire to my local jeweler I’ve used for the last 13 years. Wanted to get a ballpark on value. He echoed the above statement that the values have dropped due to the lab grown diamonds and it’s not even worth putting in his “estate” case because there are no buyers. A perfect lab grown diamond will sell for $2,000 compared to $15,000 for the natural equivalent. Told me to just keep them n the family and give to the grandkids

 

Unfortunately natural diamonds have taken a huge hit in the last 3 years. It’s affected all sizes too. Unless it’s set in a beautiful Art Deco original setting then it may be worth a bit more. If you want to PM me I’ll take a look and give you my opinion gratis.

 

Most small diamond rings like yours are only worth melt value unless the diamonds are high quality (unlikely in older jewelry). A local jeweler or pawn shop will lowball you, so try selling the gold to a reputable bullion dealer. If sentimental, consider repurposing the stones into new jewelry. Class rings? Yeah, just scrap 'em.

 

This is an apropos topic. I would like to buy my wife diamond studs. Is it a waste to pay the premium over lab grown? I'd like to put something sizable in her ears.

 

IMHO…that’s a question only you and your wife can answer. When it comes to luxury items like diamonds/jewelry, watches, purses, etc. it’s how you feel about the item(s). You could ask the same question about buying a Rolex or a Fauxlex, a LV/Gucci/Channel purse or a knockoff, etc. You should do what makes the most sense to you and gives you and your wife the most satisfaction.