Selling a diamond with Obagem

What is a solitaire diamond?

The term "solitaire" designates both a particular diamond cut, and a cut stone mounted alone on a piece of jewelry (pendant, ring, etc.). In general, the term is used to designate a diamond mounted alone on a ring: this is referred to as a solitaire diamond.

The solitaire ring is set with a diamond, slightly raised above the band and held in place by a minimum of 4 claws. The characteristics of a solitaire diamond can vary, whether in terms of size, weight, color (white, pink, blue...) or style. Similarly, the style of a solitaire ring can vary from one to another: the band can be in yellow, white or pink gold, or in silver, simple or lined, etc. But above all, the ring's beauty lies in its diamonds, which the setting helps to highlight.

We can also speak of an accompanied solitaire when the ring is set with a solitaire diamond and smaller stones next to it.

The solitaire engagement ring

The solitaire ring is the engagement ring par excellence.

Until the Middle Ages, to propose to a young girl, she was offered an iron ring, whose continuous round shape symbolized eternal love. It was in the XV^ème It was around the turn of the twentieth century that gemstones began to be set into rings, representing a man's admiration and love for a woman. The diamond, symbol of eternity, is the most popular gemstone for a solitaire engagement ring.

But the solitaire ring isn't just for engagement: it's a classic shape that appeals to all women, and can just as easily be given on an anniversary or any other special occasion. It can be set with a diamond or another precious stone, such as the ruby, symbolizing love and passion, the sapphire, symbolizing happiness and fidelity, or the emerald, symbolizing hope, luck and fertility. Simple and elegant, the solitaire ring can be worn every day or on special occasions.

How to calculate the value of a solitaire diamond?

The value of a solitaire diamond is calculated in the same way as the value of a single diamond. The calculation of a diamond's value is based on several criteria, including the 4 Cs:

• Carat (diamond weight in carats): 1 carat corresponds to 0.20 grams. Logically, the larger the diamond (and therefore the higher its carat weight), the greater its value. This is the primary criterion for assessing the value of a solitaire diamond.
• Cut: the cut or shape of a diamond is visible to the naked eye. In general, solitaire diamonds are oval-cut, but there are exceptions. Princess, Cushion and Round brilliant solitaire diamonds are also available. It's not so much the shape of the diamond that determines its value (even if some shapes, such as the Round Brilliant, are more valuable than others), but above all the quality of the cut: a well-cut diamond, i.e. one that is well-proportioned, will be worth more than a diamond of mediocre quality. 
• Color (the diamond's hue): the diamond's color or hue is determined on a scale from D to Z. A diamond with a D hue is colorless, and the further down the scale you go, the more yellow the hue (and therefore the lower its value).
• Clarity (diamond purity): to determine diamond purity, a professional will examine the diamond with a magnifying glass (x10 magnification) and determine the number and size of inclusions present. The fewer inclusions a diamond has, the purer it is, and therefore the more expensive it is.

A 0.5-carat diamond is estimated to cost around €1,500; a 1-carat diamond between €4,500 and €6,000; and a 2-carat diamond between €18,000 and €21,000. Please note that weight is not the only factor, so these prices are estimates only!

Have your solitaire appraised

If your solitaire diamond was acquired recently, it may have a certificate issued by one of the world's leading gemological laboratories (GIA, IGI, AGS...). The value of your diamond will be noted on the gemology certificate.

However, if your diamond is set on a ring, your solitaire ring is a family jewelIf it's an investment diamond from the 1970s or 1980s, you certainly don't have a certificate to prove the value of your diamond.

Obagem Diamantaire offers you a free valuation of your solitaire diamond. Our experts can give you a very precise estimate of your diamond's value. If you want to sell your solitaire ring or solitaire diamond, trust us! We buy back all solitaire diamonds, old or new.