Can 2 diamonds that have similar GIA grades vary in price?

[Gopher]

I found 2 diamonds from 2 different stores that are very similar on paper (GIA grades virtually the same). One is 11.1k while the other one is 13.4k. Can the price vary that much when they are so similar on paper (granted one is 1.02 carat and the other is 1.09 carat)? Below are the characteristics. I do have a lot more information on the 13.4k diamond as the jeweler was able to hand pick it from Antwerp, Belgium. He said that the price on it was excellent since it was straight from the cutter and that it is one of the most beautiful diamonds that he has seen in several years. I trust this jeweler because he is considered an expert in the city I live in and he has worked in the jewelry industry for 20+ years with some of that time as a diamond cutter


Shape: Round
Carat: 1.02
Color: F
Clarity: VS2
Cut: Excellent
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Certification: GIA
Price: $11,100



Shape: Round
Carat: 1.09
Color: F
Clarity: VS2
Cut: Excellent with perfect hearts and arrows
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Certification: GIA
Fluorescence: None
Cutlet: None
Price: $13,400


I have seen the 13.4k diamond in person and it is stunning with incredible light refraction, but I have never seen the 11.1k diamond. What I have above for the 11.1k is all I have. In addition, the 13.4k diamond, is not a "brand" diamond.

I really just want to know if 2 diamonds that can be so different in price when they virtually have the same GIA grades?

 

[stone-cold11]

Re: Can 2 diamonds that have similar GIA grades vary in pric

Possible, depends on several things, mainly who owns the stones and difference in cut.

Post the GIA report numbers of the 2 stones. Post the Hearts and Arrows image of the 1.09c stone, GIA does not grade if a stone is H&A or not, so any claim is of suspect unless back up by actual image.

 

[oldminer]

Re: Can 2 diamonds that have similar GIA grades vary in pric

Differences are based on things like exact weight, exact cost, mark-up differences, details of cut, comments such as H&A, slight color and clarity differences that are within single grades, grading on a stone which is somewhat soft or harsh from the expected GIA norm, and one large thing is often if the diamond entered the market via the second hand route or the new from a cutter route. Noneof these things are absolute. No one needs to give a discount on an estate diamond, but they can choose to if they want to turn over their money faster. No seller will tell you their GIA "G" is more like a low G or a mid H. Such things are not all that unusual.

Thankfully, diamonds are not a perfect commodity such as orange juice concentrate or wheat. There is an infinite variety of stones and while their prices are related by market forces, there are very few identical diamonds when you get into the tiny details.

 

[denverappraiser]

Re: Can 2 diamonds that have similar GIA grades vary in pric

Sure. It happens all the time. Here’s a few reasons.

Close to half of your difference is directly attributable to the extra weight. Diamonds are generally priced ‘per carat’’ so the extra 7% weight will translate directly into an extra 7% in price. More if it passes over certain weight boundaries like 1.00.

‘Perfect hearts and arrows’ isn’t a GIA grading term but people can and do charge extra for it. Whether or not YOU want to have it depends on your taste and your specs. IF you decide that’s what you want it’s worth noting that different dealers use widely different definitions.

Some dealers charge more for their time and services than others, rather like nearly every other industry. You’ll notice the SAME STONE is often available at different dealers for different prices.