Price lists estimate wholesale diamond prices in a specific market, so what should buyers understand about these estimates?

• A. How those estimates relate to their own market.
• B. How to verify the authenticity of the stones.
• C. The color grading scale used.
• D. The typical shipping costs.

Answer: (A)

Price lists that estimate wholesale diamond prices for a specific market are showing the going wholesale level in that market right now. The important idea for buyers is to understand how those estimates relate to prices in their own market. They’re a benchmark, reflecting typical combinations of weight, cut, color, clarity, and other specs in that market, but they don’t map one-for-one to every local market because factors like supply, demand, currency, taxes, and dealer margins differ. Use the figures to gauge how your local pricing compares and to anticipate what you might pay or receive, with adjustments for local costs and the particular stone’s specs. These lists don’t address authenticity, the color grading system itself, or shipping costs; those are separate considerations.