How Can You Know What Your Engagement Ring Is Worth?

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Engagement rings often represent an important moment in a couple’s life, and their sentimental value is priceless. However, knowing what your ring is worth can help you determine if you have the right amount of insurance coverage or whether you should upgrade your ring. It can also help you receive a fair value if the engagement’s been broken off and you want to sell the ring.

Whatever your reason, if you’re interested in knowing what exactly your engagement ring is worth, there are a few key factors to consider before taking it for an appraisal at Orange, CA’s No. 1 place to sell gold jewelry.

Metal Band

First and foremost, the metal your ring is made of will affect its worth. Platinum engagement rings usually cost more than white or yellow gold, and increasingly popular rose gold may also be more expensive than its counterparts.

Keep in mind that the price of each metal will change daily depending on the current market price for an ounce of that material (also called the spot price). When selling your engagement ring to a gold and jewelry buyer, you can expect to receive about 80-90 percent of the current spot price.

Center Stone

The center stone is, of course, the most important part of the ring and typically accounts for 75-95 percent of the ring’s total value. When assessing the worth of an engagement ring, the center diamond’s carat, clarity and color will all be taken into account. 

For example, a one-carat diamond with a color rating of F (the rarest color) and a clarity rating of IF (internally flawless) may be worth more than a diamond of the same size with lower color and clarity ratings. If your engagement ring has grading documentation attesting to its value, this will help increase the price of your engagement ring by eliminating some of the risk on the buyer’s part.

Accent Stones

Accent stones are also important to the overall value of the ring. Whether you have several small accent diamonds, a halo around the center stone or a unique design, the number and type of stones used in the ring will be taken into consideration.

Accent diamonds are typically priced by weight alone rather than judged on the four C’s typical of larger diamonds. This is because the larger stones are rarer and more usable. Smaller accent stones tend to be priced at 100-300 dollars per carat unless their quality is notably low.

Brand & Design

The brand and design of the ring are also important. If your ring is from a well-known designer such as Tiffany & Co., it will likely be worth more than something from a strip mall jewelry store. This is because the designer’s pieces are more highly coveted and have a heritage to them that is likely to help them retain their value over time.

If your ring has a unique or intricate design, especially if it’s custom-made, this could also add to its overall worth, even if it isn’t a well-known brand. These engagement ring designs are typically worth more when sold directly to a private party, however, rather than to a gold and jewelry buyer in your local area.

If you want to know the actual value of your diamond engagement ring, Watch & Wares can help. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, so we always strive to create an in-store experience that makes you comfortable and confident in your decision to sell diamond jewelry. We consistently offer the most competitive prices in the area, and our customer service speaks for itself. To schedule a free diamond jewelry appraisal or for any inquiries regarding sales, give us a call at (714) 633-2030 or fill out our online contact form today. You can also stop by our Orange, CA location Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We look forward to working with you!