Question 1

Our Values: Honesty & Transparency

Accepted Answer

At the Diamond & Gold Exchange, we know trust and honesty are essential in the gold-selling process. We test and weigh all your precious metals and stones in front of you. We are upfront and transparent with all calculations we make so that you can see the exact amount we can offer for your items.

We’re always happy to explain our calculations and the reasoning behind the offer we make you. We love sharing our knowledge and want our clients to have all the information they need to make the best decision about selling their items.

If you have any questions about how the market works, the equipment or chemicals we use to test metals, the value of your items, or anything else related to the gold buying and selling process, please ask! Our experienced and capable staff love helping our customers and welcome your questions.

Question 2

Shop Around Before Accepting An Offer

Accepted Answer

We highly encourage you to shop around before visiting with us so that you can see you are receiving the best price possible for your items. We want you to feel 100% confident that you have received a fair and competitive offer.

Question 3

A No Pressure Selling Experience

Accepted Answer

We never pressure our clients to sell. We also understand that you may feel sentimental about your jewelry or other items and be on the fence about selling them. That’s ok, too; we encourage you to take all the time you need to decide.

Question 4

We're Happy To Answer Your Questions

Accepted Answer

If you have any questions about how the market works, the equipment or chemicals we use to test metals, the value of your items, or anything else related to the gold buying and selling process, please ask! Our experienced and capable staff love helping our customers and welcome your questions.

Question 5

How Is The Purity Of Gold Measured? - Karat Grade

Accepted Answer

When assessing gold, “karat grade” expresses the proportion of gold in an alloy. For example, fine gold, which is 99.9% pure, is referred to as 24 karat. The higher the purity of gold in an alloy, the greater its karat value will be. You can see the proportions for each measurement listed on the chart below.

Question 6

What Are Hallmarks?

Accepted Answer

Hallmarks are tiny symbols or words stamped on jewelry, accessories, flatware, and other small precious metal items. These symbols can often indicate an item’s metal content, origin, and/or creation date.

All jewelry is required by law to be hallmarked. Jewelry made in North America is typically marked with the karat grade of the piece, 10k, 14k, 18k, 22k, and 24k. However, not every country uses the same hallmark system. For example, jewelry created in Italy is typically marked with a hallmark such as 417, 585, 750, 917, or 999. If your jewelry does not have a karat grade stamped on it, check for a 3-digit hallmark.

Other symbols that are part of the hallmark may help identify the designer or artist who created the piece. Pieces made by specific designers or well know artists may have additional value.

Question 7

Assessing Your Gold

Accepted Answer

When you come in for an appraisal, we will examine your gold pieces individually, testing each to determine the karat grade and examining your items for notable hallmarks. We will use all this important information to make you the highest cash offer for your gold.

Question 8

How Is Diamond Quality Assessed?

Accepted Answer

Diamonds are assessed based on consistent standards determined by the non-profit Gemological Institute of America. (You may also see the Gemological Institute of America, referred to as GIA.) The unbiased standards determined by GIA allow trained gemologists to assess and grade diamonds fairly.

Within these standards, diamonds are graded based on four factors, often called the 4 Cs– cut, color, clarity, and carat. Trained gemologists use specialized equipment to measure the weight and dimensions of a diamond and then assess the quality based on the 4 Cs: cut, color, and clarity. A combination of these four factors determines a diamond’s overall rating and quality.

Question 9

What Are The 4 Cs?

Accepted Answer

Diamonds are assessed based on four factors, known as the 4 C’s– cut, color, clarity, and carat.

Diamond Cut: GIA explains Diamond Cut as “How well a diamond’s facets interact with light.” They also note that “Precise artistry and workmanship are required to fashion a stone so its proportions, symmetry, and polish deliver the magnificent return of light only possible in a diamond.”
To simplify, how a diamond is cut and polished significantly impacts the diamond’s ability to absorb and reflect light. The cut of a diamond will affect its overall sparkle and beauty.

A Sidenote – Diamond Shape
Diamond Cut is understandably often confused with Diamond Shape. Diamond Shape is the geometric shape the diamond has been cut into, describing its silhouette (round, heart, oval, marquise, pear).
Diamond Color: Diamond Color refers to the natural color or absence of color visible within a diamond. The closer a diamond is to “colorless,” the rarer it is in value. GIA standards rate Diamond Color on a D-Z grading system.
Diamond Clarity: Diamond Clarity refers to the visibility of microscopic imperfections within a diamond. (Imperfections may also be referred to as ‘inclusions’ or ‘blemishes.’) Diamonds with minor inclusions to no flaws are rare and highly valued.
The GIA Scale For Diamond Clarity (Courtesy of GIA)
Flawless (FL) No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification.
Internally Flawless (IF) No inclusions visible under 10x magnification.
Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) Inclusions so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification.
Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) Inclusions are observed with effort under 10x magnification but can be characterized as minor.
Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification.
Included (I1, I2, and I3) Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification, which may affect transparency and brilliance.
Diamond Carat: Diamond Carat refers to the unit of measurement used to describe the weight of a diamond. A metric carat is defined as 200 milligrams. Each carat can be further divided into 100 points.

Question 10

What's The Difference Between Diamond Cut & Diamond Shape?

Accepted Answer

Diamond Cut is a style or design guide used when shaping a diamond for polishing, for example, the “brilliant cut.” Cut does not actually refer to shape, but the symmetry, proportioning, and polish of a diamond. The cut of a diamond has a significant impact on the diamond’s brilliance. Poorly-cut diamonds are much less luminous than well-cut stones.
Diamond Shape refers to the geometric shape the diamond has been cut into. For example, round, heart, oval, marquise, or pear.

Question 11

Assessing Your Diamonds

Accepted Answer

When you visit us at Diamond and Gold Exchange, our experienced staff of gemologists and appraisers will be responsible for the care and evaluation of each of your diamond pieces. Our head diamond appraiser is also a diamond cutter, with over 40 years of industry expereience. They will weigh and assess your diamonds based on GIA standards so that we can make you a highly competitive offer for your stones.

BUYING PROCESS

Collect all your unwanted gold, platinum, diamonds, and silver you want to sell.

Stop by one of our three convenient DFW locations; no appointment is necessary.

We use all the information gathered to make you a highly competitive offer for your items.

An Exceptional Selling Experience

Assessing Your Items

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