Here's an example of a pricing report. The parts sectioned off in the black pertain to different categories of weight or different "price brackets". It is much like looking at a spread sheet.  Each bracket sectioned off in the black is primarily broken down into categories of weight, then further into categories of "clarities and colors". The price brackets start as little as .01ct diamonds all the way up to 10.00 carat diamonds.  Scroll down further to view one of these brackets up closer.

In this next pic we are zoomed in a little closer. The top line tells us who issued the Report. While there are many reports published by different firms, the Rapaport Diamond Report is probably the most widely used.  Martin Rapaport and I have taken a class or two together and I've had a chance to chat with the man before. If there is one man who knows how to research the market and really keep a pulse on the New York and world diamond scene, he's the man.  Unfortunately for you, this report is exclusive to people in the industry. :)  You may find jewelers who are willing to share with you what diamonds are listing for on the market, and if you do, count your blessings. These reports give us jewelers/gemologists an idea of what certain diamonds are going for on the market. While the Rapaport Report is copywrited and can not be distributed freely there are those of us who don't mind sharing with you what certain stones may be listing for, without giving you "The Report".

Also along the top line we have the carat weight of this particular bracket and the date of the report. The following line has all the abbreviations pertaining to the clarity (IF - I3) and the column on either end, the various colors from "D" to "M". You'll see these further on in the lesson.

So, from this report dated from April of 97 a diamond that weighed between 1.00ct and 1.49ct that was an "SI1" in clarity and a "G" color was listing for $5,600 per carat.  If you were looking at a diamond that weighed 1.20ct, you take 1.20 x $5600 and you have a diamond that is currently listing for $6,720.00.  How close or far away you pay from this list depends mainly on 2 factors.

• The quality of the cut (which is not listed in pricing reports)

• The mark-up the jewelry store has on their merchandise.

These 2 factors alone can make a big difference in the prices you find out there in the jungle!  Don't worry though, this will all come together very clearly for you as we proceed.