How do I liquidate my coloured diamond holdings?
A. There are a number of avenues available in the event that a collector would like to liquidate their coloured diamond position. Retail jewelers occasionally buy coloured diamonds but few specialize in this segment of the market. Retailers continue to develop their client base for coloured diamonds but it must be noted that they have very high overhead so they must charge more for their diamonds. Consequently, they tend to offer lower prices than other avenues of sale. Auction houses generally bring the highest per carat prices, although stones are often held for months before the sale takes place. In the auction market patience is essential, for positioning your coloured diamonds at the right time and in the correct geographic market can mean the difference between thousands of dollars. However, auctions tend to charge higher commissions and they have certain requirements as to the pieces they offer. Individuals who sell at auction should consider having their coloured diamond mounte