Sell a Loose Diamond in Belgium & Europe

What Is Considered a Loose Diamond?

A loose diamond is a polished diamond that is not currently mounted in a ring, pendant, bracelet, earring or other piece of jewellery.

It may have been purchased separately, removed professionally from an older setting, inherited in a diamond paper or retained following a jewellery redesign. A loose diamond may be certified or uncertified, natural or laboratory-grown, colourless or fancy coloured.

This page concerns polished gem-quality diamonds. Rough, uncut and industrial diamonds involve different identification, documentation and trading considerations and should be submitted as a separate enquiry before any appointment or shipment is arranged.

If your diamond remains mounted in jewellery, use the relevant sell a diamond ring or sell an engagement ring page. Do not remove it yourself merely to use this service.

What Types of Loose Diamonds Can Be Submitted?

Sothis Diamonds can begin an initial review of different loose-diamond categories, subject to current buying criteria.

These may include:

• GIA, IGI or HRD Antwerp graded diamonds
• Uncertified polished diamonds
• Natural loose diamonds
• Laboratory-grown loose diamonds
• Round, oval, emerald, cushion, pear, radiant, princess and marquise shapes
• Diamantes de color fancy
• Diamonds removed from rings or other jewellery
• Inherited or estate diamonds
• Older European-cut and antique-cut diamonds
• Individual diamonds and small groups of stones
• Diamonds with chips, abrasion or other condition concerns

Not every submitted diamond will necessarily receive an offer. Very small stones, heavily damaged diamonds, simulants, certain treated stones and commercial parcels may fall outside the current buying criteria.

State what you know and leave unknown fields unanswered rather than estimating grades from appearance.

How Selling a Loose Diamond Works

1. Submit the Diamond’s Details

Begin with the shape, approximate carat weight, grading laboratory and report number when available. If you are uncertain whether the stone is natural or laboratory-grown, select “unknown.”

Include how the diamond came into your possession, but only to the extent required to establish ownership and identify any relevant documentation.

2. Upload Photographs and the Grading Report

Photograph the diamond securely inside a transparent gem container or unopened diamond paper. Do not balance it on an exposed table, hold it with improvised tools or place it close to a sink or floor edge.

Upload the complete grading report rather than only the page showing the 4Cs. The measurements, proportions, comments, plotting diagram and inscription information may all be relevant.

3. Receive an Initial Review

The report number can be checked against the issuing laboratory’s online records. GIA’s Report Check allows the recorded report information to be compared with its archived data, while HRD Antwerp provides access to its report archive through My HRD Antwerp. GIA Report Check y My HRD Antwerp.

This confirms that report data exists in the laboratory archive. It does not, by itself, prove that the physical diamond submitted is the same stone.

4. Arrange Physical Inspection

Sellers in Belgium can arrange a private Antwerp appointment. Sellers elsewhere in Europe can ask whether insured collection or shipping is available from their location.

Do not send the diamond until the carrier, declared value, insurance coverage, packaging, tracking, inspection period and return arrangements have been confirmed in writing.

5. Receive Your Market-Based Offer

After inspection, Sothis Diamonds can prepare an offer based on the verified diamond and current market conditions.

The offer should state whether it is final, how long it remains valid, whether any deductions apply and how payment will be completed. You can accept or decline without pressure.

How Is a Loose Diamond Offer Calculated?

A diamond’s value cannot be determined responsibly from its carat weight or grading report alone. The complete combination of characteristics must be considered.

Carat Weight

Carat measures weight rather than visible size. One metric carat equals 0.20 grams. Prices per carat do not increase in a perfectly straight line, and diamonds above commercially important weight thresholds can trade differently from stones just below them. GIA Diamond Buyer’s Guide.

Because the stone is loose, it can be weighed directly rather than estimating its weight from measurements.

Colour and Clarity

Colour and clarity grades influence rarity and demand, but neither should be considered in isolation.

The location and visibility of clarity characteristics may affect how attractive a diamond appears and how easily it can be resold. Two diamonds with the same clarity grade can therefore receive different offers.

Cut, Proportions and Visual Performance

For standard round brilliant diamonds, a laboratory cut grade provides useful information. Table percentage, depth, crown and pavilion relationships, polish and symmetry may also influence appearance and demand.

Fancy-shaped diamonds require more individual assessment because their outline, length-to-width ratio, bow-tie effect, symmetry and face-up appearance can vary substantially even when the report grades appear similar.

Shape and Current Demand

Round, oval, emerald, cushion, pear, radiant and other shapes do not necessarily achieve the same price per carat.

Demand also changes according to the combination of shape, weight, colour, clarity and proportions. A technically attractive diamond may still have a narrower resale market if its shape or proportions are currently less sought after.

Fluorescencia

Fluorescence is considered together with the rest of the diamond. Its effect can depend on its strength, colour and how the stone appears under different lighting.

The presence of fluorescence should not automatically be described as either positive or negative without examining the individual diamond.

Natural or Laboratory-Grown Origin

Natural and laboratory-grown diamonds can appear similar, but they operate within separate resale markets.

A grading report may document the diamond’s growth origin. When the origin is unknown or the report cannot be verified, specialist testing may be required before a final offer can be prepared.

Growth origin should not be confused with geographic mine origin. A normal grading report does not necessarily establish the country in which a natural diamond was mined.

Treatments and Condition

Laser drilling, fracture filling, high-pressure high-temperature processing and other treatments can affect marketability and must be disclosed when known.

The diamond is also examined for chips, cavities, abrasion, damaged points, girdle wear and signs of repolishing. A damaged diamond may still have value, but repair or recutting risks must be considered.

Grading Report and Identification

A current, verifiable GIA, IGI or HRD Antwerp report can make the diamond easier to identify and compare.

GIA explains that its grading reports include an assessment of a loose diamond’s quality characteristics, measurements and known treatments. The report is not a monetary appraisal and does not dictate what a buyer will pay. GIA grading-report information.

Present Market Demand

The final offer reflects the market available at the time of assessment. Original retail price, insurance value and a previous appraisal may provide background, but they do not establish today’s purchase price.

Illustrative Example: A Certified Loose Natural Diamond

Imagine that a seller submits a loose 1.30-carat oval natural diamond with a GIA report recording F colour and VS2 clarity.

The seller also provides the original retail invoice. The report number is found in GIA’s database, but the physical stone must still be examined.

During inspection, the diamond is weighed and measured. Its outline, proportions, clarity characteristics, fluorescence, inscription and condition are compared with the report. The specialist also assesses whether its length-to-width ratio, bow-tie effect and face-up appearance suit current market demand.

The resulting offer reflects the verified diamond and its present resale market. It may be substantially lower than the original retail invoice because the retail and secondary-market figures serve different purposes.

This is an illustrative example and should not be presented as an actual Sothis Diamonds transaction.

Can I Sell a Certified Loose Diamond?

Yes. A recognised grading report can make the initial assessment more accurate because it records characteristics that would otherwise need to be established through physical examination.

GIA issues its Diamond Grading Report for loose natural diamonds, while HRD Antwerp describes its Natural Diamond Grading Report as an objective report confirming authenticity and the 4Cs. GIA diamond-grading services y HRD Antwerp Natural Diamond Grading Report.

The report number should first be verified online. The physical stone must then be compared with the recorded weight, measurements, shape, plotting diagram and inscription.

A genuine report offered beside an unrelated diamond does not make the diamond certified. The report and stone must belong together.

What If the Diamond Has a Laser Inscription?

A microscopic inscription on the girdle may show a laboratory report number or other identifying information.

GIA explains that a report-number inscription can help match a diamond with its documentation. It is normally viewed under magnification and checked alongside the report’s other identifying information. GIA laser-inscription guidance.

The presence of a number is useful, but it should not be treated as the only identification step. The inscription, measurements, weight and internal characteristics should be considered together.

Do not attempt to clean, polish, alter or deepen an inscription before assessment.

Can I Sell a Loose Diamond Without a Certificate?

Yes. An uncertified loose diamond can still be submitted for review.

Physical testing may be needed to confirm that the stone is a diamond, establish whether it is natural or laboratory-grown and assess its approximate quality and condition.

For certain stones, obtaining a recognised laboratory report may improve marketability. However, certification involves fees, transport and processing time, and it may not be commercially worthwhile for every diamond.

Loose stones already meet the physical format required for laboratory grading, but do not submit the diamond independently before receiving advice. Sothis Diamonds can first assess whether a new report is likely to improve the selling outcome.

Can I Sell a Laboratory-Grown Loose Diamond?

You can submit a laboratory-grown diamond for review, but it must be assessed within the laboratory-grown resale market and Sothis Diamonds’ current buying criteria.

Laboratory-grown diamonds should not be valued using natural-diamond price assumptions. Their report, production method, age, size, quality, condition and present demand may influence whether an offer is possible.

If the origin is uncertain, do not describe the diamond as natural merely because it was expensive or purchased several years ago. Submit the documentation and allow the stone to be tested.

Can I Sell a Fancy-Coloured Loose Diamond?

Natural pink, blue, yellow, green and other fancy-coloured diamonds require specialised assessment.

The strength, distribution and origin of the colour can have a substantial effect on value. A natural colour, treated colour and laboratory-grown colour should not be treated as equivalent.

A recognised coloured-diamond report may record whether the colour is natural and describe its grade. If no appropriate report is available, further laboratory testing may be recommended before a final offer is made.

Avoid describing a pale yellow D-to-Z diamond as a “fancy yellow” diamond unless the grading supports that classification.

Can I Sell Several Loose Diamonds Together?

Yes. Submit the number of diamonds, their individual weights and the available reports.

A matched pair of diamonds may be assessed differently from two unrelated stones, particularly when the shapes, dimensions, colour and clarity are closely aligned. A group of small diamonds may be valued as a parcel rather than by preparing a separate retail-style price for every stone.

Keep each diamond in an individually labelled compartment or secure diamond paper. Reports and report numbers should be matched clearly to the relevant stones.

Do not mix certified and uncertified diamonds loosely in the same container.

Selling a Loose Diamond from Another European Country

Sothis Diamonds is based in Antwerp, but sellers may begin an enquiry from elsewhere in Europe.

Sellers in the Netherlands, France, Germany, Luxembourg and other EU countries can submit photographs and documents before deciding whether to travel or request shipping information.

The EU customs union generally allows goods to move between EU member states without customs duties at internal borders. However, this does not remove the need for secure transport, accurate ownership information, insurance or any transaction documentation required by the buyer. European Union customs guidance.

Countries such as the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Norway are in Europe but are not EU member states. Cross-border shipments to Belgium may therefore involve customs declarations, import procedures, taxes or temporary-import arrangements.

Do not assume that a standard courier label is sufficient. Before sending from a non-EU country, confirm the process with Sothis Diamonds, the carrier and the relevant customs authority. The diamond’s description and value must never be deliberately understated.

How to Ship a Loose Diamond Safely

Do not send a loose diamond through ordinary, uninsured post.

Before dispatch, confirm:

• Whether Sothis Diamonds has agreed to receive the item
• Which carrier and service can accept loose precious stones
• The maximum insurance coverage
• How the declared value will be established
• Whether collection is available
• Required customs documents
• Who is responsible during transit
• How the diamond will be returned if you decline
• Whether the package must remain unopened until recorded inspection

Place the diamond in a secure gem container or properly folded diamond paper. Put that container inside a tamper-evident inner package and a strong, discreet outer package.

Do not write “diamond,” “jewellery” or other descriptions of valuable contents on the visible exterior unless the approved carrier specifically requires it as part of the declaration process.

Photograph the diamond, report, packaging stages and sealed parcel. Retain the tracking number and handover receipt.

Specific instructions from the approved carrier and Sothis Diamonds should take precedence over general website guidance.

How to Compare Loose-Diamond Offers

Do not compare only the largest preliminary number. Establish what has actually been verified and which deductions may follow.

Ask whether the offer is final after physical inspection or remains conditional upon laboratory testing. Confirm whether grading, shipping, insurance, customs, recutting or other expenses will be deducted.

You should also establish:

• Whether the report and diamond were physically matched
• Whether the diamond’s natural or laboratory-grown origin was tested
• Whether damage or treatments affected the offer
• How long the offer remains valid
• When and how payment will be completed
• What identification is required
• What happens if you decline
• Who covers insured return delivery

A clearly explained offer that remains valid after inspection may be more dependable than a high online estimate based only on self-reported grades.

Why Sell a Loose Diamond in Antwerp?

Antwerp continues to provide an established professional market for polished diamonds.

The Antwerp World Diamond Centre reported that Antwerp’s combined diamond imports and exports reached USD 19.07 billion in 2025, with polished diamonds representing 65.6% of that trade value. AWDC 2025 diamond-industry figures.

This does not guarantee a high price for every diamond. It does, however, provide access to an active diamond-trading environment where a loose stone can be inspected in relation to recognised characteristics and present market demand.

Sothis Diamonds is located at:

Hoveniersstraat 2, Bus 210 2018 Antwerp, Belgium

Arrange an appointment before travelling with a valuable diamond.

How to Prepare Your Diamond for Review

Keep the diamond inside its existing gem container or folded diamond paper. Avoid handling it over hard floors, sinks, drains or uncovered surfaces.

For the initial online review, photograph the diamond in indirect daylight while it remains secure. Include the front and back of the grading report and make sure the report number is readable.

Provide:

• Diamond shape
• Carat weight, if known
• Natural, laboratory-grown or unknown origin
• Laboratory and report number
• Purchase invoice or previous appraisal, if available
• Information about damage, treatments or recutting
• The number of diamonds being submitted
• Your country and preferred review method

Do not use metal tweezers unless you are experienced in handling loose stones. Do not attempt to photograph the laser inscription if doing so could cause the diamond to be dropped.

A Private and Secure Selling Process

A loose diamond is small, valuable and easily misplaced. Its handling and movement should therefore be documented carefully.

Only authorised reviewers should have access to uploaded reports, photographs and personal information. The seller should receive clear confirmation when the diamond arrives for inspection.

Before transferring ownership, confirm the final offer, payment method, transaction documents and expected payment timeframe. If the offer is declined, the agreed insured return or collection process should be followed.

Receiving an assessment does not oblige you to sell.

Preguntas frecuentes

Is the loose-diamond review free?

Yes. The initial review and market-based offer should be free and carry no obligation to sell. Any optional laboratory, shipping or third-party cost should be explained and approved separately.

Do I need a GIA, IGI or HRD report?

No. A verifiable report can make the assessment more precise, but an uncertified loose diamond can still be submitted for review.

Is an online offer final?

An online figure is normally preliminary. A final offer can be confirmed after the physical diamond’s identity, origin, weight, quality, condition and documentation have been verified.

Can I sell a diamond removed from a ring?

Yes, provided it was removed professionally and you are authorised to sell it. Submit any report or information previously associated with the ring.

Should I remove my diamond from its setting before selling?

No. If the diamond remains mounted, submit the complete piece first. Removing it prematurely could damage the stone or reduce the value of a branded, antique or well-crafted ring.

Can I sell a chipped loose diamond?

Potentially. A chip does not automatically remove all value, but its position, severity and possible effect on recutting must be examined.

Can I sell a laboratory-grown loose diamond?

You can submit it for review, but laboratory-grown diamonds are assessed within their own resale market and Sothis Diamonds’ current buying criteria.

Can I sell several loose diamonds?

Yes. Keep the stones separated and match each grading report to the correct diamond whenever possible.

Does a laser inscription guarantee the diamond’s value?

No. An inscription can help identify the stone, but value still depends on the verified characteristics, condition and present market demand.

Is the grading-report value what I will receive?

A grading report does not normally state a monetary value. A purchase offer reflects what the buyer is prepared to pay in the current resale market.

Is an insurance appraisal the same as a selling price?

No. An insurance appraisal generally concerns replacement cost. It does not guarantee the amount the diamond can achieve through resale.

Can I sell a loose diamond from outside Belgium?

Potentially. Begin with an online submission. Sothis Diamonds can then advise whether an Antwerp appointment or an agreed insured shipping process is available for your country.

Can I ship a diamond from the United Kingdom or Switzerland?

Potentially, but these are outside the EU customs union. Customs, insurance and carrier requirements must be confirmed before dispatch.

Should I clean the diamond first?

A gentle professional cleaning may improve visibility, but it is not required for the initial submission. Do not use risky chemicals or handle the stone insecurely merely to clean it.

How quickly will I receive an offer?

The timeframe depends on the information provided and whether physical inspection or additional testing is required. The expected timing should be confirmed following the initial review.

How will payment be made?

The payment method, transaction documents and payment timeframe should be confirmed before ownership is transferred.

Can I visit Sothis Diamonds in Antwerp?

Yes. Arrange a private appointment before travelling so the appropriate specialist is available.

Receive a Free Offer for Your Loose Diamond

Your diamond may have a current grading report, an older certificate or no paperwork at all. You can still begin with the information available today.

Submit secure photographs and any supporting documents for a private initial review. If the diamond meets the current buying criteria, Sothis Diamonds will advise whether an Antwerp appointment or an agreed insured shipping process is appropriate.

After physical verification, you can receive a market-based offer that you remain free to accept or decline.