How Much Are Jewelers Marking Up Diamonds?
What is the Profit Margin on Diamonds and Engagement Rings?

Article 1: Original Article: http://www.jckonline.com/article/CA6250411.html

...... "there still are American jewelers selling $10,000 loose diamonds for $25,000 and $10,000 pieces of jewelry for $30,000."

... "A poll of retail jewelers – members of our retail panel – reveals that only 16% say their jewelry sales aren’t profitable enough."

.... "in our latest poll, median gross margins ranged from a high of 55.5% for jewelry costing the retailer $100 to a low of 33.3% for items costing the jeweler $10,000.

.... "the wholesale price of the jewelry was only $100, panelists’ profit ran from a minuscule $5 to a bountiful $400. At the high end of our study, where the wholesale cost is $10,000, profits ran from as low as $300 to as high as $15,000."

 

Article 2: http://www.chiff.com/a/buying-diamond-ring.htm

Most jewelers need to make a "keystone" markup on every item, which is double what they paid for that diamond.

 

Article 3: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/338/RipOff0338700.htm

"....We had looked at several stores and then came across Jared's Galleria....   Jared's assured us that we would not find a better cut diamond anywhere and the color and clarity was nothing short of incredible. After purchasing this diamond ring the bill was over $15,000. After purchasing the ring, we decided to have it appraised for insurance purposes... Our ring ended up being worth between $3,000 to $4.000."


Article 4:
http://www.dyjewels.com/je_source.shtml

"....the markup in your average brick-and-mortar store is huge - 300% to 1000% or more!"