Sell a rough sapphire: what an uncut stone is really worth
With rough corundum it is not the weight of today that sets the price, but the stone that can be cut out of it later. That calls for an honest, skilled estimate.
- Locations
- 45
- Valuation
- Free
- Payment
- 24 hours
- Since
- 1992
Recognising rough corundum
Sapphire is the mineral corundum, after diamond the hardest natural gemstone material. Rough crystals are six-sided and often barrel-shaped; out of river deposits, such as the gem gravels of Sri Lanka, they come as rounded, matt pebbles instead.
That matt outside hides a great deal. An unsightly grey pebble can have a blue heart, and a handsomely formed crystal can be cloudy within. We therefore look at rough stones with transmitted light and, where needed, through a small polished window.
Zoning: the colour is seldom everywhere
In rough sapphire the colour is almost never spread evenly. The blue sits in bands and zones, sometimes concentrated in a single point of the crystal, while the rest is virtually colourless.
For the value the question is therefore not how blue the stone looks as a whole, but whether there is one zone in it around which a cutter can plan an evenly coloured stone.
Why the cutter decides the value
From rough to cut, more than half the weight is usually lost, and the end result is only settled once the stone is on the lap. We therefore work back from the likely yield: which cut stone is in there, what is it worth, and what do the cutting and the risk along the way cost.
That sounds cautious, and it is. But it is the only sum the trade uses – an offer on a rough stone that does not rest on it is guesswork.
Do not have a rough stone cut yourself before you sell. A mediocre cut destroys value that really was in there, and you seldom earn the cost back. Sell it rough, or let us look at it first.
Finds and estates: realistic expectations
Much of the rough sapphire offered to us comes out of estates or was once brought back from a trip to Sri Lanka or Thailand. Be prepared for the fact that most of all corundum is not of gem quality: too cloudy, too pale or too fractured to cut.
We tell you that honestly, even when the outcome disappoints. And the other way round: among such parcels there is sometimes one stone that makes the whole valuation worthwhile. That is why we look at everything piece by piece, free of charge.
For a stone that has already been cut, other characteristics count: see Cut sapphire.
Not sure about your item? Book a free valuation or read how we work.
Who values your gemstone at XGOUD
- Diamonds go to Ben, our diamond trader: an FEEG-qualified gemmologist and diamond grader, member of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses and of the Antwerpsche Diamantkring.
- Ruby, sapphire and emerald are assessed by Esther, our gemmologist, who tells a laboratory-grown stone from a natural one.
- Since 1992 in the buying trade, with 45 locations in the Netherlands and Belgium.
- Registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) under number 95774297, with its head office at Piuslaan 26 in Eindhoven.
- Free, no-obligation valuation: you only decide once you know our offer.
- 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot, based on 54 reviews
How to sell your rough sapphire
From walking in to being paid usually takes less than half an hour.
Make an appointment
We assess rough stones in Eindhoven, where our gemmologists are based.
Looked at stone by stone
With transmitted light, refractometer and microscope, whole parcels included.
An honest estimate
You hear what can be cut, what cannot, and why.
Paid out straight away
In cash or by bank transfer, within 24 hours in your account.
How customers look back on their sale
„On Saturday we went to see Ken at the head office in Eindhoven. What a pleasant and honest man! 2 of our 3 kids came along, which was no problem. He explained everything well and knew what he was talking about, so the children also found it interesting to listen and didn't get bored with the 'grown-up' stuff. It was immediately clear how many grams it was and which calculation went with it. He even advised us to visit other companies as well; it was our own choice to go straight for xgoud, and we would do it again. I received the amount for the gold jewellery I handed in today.”
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„Helped very well in Eindhoven and received a really decent price! It was a good €500 more than the competitor. Friendly, honest, transparent and open. No smart suits and expensive premises, just honest and pleasant service. Thanks again!”
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„Xgoud is a no-nonsense little company that, instead of an elaborate entourage, simply offers good service and above all a good price. Think at least 10% more than the slicker buyers at the top of the search engine.”
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„Last Friday I went to XGoud in Eindhoven without an appointment. Helped by Ken. The service and advice were excellent. Ken saw straight away what carat the gold was. Another important point: you get a good price. I had also looked at other gold buyers, but they came out much worse.”
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„Very trustful, honest and open negotiation. I deep recommend and is not necessary go far away to get a fare and honest trade. I will return in case needed.”
„Great service from Ken and Esther. There were some problems with the bank regarding the transfer, but this was neatly resolved. Good daily price, and I recommend everyone to go here!”
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„Xgoud in Eindhoven is really worth recommending, with a good price. I called several shops and asked what I could get per gram for my gold at that moment; most of them couldn't tell me and said I should just make an appointment. Then I came across xgoud through their website and called them, asking whether any costs or commission would be deducted from the price on the website. The answer was no: you get the price per gram shown on the website at that moment. I made an appointment and sold my gold there the same day. A very nice man, no fuss or expensive suits and ties, who knows his stuff. He also gave me some tips, for example how to test a scale with a 10 euro cent coin, which should always weigh 4.10 g. One more tip: stay away from the gold exchange office in Weert, they quickly notice when you don't know much about it. The offer I got there was hundreds of euros lower than at xgoud.”
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„Great service and good advice. And 100% transparent communication!! You get the best price for your gold at XGold.”
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„Very friendly and helpful. Treated fairly and everything was clearly explained. Got a good price for my gold.”
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„Transparent, knowledgeable, professional.”
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„Good communication. Arranged quickly and professionally. Good price! I can recommend it.”
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„I'll start by sharing my experience at the Goud-Wissel office in Eindhoven, where I initially ended up on the advice of an acquaintance. I already found it strange that their website didn't tell me roughly what I would receive per gram [in my case 18-carat gold] for the jewellery I wanted to sell. When I came in, the introductory questions felt like a kind of check on whether I knew what I was talking about. Even more: it gave me the creeping feeling that this conversation would be directly linked to the amount they would offer me for my gold. As a layman, I admitted that the generally known current gold price was my only 'knowledge'. What followed was a whole story about the broad concept of this valuation and a list of elements that made it logical that the buying price came nowhere near it. I had to realise that the basic costs of the gold exchange office: rent / fittings / staff / outsourced melting etc. were taken into account [read: deducted] from what was paid out to the customer at the bottom line. After testing, I was then offered 4,000 in short order. I had seen on a website that X-Goud also has a branch in Eindhoven, and it turned out to be almost around the corner. The owner happened to be there because the premises were being fitted out, but even though I had no appointment I was still received very warmly. After a clear, expert, no-obligation explanation and testing, Ekin named a rather different buying price compared to the Goud-Wisselkantoor where I had been an hour earlier. And luckily I had left to look for a kind of second opinion. X-GOUD bought my jewellery for 7,150!!!!!!!! A GOOD 3,000 MORE! Sorry for the long-winded build-up, but this piece really should have been written entirely in capitals so that everyone clearly reads how, in my view, to put it politely, they rip you off right to your face at the Goud-Wisselkantoor. Ekin, thanks again for your friendly service... a pity you couldn't offer coffee yet haha, but the offer for my jewellery more than makes up for it.”
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„It took a while before we could make an appointment with Ken, but when he visited us at home we hit it off straight away. Ken explained very clearly how he could assess the different metals. He gave us a very good price. We also had a pleasant conversation with this likeable man.”
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„Keeps his appointments. Good and fair prices. Friendly. A good partner to do business with.”
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„It felt right from the very first contact. Because of how busy it was, it took a little while before we could actually make an appointment, but today everything was neatly settled: no hassle or strange rules, just a fair, good price. We had a nice chat too. I'm very satisfied and will certainly contact Ken again in the future.”
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„Making an appointment took a bit of juggling, because Ken is a busy man, but it was absolutely worth it. He gives a fair price based on the actual daily value and takes the time to explain everything clearly. Transparent and reliable. Definitely recommended!”
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„Meeting up was a bit of a problem at first. But that was made up for with a sincere apology and the price offered for the items I brought. Recommended. In short, fine.”
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„It was a bit difficult to make an appointment, because the owner is always busy and on the road. But in the end I was helped very well and expertly. Everything was clearly explained, and at XGoud I really got the highest price for trading in a gold piece of jewellery!! Very satisfied with how it was handled.”
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„Good price and honest advice. Ekin is likeable and reliable.”
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„Had a small problem with the communication. Afterwards they called me properly, made an appointment and everything was neatly resolved. The company takes responsibility and sorts things out in a relaxed atmosphere 👍”
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„Because of a traffic jam the first appointment didn't go ahead, but the owner kept his word and came to my home. Got a really good price. What a difference from other buyers! A very busy man, but he absolutely keeps his word. A truly reliable company. I can recommend this company to everyone!”
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„Great service and very good contact, keeps appointments well and is very friendly!”
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„XGOUD's service is unmatched! Selling my gold jewellery went quickly and efficiently, and I got a great price. The gentleman even took the time to explain everything step by step. I can't recommend XGOUD enough!”
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„To sell a number of pieces of jewellery and watches, we took them to Ken at Xgoud and to several similar companies. Our conclusion is that at Xgoud the openness, the time taken for advice and of course a high real-time price gave us a good feeling about selling our items there. It went more than fine. Thank you!”
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„Good prices, a decent gentleman who keeps his appointments. I recommend this company to everyone!”
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„Made an appointment quickly and easily and completed the transaction. Also a very enthusiastic and reliable entrepreneur you can have a nice chat with.”
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„Really good service, nice man, fair price for your gold and immediate payment. I recommend XGoud to everyone.”
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„They are transparent about their prices in advance. Sometimes a bit hard to reach, but once you have the appointment, very correct and honest. And a nice price.”
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„I was a bit sceptical at first, because it was my first time. But in the end it was a pleasant meeting with Ken, in line with what we had agreed beforehand. We quickly reached a deal. Meeting at the agreed location was great too. Very good price. Would do it again!”
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„Despite the small amount of gold, just 2 small coins, I got a good price. Paid out in cash without any problem. Thanks Ken, good deal.”
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„Did good business with Ken, received a good price and everything was handled as agreed, and I quickly received the remaining amount in my bank account.”
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„A very pleasant experience with Ken, a good, fair price-quality ratio, so there will definitely be a next time. Theo Schuiling, Rotterdam.”
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„Good and honest advice / price.”
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„Pleasant contact, appointment at the office or simply at home. Everything was handled quickly and professionally, as agreed.”
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„Was able to do business in a very pleasant way. Good price for my gold. Very reliable, comes to your home, very friendly. Cash on the nail. Definitely recommended.”
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„Ken from XGOUD is honest and gives the best price for your scrap gold. Definitely recommended. Regards, Shahab”
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„Good communication & correct handling.”
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„Very friendly, they come to your home, no pushiness, just honest and reliable.”
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„Good communication, smooth handling, in short a pleasant experience.”
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„Fast and clear contact, absolutely good service👌 Recommended”
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„No idea how it is with gold, but with diamonds you shouldn't come here! They have a calculator on their website that is supposed to give a good idea, but they offered 4x (!) less... not to mention how long it took before I got an offer! Next time I'll just go to Belgium again.”
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„Made an appointment via the website. I was called to agree on a place and time. On arrival we got a clear explanation, and Ken from XGoud took his time to value all the pieces. The price he offered, without obligation, was the price as stated on their website. The payment went smoothly too. A very good experience.”
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„Very fast & friendly service. You also get a fair price for your gold and leave with a good feeling!”
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„Good service, and honest”
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„Very pleasant and fast service. Good, clear explanation, truly recommended. I'll be coming back here more often!”
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„A really great company with a good approach, and immediate cash for my gold jewellery 👍🏻”
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„Good, fast service. Old gold jewellery I never used anyway, exchanged at the current high gold price, because I also needed money and this was a quick way to go, with no regrets.”
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„Reliable / honest shop. The buyer is service-minded and leaves room for negotiation towards a win-win for both parties. Recommended!”
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„After visiting 2 jewellers and searching the internet for gold buyers, I chose XGoud. The description of XGoud on the website was very clear. The various buying prices for gold and gold coins were listed at the buying prices current at that moment. A very transparent business. I made an appointment. Indeed not a modern shop, but a friendly and very skilled buyer. He calmly and clearly explained how the carat was determined and how the weighing took place. Then I was asked whether I agreed with the valuation and the amount. After that, everything was put in writing. The financial settlement went fine. (At 2 jewellers I had had a gold 10-guilder coin valued. Their price was a good €50 lower. I would get a bit more for it if I bought other jewellery for that amount.) XGoud is truly recommended. Next time I would definitely choose them again. 30/07/20 Arnold, Sliedrecht”
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„Xgoud is the right place for all your gold, jewellery and coins. It is very transparent, and he gives the maximum amount for the gold you offer. The difference between the valuation and reality (without stones, movements etc.) was minimal, and the difference could be discussed. So recommended without reservation. Top.”
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„Good service and honesty. Recommended! I'll keep coming back here!”
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„A fine, reliable company. Gives a fair price for your gold and jewellery.”
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„Pleasant and friendly service. Got a fine price.”
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„I sold my necklace. He came to his shop especially for me when it was closed. I'm very satisfied with him and with the price I got.”
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More about rough sapphire
Questions about selling rough sapphire
My father once brought a bag of rough stones back from Sri Lanka. What now?
Bring the whole bag along, unsorted and without sifting through it yourself. We look at every stone separately and lay them out by quality with you present. Usually part of it cannot be cut, but one good stone can make up for the rest many times over. With Ceylon material in particular that happens regularly.
How do you see that a rough stone really is sapphire?
By the crystal form, the hardness and above all the refractive index, which we measure with a refractometer. Sapphire is corundum, the same mineral as ruby, with fixed values of its own. Confusion with iolite, spinel or glass is ruled out in a single operation that way. The measurement takes a few minutes and costs nothing.
Am I better off having the stone cut first and then selling?
Usually not. Cutting costs money, the loss of weight is considerable and the result stays uncertain until the stone is on the lap. With rough sapphire the colour zoning plays its part as well: only during cutting does it show whether the colour runs evenly through the stone. Let us assess the rough stone first; if cutting really does pay, we will say so.
What is rough sapphire worth per carat?
There is no fixed price for that, and any table suggesting otherwise is misleading. One pebble is worth cents per carat, another hundreds of euros. It depends entirely on the colour, the clarity and whether a good stone can be cut out of it. Only an assessment of that one specimen gives an answer.
Is your question not listed? Ask it below, call 085 060 3009 or go to contact.
A question about rough sapphire?
Ask it here. You will receive a personal reply by email, usually within one working day – no automated message and no phone call you did not ask for.
- An answer from a valuer, not from a template
- We keep your question so that you need not repeat anything
- No sales pitch afterwards
Sources
Where you can verify what you have just read.
- GIAThe institute that devised the 4 Cs used to grade diamonds
- HRD AntwerpenEuropean laboratory for diamond certificates
- IGIInternational gemmological laboratory for gemstones
Curious what your rough sapphire would fetch?
Book a free valuation at a location near you. No obligation, and you will know exactly where you stand.