The value of a diamond ring is determined by a complex interplay of factors, primarily revolving around the diamond itself and the ring's setting. This calculator provides an estimated value based on the widely recognized "4 Cs" of diamonds (Carat Weight, Cut, Color, Clarity) and aspects of the ring setting.
The 4 Cs of Diamonds:
Carat Weight: This refers to the diamond's mass, not its size. A larger carat weight generally leads to a higher value, assuming all other factors are equal.
Cut Quality: This is arguably the most important "C." It describes how well the diamond's facets interact with light. A well-cut diamond will be more brilliant and fiery. Common grades include Excellent, Very Good, Good, and Fair.
Color Grade: Diamond color is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colorless diamonds (D, E, F) are rarer and more valuable than those with a slight yellow tint.
Clarity Grade: This measures the presence of internal inclusions or external blemishes. Grades range from Flawless (IF) to Included (I1), with fewer imperfections leading to higher value.
Ring Setting Factors:
Setting Metal: The type of metal used for the ring's band and setting significantly impacts its value. Precious metals like platinum and 18k gold are more valuable than 14k gold or silver.
Setting Complexity: The intricacy and craftsmanship involved in the ring's design contribute to its overall value. Simple solitaires are less complex than elaborate designs with pave or intricate metalwork.
How the Calculator Works (Simplified Model):
This calculator uses a simplified model to estimate value. It assigns a baseline price per carat based on cut, color, and clarity, and then applies multipliers for these factors. The setting's metal and complexity are then factored in as additional value components. Please note that this is an estimation tool and actual market values can vary based on factors like the diamond's origin, certification (GIA, AGS, etc.), fluorescence, market demand, and the specific jeweler's markup.
Estimated Value Calculation Logic:
Base Value: A base value is established for a 1.00 carat, Excellent cut, D color, IF clarity diamond.
Carat Weight Adjustment: Value increases non-linearly with carat weight.
Cut Multiplier: Higher cut grades (Excellent) receive a higher multiplier.
Color Multiplier: Rarer colors (closer to D) receive a higher multiplier.
Clarity Multiplier: Higher clarity grades (closer to IF) receive a higher multiplier.
Setting Value: A tiered value is added based on the metal type (Platinum > 18k Gold > 14k Gold > Silver).
Complexity Adjustment: An additional value is added based on the setting's complexity score.
This calculator is intended for educational and estimation purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional appraisal.
function calculateDiamondValue() {
var caratWeight = parseFloat(document.getElementById("caratWeight").value);
var cutQuality = document.getElementById("cutQuality").value;
var colorGrade = document.getElementById("colorGrade").value.toUpperCase();
var clarityGrade = document.getElementById("clarityGrade").value.toUpperCase();
var settingMetal = document.getElementById("settingMetal").value;
var settingComplexity = parseFloat(document.getElementById("settingComplexity").value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
resultDiv.innerHTML = ""; // Clear previous result
// Input validation
if (isNaN(caratWeight) || caratWeight <= 0 ||
isNaN(settingComplexity) || settingComplexity 5) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter valid numbers for Carat Weight and Setting Complexity.";
return;
}
// — Base Values & Multipliers (Simplified for demonstration) —
// These are illustrative and would be based on extensive market data in a real application.
var basePricePerCarat = 5000; // Base price for a hypothetical ideal diamond (1ct, EX, D, IF)
var cutMultipliers = {
"excellent": 1.2,
"very good": 1.0,
"good": 0.8,
"fair": 0.6
};
var colorValueMap = {
"D": 1.5, "E": 1.3, "F": 1.1, "G": 1.0, "H": 0.85, "I": 0.7, "J": 0.55,
// For grades beyond J, value drops significantly. We'll cap at J for simplicity here.
// Add more specific grades if needed, but map to a numerical value.
};
var clarityValueMap = {
"IF": 1.5, "VVS1": 1.3, "VVS2": 1.15, "VS1": 1.05, "VS2": 0.95, "SI1": 0.8, "SI2": 0.65, "I1": 0.4
};
var settingMetalValues = {
"platinum": 1500,
"gold18k": 1000,
"gold14k": 700,
"silver": 200
};
var complexityMultiplier = {
1: 1.0,
2: 1.1,
3: 1.25,
4: 1.4,
5: 1.6
};
// — Calculations —
// 1. Diamond Base Value Calculation
var cutMultiplier = cutMultipliers[cutQuality] || 0.8; // Default to good if not found
var colorMultiplier = colorValueMap[colorGrade] || 0.7; // Default to a lower grade if not recognized
var clarityMultiplier = clarityValueMap[clarityGrade] || 0.5; // Default to a lower grade if not recognized
// Adjust multipliers for rarity/desirability. Higher values for better grades.
var effectiveColorMultiplier = colorMultiplier > 1.0 ? (1 + (colorMultiplier – 1) * 0.8) : colorMultiplier;
var effectiveClarityMultiplier = clarityMultiplier > 1.0 ? (1 + (clarityMultiplier – 1) * 0.8) : clarityMultiplier;
// Calculate value of the diamond itself
// Value is roughly proportional to carat weight cubed (volume) and multiplied by the quality factors
var diamondValue = basePricePerCarat * Math.pow(caratWeight, 1.2) * cutMultiplier * effectiveColorMultiplier * effectiveClarityMultiplier;
// 2. Setting Value Calculation
var settingValue = settingMetalValues[settingMetal] || 200; // Default to silver value
var complexityValue = settingValue * (complexityMultiplier[settingComplexity] || 1.0);
// 3. Total Estimated Value
var totalValue = diamondValue + complexityValue;
// Apply a "retail markup" or "premium" factor (e.g., 1.5 to 3 times wholesale/gem value)
// This makes the estimate more realistic for a retail purchase.
var retailFactor = 2.0; // Example retail markup factor
var estimatedRetailValue = totalValue * retailFactor;
// Format the result
var formattedValue = estimatedRetailValue.toLocaleString(undefined, {
style: 'currency',
currency: 'USD',
minimumFractionDigits: 0,
maximumFractionDigits: 0
});
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Estimated Value: " + formattedValue;
}