*This estimate is based on average retail market data and should be used for informational purposes only. Actual prices vary by jeweler and specific diamond certification (GIA, IGI, etc.).
How Diamond Pricing Works
Calculating the price of a diamond is more complex than simple weight. The industry uses a system known as the 4Cs to determine rarity and value. Our calculator uses a proprietary algorithm that mimics the Rappaport Price List logic by applying multipliers based on these characteristics.
Understanding the Variables
Carat Weight: Price increases exponentially with weight. A 2-carat diamond is significantly more expensive than two 1-carat diamonds of equal quality because larger stones are rarer.
Cut: This refers to how well the diamond is faceted. An "Ideal" cut maximizes light reflection (brilliance), commanding a premium price.
Color: Graded from D (completely colorless) to Z. The less color a diamond has, the higher its value.
Clarity: Measures the presence of internal inclusions or external blemishes. Flawless (FL) diamonds are the pinnacle of the market.
Origin: Lab-grown diamonds share the same chemical properties as natural ones but are produced in weeks rather than billions of years, making them 70-90% more affordable.
Diamond Pricing Example
Consider a 1.00 Carat Natural Diamond with the following specs:
Spec
Grade
Impact
Cut
Excellent
+15% Premium
Color
F (Colorless)
Standard High-Grade
Clarity
VS2
Standard Eye-Clean
In the current market, such a stone might retail between $6,500 and $8,500. If that same stone were lab-grown, the price would drop significantly to approximately $800 – $1,200.
function calculateDiamondPrice() {
var carat = parseFloat(document.getElementById("caratWeight").value);
var type = document.getElementById("diamondType").value;
var cutMult = parseFloat(document.getElementById("cutGrade").value);
var colorMult = parseFloat(document.getElementById("colorGrade").value);
var clarityMult = parseFloat(document.getElementById("clarityGrade").value);
if (isNaN(carat) || carat <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid carat weight.");
return;
}
// Base price per carat logic (Scales with size)
var basePricePerCarat = 0;
if (carat < 0.5) {
basePricePerCarat = 2500;
} else if (carat < 1.0) {
basePricePerCarat = 4500;
} else if (carat < 1.5) {
basePricePerCarat = 6500;
} else if (carat < 2.0) {
basePricePerCarat = 9000;
} else if (carat < 3.0) {
basePricePerCarat = 12500;
} else {
basePricePerCarat = 18000;
}
// Origin adjustment
var originMult = (type === "lab") ? 0.15 : 1.0;
// Calculation
var totalPrice = (carat * basePricePerCarat) * cutMult * colorMult * clarityMult * originMult;
var pricePerCaratVal = totalPrice / carat;
// Display
document.getElementById("resultArea").style.display = "block";
document.getElementById("priceOutput").innerText = "$" + totalPrice.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById("pricePerCarat").innerText = "Price per Carat: $" + pricePerCaratVal.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
// Smooth scroll to result
document.getElementById("resultArea").scrollIntoView({ behavior: 'smooth', block: 'nearest' });
}