Diamond Value Estimator
Use this calculator to get an estimated value of a loose diamond based on its 4 Cs (Carat, Cut, Color, Clarity) and Shape. Please note that this is an estimation and actual market prices can vary significantly due to many factors.
Estimated Diamond Value:
Please enter details and click 'Calculate'.
Understanding Diamond Value: The 4 Cs and Beyond
The value of a diamond is primarily determined by a universal grading system known as the "4 Cs": Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity. However, other factors like shape, fluorescence, certification, and market demand also play a significant role. This calculator provides an estimation based on these key characteristics.
1. Carat Weight
Carat is the standard unit of weight for diamonds. One carat equals 200 milligrams. It's important to note that carat refers to weight, not size, although heavier diamonds are generally larger. Diamond prices do not increase linearly with carat weight; larger diamonds are rarer, so the price per carat increases exponentially as the weight goes up. For example, a 1-carat diamond will cost significantly more than two 0.5-carat diamonds of similar quality.
2. Cut Grade
The cut of a diamond refers to how well its facets interact with light. It's often considered the most important of the 4 Cs because it directly impacts a diamond's brilliance, fire, and scintillation. A well-cut diamond will reflect light optimally, creating a dazzling sparkle. Cut grades typically range from Excellent (or Ideal) to Poor. This calculator applies cut grades primarily to round brilliant diamonds, as fancy shapes are evaluated differently.
3. Color Grade
Diamond color is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). D-grade diamonds are the rarest and most valuable, possessing no discernible color. As you move down the alphabet, the diamond exhibits increasing hints of yellow or brown. While colorless diamonds are highly prized, near-colorless diamonds (G-J) offer excellent value and often appear colorless to the untrained eye, especially when mounted.
4. Clarity Grade
Clarity refers to the absence of inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (external flaws). The GIA clarity scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3). Flawless diamonds are extremely rare and expensive. Most diamonds have some inclusions, but many are microscopic and don't affect the diamond's beauty or durability. Diamonds graded VS (Very Slightly Included) or SI (Slightly Included) often provide the best balance of beauty and value, as their inclusions are typically not visible to the naked eye.
Diamond Shape
While not one of the 4 Cs, the diamond's shape significantly influences its price and aesthetic. Round brilliant diamonds are the most popular and generally the most expensive per carat due to the demand and the amount of rough diamond lost during cutting. Fancy shapes like Princess, Emerald, Oval, Cushion, and Pear can offer a unique look and often a lower price point per carat compared to a round diamond of similar quality.
Important Considerations and Limitations
- Market Fluctuations: Diamond prices are subject to market demand, economic conditions, and currency exchange rates.
- Certification: Diamonds certified by reputable laboratories like GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or AGS (American Gem Society) typically command higher prices due to their objective grading.
- Fluorescence: Some diamonds exhibit fluorescence under UV light. While often undetectable in normal lighting, strong fluorescence can sometimes make a diamond appear milky or oily, potentially affecting its value.
- Specific Inclusions: The type, size, location, and visibility of inclusions can impact value beyond the general clarity grade.
- Vendor Markup: Retail prices include vendor overheads, branding, and profit margins, which vary widely.
- This Calculator is an Estimate: The values provided by this calculator are based on a simplified model of average market data and should be used for informational purposes only. It cannot account for all nuances of diamond pricing. Always consult with a certified gemologist or reputable jeweler for an accurate appraisal.
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function calculateDiamondValue() {
var caratWeight = parseFloat(document.getElementById("caratWeight").value);
var diamondShape = document.getElementById("diamondShape").value;
var cutGrade = document.getElementById("cutGrade").value;
var colorGrade = document.getElementById("colorGrade").value;
var clarityGrade = document.getElementById("clarityGrade").value;
if (isNaN(caratWeight) || caratWeight <= 0) {
document.getElementById("result").innerHTML = "Please enter a valid positive carat weight.";
return;
}
// Multipliers for different diamond characteristics (illustrative values)
var shapeMultipliers = {
"Round": 1.0,
"Princess": 0.85,
"Emerald": 0.8,
"Oval": 0.9,
"Cushion": 0.88,
"Radiant": 0.87,
"Asscher": 0.82,
"Marquise": 0.8,
"Pear": 0.89,
"Heart": 0.85
};
var cutMultipliers = {
"Excellent": 1.15,
"Very Good": 1.0,
"Good": 0.85,
"Fair": 0.7
};
var colorMultipliers = {
"D": 1.25, "E": 1.2, "F": 1.15, "G": 1.05, "H": 1.0, "I": 0.95, "J": 0.9, "K": 0.8, "L": 0.7, "M": 0.6
};
var clarityMultipliers = {
"FL": 1.4, "IF": 1.3, "VVS1": 1.2, "VVS2": 1.15, "VS1": 1.1, "VS2": 1.0, "SI1": 0.85, "SI2": 0.7, "I1": 0.5, "I2": 0.3, "I3": 0.1
};
// Base price per carat for a "standard" diamond (e.g., Round, H, VS2, Very Good Cut)
// This table is simplified and illustrative. Real pricing is more granular and complex.
var basePricePerCaratLookup = {
0.25: 1500,
0.50: 2500,
0.75: 3500,
1.00: 5000,
1.25: 6000,
1.50: 7500,
1.75: 8500,
2.00: 10000,
2.50: 12000,
3.00: 15000,
4.00: 18000,
5.00: 22000,
6.00: 25000,
7.00: 28000,
8.00: 30000,
9.00: 32000,
10.00: 35000
};
var basePricePerCarat = 0;
var caratKeys = Object.keys(basePricePerCaratLookup).map(Number).sort(function(a, b) { return a – b; });
// Find the appropriate base price per carat based on the input carat weight
for (var i = 0; i = caratKeys[i]) {
basePricePerCarat = basePricePerCaratLookup[caratKeys[i]];
} else {
// If caratWeight is between two keys, use the lower key's price
// Or if it's smaller than the smallest key, use the smallest key's price
if (i === 0) { // Smaller than the smallest key
basePricePerCarat = basePricePerCaratLookup[caratKeys[0]];
}
break;
}
}
// If caratWeight is larger than the largest key, use the largest key's price
if (caratWeight > caratKeys[caratKeys.length – 1]) {
basePricePerCarat = basePricePerCaratLookup[caratKeys[caratKeys.length – 1]];
}
if (basePricePerCarat === 0) {
document.getElementById("result").innerHTML = "Could not determine base price for this carat weight. Please try a different value.";
return;
}
var finalShapeMultiplier = shapeMultipliers[diamondShape] || 1.0;
var finalCutMultiplier = cutMultipliers[cutGrade] || 1.0;
var finalColorMultiplier = colorMultipliers[colorGrade] || 1.0;
var finalClarityMultiplier = clarityMultipliers[clarityGrade] || 1.0;
// Note: Cut grade is most impactful for Round diamonds. For fancy shapes, cut is evaluated differently.
// For simplicity, this calculator applies the cut multiplier universally, but in reality,
// fancy shapes don't have a GIA cut grade like Round brilliants.
// If the shape is not Round, we might want to adjust the cut multiplier or use a default.
if (diamondShape !== "Round") {
// For fancy shapes, cut grade is less standardized. We'll use a default 'Very Good' equivalent.
finalCutMultiplier = cutMultipliers["Very Good"];
}
var estimatedValue = caratWeight * basePricePerCarat * finalShapeMultiplier * finalCutMultiplier * finalColorMultiplier * finalClarityMultiplier;
document.getElementById("result").innerHTML = "$" + estimatedValue.toLocaleString('en-US', { minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2 });
}