Diamond Appraisal Calculator
Use this calculator to get an estimated appraisal value for your diamond based on its key characteristics. Please note that this is an estimation and not a professional appraisal.
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
D (Colorless)
E (Colorless)
F (Colorless)
G (Near Colorless)
H (Near Colorless)
I (Near Colorless)
J (Near Colorless)
FL (Flawless)
IF (Internally Flawless)
VVS1 (Very Very Slightly Included 1)
VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included 2)
VS1 (Very Slightly Included 1)
VS2 (Very Slightly Included 2)
SI1 (Slightly Included 1)
SI2 (Slightly Included 2)
None
Faint
Medium
Strong
Round Brilliant
Princess
Emerald
Oval
Pear
Marquise
Asscher
Radiant
Cushion
GIA / AGS
IGI
EGL / Other
None
function calculateAppraisal() {
var caratWeight = parseFloat(document.getElementById("caratWeight").value);
var cutGrade = document.getElementById("cutGrade").value;
var colorGrade = document.getElementById("colorGrade").value;
var clarityGrade = document.getElementById("clarityGrade").value;
var fluorescence = document.getElementById("fluorescence").value;
var diamondShape = document.getElementById("diamondShape").value;
var certification = document.getElementById("certification").value;
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("appraisalResult");
if (isNaN(caratWeight) || caratWeight = 3.00) {
caratScalingFactor = 1.8;
} else if (caratWeight >= 2.00) {
caratScalingFactor = 1.6;
} else if (caratWeight >= 1.50) {
caratScalingFactor = 1.4;
} else if (caratWeight >= 1.00) {
caratScalingFactor = 1.2;
} else if (caratWeight >= 0.50) {
caratScalingFactor = 1.0;
} else { // < 0.50
caratScalingFactor = 0.8;
}
var effectivePricePerCarat = basePricePerCarat * caratScalingFactor;
var estimatedValue = effectivePricePerCarat * caratWeight;
// Apply multipliers for other factors
var cutMultiplier = 1.0;
switch (cutGrade) {
case "Excellent": cutMultiplier = 1.10; break;
case "Very Good": cutMultiplier = 1.05; break;
case "Good": cutMultiplier = 1.00; break;
case "Fair": cutMultiplier = 0.90; break;
}
estimatedValue *= cutMultiplier;
var fluorescenceMultiplier = 1.0;
switch (fluorescence) {
case "None": fluorescenceMultiplier = 1.00; break;
case "Faint": fluorescenceMultiplier = 0.98; break;
case "Medium": fluorescenceMultiplier = 0.95; break;
case "Strong": fluorescenceMultiplier = 0.90; break;
}
estimatedValue *= fluorescenceMultiplier;
var shapeMultiplier = 1.0;
switch (diamondShape) {
case "Round": shapeMultiplier = 1.00; break;
case "Princess": shapeMultiplier = 0.90; break;
case "Emerald": shapeMultiplier = 0.85; break;
case "Oval": shapeMultiplier = 0.90; break;
case "Pear": shapeMultiplier = 0.88; break;
case "Marquise": shapeMultiplier = 0.85; break;
case "Asscher": shapeMultiplier = 0.88; break;
case "Radiant": shapeMultiplier = 0.88; break;
case "Cushion": shapeMultiplier = 0.90; break;
}
estimatedValue *= shapeMultiplier;
var certificationMultiplier = 1.0;
switch (certification) {
case "GIA/AGS": certificationMultiplier = 1.05; break;
case "IGI": certificationMultiplier = 1.00; break;
case "EGL/Other": certificationMultiplier = 0.90; break;
case "None": certificationMultiplier = 0.80; break;
}
estimatedValue *= certificationMultiplier;
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Estimated Diamond Value:
$" + estimatedValue.toLocaleString(undefined, { minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2 }) + ""; } .diamond-appraisal-calculator { font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif; background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 25px; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); max-width: 600px; margin: 20px auto; color: #333; } .diamond-appraisal-calculator h2 { text-align: center; color: #2c3e50; margin-bottom: 20px; } .diamond-appraisal-calculator p { margin-bottom: 15px; line-height: 1.6; } .calculator-form label { display: block; margin-bottom: 8px; font-weight: bold; color: #555; } .calculator-form input[type="number"], .calculator-form select { width: calc(100% – 20px); padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; border: 1px solid #ddd; border-radius: 5px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; } .calculator-form button { display: block; width: 100%; padding: 12px 20px; background-color: #3498db; color: white; border: none; border-radius: 5px; font-size: 18px; cursor: pointer; transition: background-color 0.3s ease; margin-top: 20px; } .calculator-form button:hover { background-color: #2980b9; } .calculator-result { margin-top: 25px; padding: 15px; background-color: #eaf4f9; border: 1px solid #cce7f4; border-radius: 5px; text-align: center; } .calculator-result h3 { color: #2c3e50; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 10px; } .calculator-result .highlight { font-size: 2em; font-weight: bold; color: #27ae60; } .calculator-result .error { color: #e74c3c; font-weight: bold; }Understanding Diamond Appraisal
A diamond appraisal is an estimated valuation of a diamond, typically performed by a certified gemologist. This valuation is crucial for insurance purposes, resale, or simply understanding the worth of your precious stone. While a professional appraisal involves detailed examination and market analysis, this calculator provides an estimate based on the universally recognized "4 Cs" and other significant factors.
The 4 Cs of Diamond Quality
The value of a diamond is primarily determined by its unique characteristics, often summarized by the "4 Cs":
- Carat Weight: This refers to the diamond's weight, not its size. One carat equals 200 milligrams. Generally, the higher the carat weight, the rarer and more valuable the diamond, assuming other factors are equal. However, price per carat often increases disproportionately with weight, meaning a 2-carat diamond is usually worth more than two 1-carat diamonds.
- Cut Grade: This is arguably the most important C, as it dictates a diamond's brilliance, fire, and sparkle. A well-cut diamond reflects light optimally, creating dazzling effects. Cut grades range from Excellent (or Ideal) to Poor, with Excellent cuts commanding the highest prices.
- Color Grade: Diamonds are graded on a color scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). D-F diamonds are considered colorless and are the most valuable. G-J diamonds are "near colorless," appearing colorless to the untrained eye, especially when mounted. Beyond J, tints become more noticeable, reducing value.
- Clarity Grade: This refers to the absence of inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (external flaws). Grades range from Flawless (FL) to Included (I1, I2, I3). Flawless diamonds are extremely rare and expensive. Most diamonds have some inclusions, but those graded VS (Very Slightly Included) or SI (Slightly Included) are often "eye-clean," meaning inclusions aren't visible without magnification.
Other Influencing Factors
- Fluorescence: Some diamonds emit a soft glow under ultraviolet (UV) light. While "None" or "Faint" fluorescence usually has no impact or a slight positive one on value, "Medium" or "Strong" blue fluorescence can sometimes make a diamond appear milky or oily, potentially reducing its value, especially in higher color grades.
- Diamond Shape: The most popular diamond shape is the Round Brilliant, which typically commands a higher price per carat due to its superior brilliance and higher rough diamond waste during cutting. Fancy shapes like Princess, Emerald, Oval, Pear, and Cushion often have slightly lower per-carat prices.
- Certification: A reputable grading report from an independent laboratory like GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or AGS (American Gem Society) adds significant credibility and value to a diamond. These reports provide an unbiased assessment of the diamond's 4 Cs. Other labs like IGI (International Gemological Institute) or EGL (European Gemological Laboratory) may also provide reports, but their grading standards can sometimes differ, potentially affecting perceived value. Uncertified diamonds are generally valued lower due to the lack of an objective assessment.
How This Calculator Works (and its Limitations)
This calculator uses a simplified model based on industry averages and relative value adjustments for each characteristic. It takes your selected diamond's attributes and applies a base price per carat, then adjusts it with multipliers for cut, fluorescence, shape, and certification. It also accounts for the non-linear pricing of carat weight.
Important Limitations:
- Estimation Only: This calculator provides an estimate and is not a substitute for a professional, in-person appraisal by a certified gemologist.
- Market Fluctuations: Diamond prices are subject to market demand, economic conditions, and rarity, which this calculator cannot account for in real-time.
- Subjective Factors: A professional appraisal considers nuances like the exact nature and placement of inclusions, polish, symmetry, and overall aesthetic appeal, which are difficult to quantify in a simple tool.
- Setting Value: This calculator estimates the value of the loose diamond only, not any setting it might be in.
For an accurate valuation, especially for insurance or resale, always consult with a qualified and independent diamond appraiser.
Example Scenarios:
Let's look at how different factors can influence the estimated value:
- Example 1: High-Quality Round Diamond
Carat Weight: 1.00 ct, Cut: Excellent, Color: D, Clarity: FL, Fluorescence: None, Shape: Round, Certification: GIA/AGS
Estimated Value: Approximately $33,000 – $38,000 (This calculator would show a specific number based on its internal matrix and multipliers). - Example 2: Good Value Princess Cut Diamond
Carat Weight: 1.50 ct, Cut: Very Good, Color: G, Clarity: VS2, Fluorescence: Faint, Shape: Princess, Certification: IGI
Estimated Value: Approximately $12,000 – $16,000 (Notice the lower price per carat for a larger stone due to lower quality grades and shape). - Example 3: Entry-Level Oval Diamond
Carat Weight: 0.75 ct, Cut: Good, Color: I, Clarity: SI1, Fluorescence: Medium, Shape: Oval, Certification: None
Estimated Value: Approximately $2,500 – $4,000 (Significant deductions for lower grades, medium fluorescence, and no reputable certification).