Luxury • Premium • Independent
Real Diamond Prices & Expert Buying Guides
CutGrade.com delivers a refined, independent price estimate using the 4Cs - carat, cut, color, and clarity. Compare options with confidence and discover the balance of brilliance and value.
CutGrade is an independent tool and is not affiliated with any grading laboratory or certification body.
CutGrade Estimate Preview
Estimates shown for illustration only. Use the calculator below for tailored results.
Diamond Price Calculator
Enter diamond characteristics to generate an accurate market-based pricing estimate.
Estimated Price Range
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Independent estimate using premium 4Cs weighting.
Luxury Value Score
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Higher scores indicate a better balance of beauty and value.
Premium Buying Insights
Focus on sparkle, structure, and balance to achieve a truly luxurious diamond selection.
Cut Dominance
Precise proportions maximize brilliance. Prioritize top cut grades to enhance sparkle even at lower carat weights.
Color Strategy
Choose a color range that pairs beautifully with your setting. Near-colorless can provide exceptional value.
Clarity Balance
Eye-clean clarity grades often deliver a luxury look without premium-only pricing.
Carat Impact
Carat weight drives price. Small shifts in size can yield significant savings while preserving elegance.
Diamond Buying Guides
Expert articles to help you choose the perfect diamond with confidence.
Complete Diamond Buying Guide
Step-by-step guide covering the 4Cs, budget strategies, shapes, grading reports, and online vs in-store buying.
Complete Guide to the 4Cs
Understand how cut, color, clarity, and carat weight determine beauty and price.
Engagement Ring Buyer's Guide
Everything you need to know about choosing the perfect diamond engagement ring.
Diamond Cut Quality Guide
Why cut is the most important of the 4Cs and how to choose the right grade.
Oval Diamond Buying Guide
Ideal proportions, how to avoid the bow-tie effect, and why oval diamonds offer 20–30% more value than rounds.
Round Brilliant Buying Guide
How to find the best round brilliant cut with ideal proportions and maximum light performance.
Moissanite vs Diamond
Compare moissanite and diamond on brilliance, durability, and value.
Blue Nile vs James Allen
Detailed comparison of the two largest online diamond retailers.
Recently Added Guides
Our newest diamond buying resources, published to help you stay ahead of the market.
Complete Diamond Buying Guide
Everything you need to know — from understanding the 4Cs to reading grading reports, comparing prices online, and choosing the right shape and retailer.
Round Brilliant Diamond Buying Guide
Ideal proportions, cut grades, and how to find a round brilliant that delivers maximum light performance without overpaying.
Oval Diamond Buying Guide
How to evaluate oval proportions, avoid the bow-tie effect, and why ovals offer 20–30% more carat for your budget than round brilliants.
How Much Does a 2 Carat Diamond Cost?
A detailed price breakdown for 2 carat natural and lab-grown diamonds across all cut, color, and clarity combinations.
Diamond MM Size Chart Guide
Understand how carat weight translates to actual visual size across shapes — and why two 1ct diamonds can look dramatically different in real life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to help you use the CutGrade calculator with confidence.
Is this a certification tool?
No. CutGrade is an independent pricing guide, not a grading or certification service.
What is a good price for a 1 carat diamond?
A quality 1 carat natural diamond with G-H color and VS2-SI1 clarity typically costs $3,000–$8,000. Lab-grown 1 carat diamonds of similar quality cost $500–$2,000. Use our calculator for a tailored estimate based on your specific 4Cs.
Should I buy a lab-grown or natural diamond?
Lab-grown diamonds cost 50–70% less but are chemically identical. Natural diamonds retain better resale value. For maximum beauty per dollar, lab-grown offers exceptional value. For long-term investment or tradition, natural diamonds are preferred.
Which 4C combination gives the best value?
Excellent or Very Good cut + G or H color + VS2 or SI1 clarity + slightly under common weight thresholds (e.g., 0.9ct instead of 1ct). This combination delivers luxury appearance at significantly reduced cost.
Does the calculator show exact retail prices?
The calculator provides a premium price estimate range based on market-weighted 4Cs. Always verify final pricing with a retailer.
Can I compare multiple diamonds?
Yes. Use the calculator repeatedly to compare combinations and identify the best value balance. Adjust any of the 4Cs to see how price changes.