Our Diamond Price Calculator is an advanced tool designed to help you understand how various factors, especially the crucial element of 'Cut,' influence a diamond's value and visual appeal. For users in Australia (AU), New Zealand (NZ), and Singapore (SG) seeking to maximize the brilliance and fire of their diamonds, this calculator provides invaluable insights. It caters to discerning consumers, custom jewelers focusing on optical performance, and anyone who appreciates the science and artistry behind a beautifully cut natural or lab-grown (CVD or HPHT) diamond. While all Four Cs (Carat, Color, Clarity, Cut) contribute to a diamond's price, the Cut is arguably the most complex and, for many diamond shapes like the round brilliant, the most critical determinant of its beauty. A superior cut can make a diamond appear more vibrant and even larger than a poorly cut stone of the same carat weight, color, and clarity. Our calculator allows you to explore this impact. Deep Dive into Diamond Cut: The term 'Cut' does not refer to a diamond's shape (e.g., round, princess, oval, emerald, pear, marquise, asscher, radiant, cushion, heart). Instead, it refers to the quality of its proportions, symmetry, and polish – the craftsmanship that goes into faceting the stone. These elements dictate how effectively a diamond handles light. Proportions: These are the angles and relative measurements of a diamond's facets and parts (like table size, crown angle, pavilion depth, girdle thickness). When proportions are ideal, light entering the diamond is reflected internally from facet to facet and then dispersed out through the top (the table and crown), creating that dazzling sparkle. If a diamond is cut too shallow, light leaks out the bottom (pavilion), resulting in a watery or glassy appearance. If cut too deep, light escapes from the sides, and the center can appear dark. Symmetry: This refers to the precision of the facet arrangement. Excellent symmetry means the facets are perfectly aligned and shaped, allowing light to be reflected evenly. Poor symmetry can misdirect light, diminishing sparkle and sometimes causing visible misalignments in the pattern. Polish: This describes the smoothness and condition of the diamond's facet surfaces. A high polish grade (Excellent or Very Good) means there are no or very few microscopic polish lines or abrasions. Good polish allows light to enter and exit the diamond without diffusion, enhancing its luster. Grading the Cut: Reputable gemological laboratories like GIA (Gemological Institute of America) provide comprehensive cut grades for round brilliant diamonds, typically ranging from Excellent (EX), Very Good (VG), Good (G), Fair (F), to Poor (P). For fancy shapes, cut grading is more complex as there isn't always a universal standard like for rounds, but assessments of polish and symmetry are always provided. Our calculator allows you to input these grades to see their effect on the price. Impact on Visual Effects: A well-cut diamond optimizes: Brilliance: The total amount of white light reflected from the diamond. Fire: The dispersion of light into the colors of the spectrum (flashes of rainbow colors). Scintillation: The play of light and dark areas and the sparkle you see when the diamond, the light source, or the observer moves. Other Diamond Characteristics Considered by the Calculator: Beyond Cut, our Diamond Price Calculator comprehensively evaluates: Carat Weight: From small 0.10-carat stones to significant 20+ carat gems. Color: The D-Z scale for white diamonds and considerations for fancy colors. Clarity: From Flawless (FL) down to Included (I3), detailing how internal and external features affect value. Origin: Natural (earth-mined) versus Lab-Grown (CVD or HPHT). Who Benefits from This Focused Tool? Quality-conscious buyers: Those in Sydney (AU), Auckland (NZ), or Singapore (SG) who prioritize sparkle and visual performance over sheer size. Custom jewelers: To explain to clients how cut quality impacts the final piece and to source stones that meet exacting standards. Diamond enthusiasts: To study the nuances of light performance and its relation to value. Anyone buying a round brilliant diamond: As cut is paramount for this shape. Service Scenarios: Optimizing an engagement ring budget: Deciding whether to invest more in cut quality versus other Cs. Comparing diamonds: Understanding why two diamonds of the same carat, color, and clarity might have different prices due to cut. Designing jewelry: Selecting diamonds that will exhibit maximum life and brilliance in a specific setting. Our Diamond Price Calculator aims to illuminate the critical role of cut. By inputting various cut grades along with other diamond parameters, you can gain a deeper appreciation for this vital aspect and make choices that lead to a truly breathtaking diamond. Whether you're a professional in the jewelry industry or a consumer passionate about quality, this tool empowers you to make informed decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of what makes a diamond sparkle.