Our Calculator provides a practical tool for diamond owners in the United States (US), Canada (CA), and Australia (AU) looking to estimate the potential upgrade or resale value of their current diamonds, and to explore the costs and benefits of remaking existing gold jewelry using their own scrap gold for a new custom piece. This service is aimed at a customer who already own diamond jewelry (natural or lab-grown CVD/HPHT) and are considering either selling, trading up, or repurposing their precious materials into something new and personalized, such as a redesigned ring, pendant, or earrings in various K-gold purities.

Estimating Diamond Upgrade & Resale Value: Understanding the potential market value of an existing diamond is the first step for owners considering an upgrade or sale.

• Key Factors for Resale/Trade-in Value:
  • The Original Four Cs & Certification: The diamond's original carat weight, cut, color, and clarity, as documented on its certificate (e.g., GIA, IGI), are paramount. Well-certified diamonds typically hold better value.
  • Natural vs. Lab-Grown (CVD/HPHT): Natural diamonds have a more established resale market, though it's still typically below initial retail price. Lab-grown diamonds have a newer, evolving resale market, and their resale values are currently less predictable and generally lower proportionally than natural diamonds. Our calculator provides context based on origin.
  • Current Market Conditions: Diamond prices fluctuate. The calculator reflects general current market sentiment, not guaranteed buy-back prices.
  • Condition: Chips, abrasions, or damage can significantly reduce a diamond's value.
  • Popularity of Shape/Size: Highly desirable shapes and sizes may be easier to resell or trade.
• Upgrade Scenario: The calculator helps estimate the existing diamond's approximate trade-in value, which can then be put towards a new, larger, or higher-quality diamond. It allows users to see how much additional budget might be needed for a specific upgrade.
• Direct Resale Scenario: Provides an approximate fair market value if selling to another individual or a dealer, which is typically lower than retail appraisal for insurance. It’s important to note that jewelers and dealers need to buy at a level that allows them to make a profit upon resale.

Gold Scrap Custom Remake Calculator: Many people have old, broken, or unworn gold jewelry. This component helps estimate the value of that scrap gold and the costs associated with transforming it into a new custom piece.

• Valuing Your Scrap Gold:
  • Karat Purity (9K, 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K etc.): The gold needs to be tested and sorted by karat. The higher the karat, the more pure gold it contains.
  • Weight: The gold is weighed accurately.
  • Current Gold Price: The value is based on the current market price of pure gold, less refining fees. Our calculator uses benchmark gold prices.
• The Custom Remake Process & Costs:
  • Refining Costs: Your existing gold items are typically melted down and refined to remove impurities and alloys to get to pure gold, which is then re-alloyed to the desired new karat and color (yellow, white, rose). There's a cost and some material loss (typically 5-10%) in this process.
  • Design & Labor for the New Piece: Standard custom jewelry design and manufacturing costs apply (CAD design, casting/fabrication, setting any existing or new stones, finishing). The value of your scrap gold acts as a credit towards these costs.
  • Supplementing Gold: If your scrap gold isn't enough for the new design, the calculator can estimate the cost of adding new gold.
  • Reusing Gemstones: Existing smaller diamonds or gemstones from old jewelry can often be incorporated into the new design, saving costs.

This calculator is for the practical-minded customer in the US, CA, and AU who want to maximize the value of their existing precious assets. Service scenarios include: an Australian owner wanting to trade a 1.00 ct round natural diamond for a 1.50 ct oval; a Canadian individual looking to melt down inherited 14K gold rings and a chain to create a new family heirloom pendant; or a US user wanting to reset their original engagement diamond into a more modern ring style using their old wedding band's gold. It offers a realistic perspective on value recovery and the creative possibilities of jewelry transformation.