How to Use These Jewelry Calculators
Each calculator on this page is designed for a specific buying or ownership decision. Here's when to reach for each one:
Before buying a diamond
Use the Diamond Rate Calculator to benchmark pricing, then the Finger Coverage Calculator to understand how the carat weight will look on your hand.
Comparing moissanite vs diamond
The Moissanite vs Diamond Price Calculator shows you the exact dollar difference for equivalent sizes. Most buyers are surprised by the margin.
For insurance or estate purposes
The Diamond Appraisal Calculator estimates replacement value — the figure your jeweler or insurer uses, not market value.
Considering resale
The Diamond Resale Price Calculator models realistic secondary market returns. Natural diamonds typically return 20–50% of retail; lab-grown diamonds significantly less.
Valuing a pearl piece
The Pearl Value Calculator estimates worth based on pearl type, luster grade, size, and surface quality — the four factors that actually drive pearl pricing.
Diamond vs Moissanite — Price Comparison at a Glance
| Size (Round) | Natural Diamond | Lab-Grown Diamond | Moissanite |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5ct (5.2mm) | $1,000–$2,500 | $200–$500 | $80–$150 |
| 1.0ct (6.5mm) | $4,500–$8,000 | $600–$1,500 | $200–$400 |
| 1.5ct (7.4mm) | $9,000–$18,000 | $1,000–$2,800 | $350–$600 |
| 2.0ct (8.1mm) | $16,000–$35,000 | $1,800–$4,500 | $500–$900 |
| 3.0ct (9.4mm) | $35,000–$80,000 | $3,500–$9,000 | $800–$1,500 |
Approximate retail ranges for G color, VS2 clarity, Excellent cut, 2026 market data. Use our calculators for precise estimates.
Diamond Resale Value — What to Expect
Diamonds are not investments in the traditional sense. The resale market is thin, and most buyers recover a fraction of retail. Here's what current secondary market data shows:
Natural Diamonds
20–50% of retail
GIA-certified stones in popular weights (0.5–2ct) perform best. Off-shapes and low-quality grades recover less.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
5–15% of retail
Wholesale prices have dropped 80%+ since 2020. Secondary market value has followed. Lab-grown diamonds are a luxury purchase, not an asset.
Moissanite
10–20% of retail
Small resale market. Best recovered through specialty forums (r/Moissanite, dedicated Facebook groups) rather than pawn shops.
Understanding Finger Coverage
Carat weight tells you mass, not visual size. What actually matters on the hand is finger coverage — the percentage of finger width the stone spans. A wide finger requires more carat weight to achieve the same visual impact as the same stone on a narrower finger.
| Finger Width | 50% Coverage | 65% Coverage | 80% Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14mm (narrow) | ~0.5ct | ~0.8ct | ~1.2ct |
| 16mm (average) | ~0.75ct | ~1.1ct | ~1.5ct |
| 18mm (wide) | ~1.0ct | ~1.5ct | ~2.0ct |
| 20mm (very wide) | ~1.3ct | ~2.0ct | ~2.7ct |
Estimates for round brilliant cut. Use our Finger Coverage Calculator for exact results based on your measurements.