If you're shopping for a solitaire engagement ring, then you probably have a lot of questions. Not the least of which is how much does the average one-carat diamond cost?
We'll provide some examples of one-carat diamond prices below. But, first, we want to discuss the characteristics that factor into the prices of solitaire engagement rings.
First, it is essential to remember that diamond cut quality can affect up to sixty percent of the price. That surprises many people because most Diamond 4Cs pamphlets don't mention it. Nevertheless, it's a fact that every professional diamond buyer knows.
The diamond shape is also a price factor because the cutters use different crystal structures to polish each profile. Consequently, the rough material used to polish round brilliant cut diamonds is the most valuable.
1 Carat Solitaire Engagement Rings:
Many people consider the classic one-carat solitaire the ideal size for an engagement ring. In that case, the diamond ring is big enough to make a statement but not so large as to overpower the finger.
On that note, the average round brilliant-cut diamond measures approximately 6.4 mm in diameter in terms of size. In that case, it has a good spread across the finger and looks good on most hands.
Consequently, the eraser on a standard number two pencil is 6.5 mm in diameter for reference purposes. You can try setting the eraser end of a pencil between your middle and ring finger to get an idea of the size.
How Much Does a One Carat Diamond Weigh?
We measure diamond carat weight in metric carats. A one-carat diamond weighs 0.2 grams regardless of shape. In that case, a 1.00-carat diamond weighs one-fifth of a gram.
However, we generally describe carat weight in the decimal equivalent, such as 1.00 carats. Industry professionals also describe carat weight in points or hundredths of a carat.
There are one-hundred points per carat, so a full 1.00-carat diamond weighs 100 points. It is essential to know that the term points refers to carat weight and not the facet junctions on the stone's surface.
Consequently, the Federal Trade Commission states that a "one-carat diamond" must weigh within two points of the mark. In other words, a 1-carat diamond can weigh between 0.98 - 1.02 carats.
Therein lies why many people are taken advantage of because they don't realize a substantial price difference occurs between the 0.99 - 1.00 carat marks. For that reason, it is essential to know the exact carat weight of the diamond solitaire you are buying.
How Much Does a One Carat Solitaire Cost?
It's easy to see why one-carat solitaire engagement rings are so popular with people all over the world. Not only are one-carat diamonds a good size on the finger, but movies and literature also romanticize them.
One-carat diamond engagement rings are the perfect size for every hand. Plus, they are eye-catching and affordable if you adhere to the middle of the spectrum for clarity and color.
From our perspective, VS2 clarity and G-H-I-J near-colorless diamonds provide the best value. In that case, the diamond should face-up eye-clean and look white.
Of course, you might prefer a higher or lower range of clarity or color depending on price and availability. However, we will stick with G-color and VS-2 clarity for this diamond ring buying tutorial.
Examples of One Carat Diamond Prices:
GIA Excellent Cut Blue Nile Diamond.
This Blue Nile one-carat diamond is currently selling for $8K and has an overall cut grade of GIA Excellent.
The crown and pavilion angle offset should produce a high volume of light return and a virtual balance of brilliance and dispersion. That makes this a good entry-level ideal cut diamond, but there is room for improvement.
James Allen True Hearts Diamonds.
You can buy this 1-carat James Allen True Hearts diamond for around $7.5K. It also has ideal proportions and an overall cut grade of GIA Excellent.
There is less obstruction visible under the table facet, so you know that it exhibits a higher degree of optical precision.
However, there is still a higher level of performance available if you're willing to pay for it.
Brian Gavin Signature Diamonds.
This one-carat Brian Gavin Signature Diamond is currently selling for eight-thousand dollars. It has ideal proportions and exhibits a higher degree of optical precision.
That is the consistency of facet shape, size, and alignment from the perspective of 360-degrees. In that case, it produces a higher volume of light return and a more vivid and intense sparkle.
Inclusions and Clarity Characteristics:
We prefer G-H-I-J color and VS2 clarity one-carat diamonds because they face up eye-clean without magnification. However, you may want to experiment with other color and clarity grades.
Several online diamond dealers provide high-resolution videos that enable you to identify the inclusions. The following vendors feature 360-degree high-resolution imaging:
Using that technology lets you decide whether an SI2 or SI1 clarity diamond is good enough. Or whether you might prefer a higher clarity, such as VS1, VVS2, VVS1, Internally Flawless, or Flawless.
However, keep in mind that you might be able to detect inclusions without magnification in lower clarity grades. In contrast, you might not see a difference in clarity grades higher than VS2 without a 10x diamond grading loupe.
Balancing Characteristics and Price:
A 1-carat diamond ring will be a personal and emotional purchase that the two of you will treasure for a lifetime. In that case, it is essential to do it right and not get ripped off.
There are different performance levels available within the ideal-cut classification shown above. However, the range of cut-quality also includes grades such as excellent, very good, good, fair, and poor.
It stands to reason that the sparkle factor and light performance are adversely affected the further you go down the cut scale. We don't recommend anything less than AGS Ideal or GIA Excellent Cut for that reason.
Instead of dropping down in cut quality, we would choose a lower clarity or color grade to lower the price or increase carat weight. Another option is to select a fancy-shape diamond because that material costs less per carat.
As that may be, it's essential to know that fancy shape diamonds tend to have deeper total depth. In that case, you may need to buy a larger diamond to maintain the same visible surface area as a one-carat round diamond.
Classic Solitaire Engagement Rings vs. Other Styles:
Most people realize that the diamond's cut will determine how well it reflects light and the intensity of the sparkle factor. The proportions will also influence the balance of brilliance, dispersion, and scintillation.
Fewer people realize the effect the alloy type will have upon the appearance of their diamond. In contrast, many people ask what ring style will make their diamond look best.
Consequently, the ring style is not likely to have a measurable effect on your diamond's light performance. In that case, it doesn't matter whether you choose a classic solitaire, halo setting, or something more elaborate.
However, the color of the prongs or setting that touches the diamond's girdle edge will affect the perception of color. For example, setting a G-color diamond in white metal prongs will make it look about one color grade brighter.
In contrast, setting the same G-color diamond in rose gold or yellow gold will make it appear one color grade warmer. We tend to select warmer color diamonds, such as K-L-M-N colors, for that reason if the client prefers rose gold or yellow gold.
