How Much Are Diamonds Worth?

Diamond prices can vary depending on the stones characteristics. Prices may vary between hundreds to thousands of dollars. Let's take a look at the monetary value of different diamonds and the reason behind these prices.

Determining the price of a diamond

First of all it is important to understand what determines the price of a diamond. The price depends on its carat weight and of course, quality, which is measured by the stones' clarity, color and cut. 

Whiter diamonds in general are more expensive than those that have a yellow tint because it is rare to find a diamond that is completely or nearly colorless. Diamonds that are colorless are harder to find and that alone raises the price of the stone.

How much can a good quality diamond cost?

• The most expensive diamonds tend to be those with a higher grading scale, such as those with high clarity, color and cut. Here are a few examples:
  
• A 1-carat stone that has the best color (grade D), top clarity (grade IF), and a cut graded “Ideal” or “Excellent” can cost more than $20,000.

A similar stone but with a carat weight of about 0.70-0.75 carats can cost you around $7,000-$8,000. An even smaller stone of about 0.50 carats can be found for about $4,000.

You may be able to find a very decent stone (F color, VVS2 clarity, Very Good cut) for about $2,000 for a 0.50-carat diamond; a diamond of the same quality but weighing around 1 carat would cost you in the $7,000-11,000 range.

Please note that these prices may vary from time to time and the smallest variation in the stone can raise or lower the price drastically.

Are low quality diamonds really cheaper?

Diamonds that are lower in quality, such as stones with clarity graded I (Included) or lower, color with a grade lower than J, and a cut grade that is “Fair” or lower can be found for less than $1,000-$2,000 (for stones that weigh 1 carat or less).

You can however find bigger stones at lower prices, but keep in mind that the stones most likely are lower in quality. Low-quality stones will usually look tinted and have visible imperfections and a lower brilliance due to the poor cut.

How much are the best value for money diamonds?

Best value stones are those that do not have the best color or clarity but still look fairly colorless and clean to the naked eye. For example, a 1 carat diamond with SI2 clarity, J color, and a good cut can look white and clean when viewed from the top, and would cost roughly $4,000-$5,000. 

A diamond of the same weight but slightly better quality (H-I color, VS2-SI1 clarity) can be purchased for $5,000-$7,000. An even better stone that is 1 carat, with G color and VS1 clarity, would be around $7,000-$10,000.

Diamond price charts

Actual Diamond Prices

Diamond Carat Weight	Price Per Carat	Total Price	* Recommended Diamond
0.50 Carat	$1,100 - $7,690	$550 - $3,845	$1,000
0.75 Carat	$1,810 - $8,800	$1,360 - $6,600	$2,400
1.00 Carat	$1,910 - $15,650	$1,910 - $15,650	$4,280
1.50 Carat	$2,985 - $22,330	$4,480 - $33,500	$9,360
2.00 Carat	$4,025 - $42,180	$8,050 - $84,360	$15,280
3.00 Carat	$6,190 - $50,070	$18,580 - $150,220	$40,830
4.00 Carat	$7,575 - $68,130	$30,300 - $272,520	$70,320
5.00 Carat	$8,430 - $70,370	$42,150 - $351,850	$105,010

1 Carat Diamond Price Chart

	IF	VVS1	VVS2	VS1	VS2	SI1	SI2
D	$17,250	$14,750	$12,000	$10,500	$9,750	$7,400	$6,250
E	$12,750	$12,000	$10,350	$9,500	$8,500	$7,000	$5,750
F	$11,000	$10,500	$9,750	$9,250	$8,000	$6,500	$5,500
G	$9,000	$9,000	$8,800	$8,000	$7,250	$6,000	$4,900
H	$8,000	$7,800	$7,800	$7,250	$6,750	$5,800	$4,900
I	$6,750	$6,400	$6,250	$6,000	$5,500	$5,000	$4,500

Our advice to you is, if you are on a budget, instead of settling on other factors of the 4 Cs (such as diamond color), you can step a little below the weight class that you had in mind and save money. The weight steps which have an effect on the price per carat are: 0.50 carat, 0.75 carat, 1.00 carat, 1.50 carat, 2.00 carat, 3.00 carat, 4.00 carat, 5.00 carat and so on.