This is probably the one of the most common questions I get. Since a 1 carat diamond ring is the most popular size for engagement rings it stands to reason that when making such an important investment you know exactly how much you should be spending.

The cost of a 1 carat diamond ring? What should I expect to pay?

There is a short answer and a long answer to this question. If you are just talking about the diamond you should expect to pay anywhere from $4500 to $6500 for a 1 carat diamond ring of respectable quality. Now that takes into account the ever important 5 C’s of diamond buying- The Clarity, Cut, Carat, Color and if it is certified or not.

Now that does not mean you couldn’t find yourself a 1 carat diamond ring for $2500 or even $3000, but it will most likely be lacking in one of the ever so important C’s. For example it may have a big black inclusion in the center of the table for everyone to see.

It may be extremely cloudy which falls under Clarity on the scale. When a diamond is cloudy it will appear dull and lifeless which defeats the whole purpose of paying for a diamond. When we think of 1 carat diamonds; we think of sparkle, fire and shine. If you diamond is cloudy, you will sacrificing this important quality.

Or it may have a very think girdle, which means that the diamond could chip easily, and thereby render your entire investment worthless since diamonds cannot be glued back together. The only way to fix it would be to have it re-cut in which case the 1 carat diamond that you got such a deal on is now a .50ct diamond. (gulp!) And yes, I have seen that happen. 

Tips on buying a 1 carat diamond ring

There are many ways to still get a perfectly lovely 1 carat diamond ring all within your budget. You don't want to end up with a diamond that is inferior or problematic down the road, but you don't want to break the bank either. There is a way to strike a balance between the two and make buying a diamond a pleasant experience.

There are various ways of mixing and matching the 5C’s to bring it in for reasonable amount. Perhaps you can go down a grade or two in color if you are having it set in yellow gold.

Or you can search for a SI1 quality diamond where the imperfections are hidden and placed strategically on the stone instead of paying considerably more for a diamond that is a VS1 or VS2. Often this can keep the costs down on a 1 carat diamond, so don’t be afraid of inclusions. They are not all created equal.

So, the best way to keep your 1 carat diamond ring costs reasonable and still feel like your investment is protected is to have someone help you pick out your diamond. We only work with the best diamond dealers who provide us with certified diamonds. At Rough Luxe we also proud to provide ethically sourced diamonds.

We would love to help you pick out a 1 carat diamond for you and also help you design a custom engagement ring. Feel free to contact us about our custom engagement ring process. We would love to hear from you!