1 Carat Diamond Ring: The Expert Buying Guide
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When you’re buying a high-priced item like a 1 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring, you want to make sure you’re getting the maximum value for your money — and the most beauty.
A wide range of 1 Carat Diamonds exist both in online markets and local diamond jewelry stores. Not only are there significant differences in beauty among these diamonds, there are significant differences in price as well.
And a higher price doesn’t always mean a better diamond.
This guide to 1 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings can help you make the best purchase. To find an extraordinary, head-turning 1 Carat Diamond Ring, read on.
1 Carat Diamond Pricing
A 1 Carat Diamond simply refers to the weight of the diamond. 1 Carat equals 200 milligrams, or 0.2 grams. To put it in perspective, a 1 Carat Diamond weighs roughly the same as a quarter of a raisin.
In terms of pricing, diamonds are all priced per carat. For example, a 0.50 carat diamond may have a price of $1,400 per carat. The diamond’s price for the stone would be $1,400 x 0.50, equaling $700.
In addition, diamond prices per carat increase as you reach higher weight ‘categories.’ Diamond prices increase exponentially with weight because of the diamond’s higher weight value and the higher price per carat for the increased weight category. For example, a 1 Carat Diamond might be priced $4,615 or more per carat like this one, while a similar 2 Carat Diamond might be at $7,390 or more per carat like this diamond.
We stress the word ‘categories,’ as prices per carat do not continually increase as weight increases. Diamonds are retail products driven more by emotion than reason.
Although it may seem advantageous to look for a diamond that’s just below a new weight category—such as a 0.90-0.99 Carat Diamond—that really isn’t the case. The search for an “almost” 1 Carat Diamond has become incredibly popular. This popularity elevates the price for those particular diamonds—making the cost savings minimal.
Ultimately, you can search for a 0.90ct+ diamond, but we suggest not trying to find one specifically, as you’re limiting your search potential without really saving anything.
Diamond pricing is often subjective–because with diamonds, it’s all about feelings. This quirk of “feelings” within the diamond business is the sole reason there are many poor cut diamonds on the market.
We’re here to help you avoid purchasing one of those diamonds.
Where To Buy a 1 Carat Diamond Ring
The world of diamond dealers is vast, but don’t let that intimidate you. Many high-quality and honest diamond jewelry sellers can be found online and in stores.
For 1 Carat Diamonds, we recommend finding an online seller as they tend to have a larger selection of quality 1 Carat Diamonds than local stores. They’ll offer beautiful settings as well, made of 18k or 14k white gold, yellow gold, rose gold or platinum. With the online option, you have a greater chance of finding an exquisite diamond at an exceptional price.
With our years of experience in the diamond industry, we’ve been able to vet several diamond dealers. We have a consistent pulse on which companies you can trust and which companies produce the best diamond cuts at an excellent price point.
We highly recommend the following sellers for a 1 Carat Diamond engagement ring:
- James Allen: 18+ years of experience, high quality certification (GIA & AGS), focused on customer experience, attractive prices, best in class diamond imagery.
- Blue Nile: 17+ years of experience, high quality certification (GIA & AGS), largest inventory of diamonds and engagement ring settings, exceptional diamond quality and refined jewelry.
- Brian Gavin Diamonds: 20+ years of experience, high quality certification (GIA & AGS), unprecedented dedication to offering the best cut diamonds, offers super-ideal cuts with “Brian Gavin Signature” Hearts & Arrows.
- Leibish & Co.: 40+ years of experience, specialize in colored diamonds and gemstone jewelry, beautiful selection with high-quality settings
If you’re using these diamond dealers or any others, keep the following in mind:
- Only purchase 1 Carat Diamonds that come with a GIA & AGS certificate.
- Run comparisons for price and beauty across various websites before purchasing.
- Ensure that the Diamond Cut is an ideal cut, or a GIA grade quality of Excellent. This level of Cut maximizes the sparkle, brilliance and fire of your diamond. Diamond Cut is the single greatest element that impacts a diamond’s overall beauty and sparkle.
- Opt for a high-quality setting for your engagement ring, like one made of 14k white gold, yellow gold or rose gold
- Consider asking a diamond expert to help you review diamonds or aid in your search of high quality 1 Carat Diamonds.
The Difference Between Diamond Carat and Diamond Size
While it’s easy to mistake Diamond Carat for Diamond Size, it’s a pitfall that can just as easily be avoided.
Diamond Carat refers specifically to the weight of the diamond. It does not impact table surface area, depth or other shape features. A larger carat does not mean a larger sized diamond.
Size, on the other hand, has to do with the visual appearance of the diamond. For example, a Marquise Shaped Diamond will likely appear larger than a Round Brilliant Cut in the same carat only because of its elongated shape.
Various components, such as surface area and depth play into the diamond’s size. Thus, two diamonds of the same carat usually appear different in size depending on shape design and cut quality.
Clarity Rating for 1 Carat Diamond Rings
When looking at the 4 C’s (Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight) of a 1 Carat Diamond, an important area to consider is Clarity. This factor dictates how many inclusions, surface defects (or blemishes) and extra facets are present in the diamond.
Similar to our recommendations for Diamond Color, we suggest reviewing the Clarity of a diamond yourself or asking for assistance from an expert. What the naked eye can see is more important than simply a GIA Grade rating.
For instance, a low clarity eye-clean diamond will look identical to a flawless diamond assuming all else is equal (yet will cost far, far less).
Currently the only vendor offering sufficiently high quality images on all of their diamonds for reviewing Clarity is James Allen. With their technology, you are able to find this beautiful SI2 diamond that saves you almost 25% over a mediocre VS2.
The GIA scale of diamond clarity ranges from best to worst: Internally Flawless (IF), Very Very Small Inclusions 1 (VVS1), Very Very Small Inclusions 2 (VVS2), Very Small Inclusions 1 (VS1), Very Small Inclusions 2 (VS2), Small Inclusions 1 (SI1), Small Inclusions 2 (SI2), Inclusions 1 (I1), Inclusions 2 (I2).
For a 1 Carat Diamond engagement ring, we generally recommend a minimum of a VS2 grade, as most inclusions and blemishes will be invisible to the naked eye. You may be able to find a SI1 with inclusions near the edges of the diamond–that, depending on shape, may be covered by the setting prongs.
The maximum Clarity rating, within a reasonable budget, will usually be a VVS2, which provides no inclusions or blemishes to the naked eye.
Remember though that an eye-clean diamond is most important when it comes to Clarity, so be sure to review it yourself or have an expert assist you.
1 Carat Diamond Ring Shapes
A well cut 1 Carat Diamond with a beautifully designed setting will look stunning in any Diamond Shape. As such, Diamond Shape is primarily selected based on personal preference and style.
For those concerned with the size appearance of the diamond, there is a surface area difference amongst 1 Carat Diamond shapes. Depending on their differing table sizes (the top, flat leveled surface of a diamond), the 1 Carat may seem larger.
Our chart below gives you insight into surface area differences among Diamond Shapes:
| Diamond Shape | Approximate Table Surface for 1 Carat |
|---|---|
| Round Brilliant Cut | 6.5×6.5mm |
| Princess Cut | 5.51×5.51mm |
| Emerald Cut | 6.68×4.95mm |
| Asscher Cut | 5.61×5.61mm |
| Radiant Cut | 5.78×5.78mm |
| Cushion Cut | 5.83×5.83mm |
| Oval Diamond | 8.12×5.41mm |
| Pear Shaped Diamond | 9.05×5.45mm |
| Heart Shaped Diamond | 6.56×6.56mm |
| Marquise Diamond | 10.38×5.19mm |
| Trillion Diamond | 7.74×7.74mm |
1 Carat Diamond Ring Colors
When looking at a range of 1 Carat Diamonds, one of the 4 C’s to note is Color.
The GIA grades color on a scale from D to Z, with D being the most clear, colorless diamond, and Z being a diamond with easily noticeable yellow or brown tint.
In addition to the GIA Color Grading, review the diamond’s pictures and videos yourself–or have an expert assist you.
James Allen states it well in their article about Diamond Color, saying:
“Most people find it very difficult (if not impossible) to tell the difference from one color grade to another. The difference in price, however, can be significant.”
For this reason, looking at the diamond carefully is usually the best indicator of Color quality. Most importantly, ensure the diamond looks white in relation to its setting. For example, here is a stunning K color diamond in a yellow gold solitaire setting. Normally, a K color diamond would have a yellowish tint–but because it’s contrasted to something darker (the yellow gold), it appears clear and vibrant.
On the other hand, here is a similar K color diamond in a halo setting. As you can see, the tint of the K diamond is easily noticed.
The better a round diamond’s cut is (for example, a Brian Gavin Signature Hearts and Arrows Diamond, which is the best there is), the harder it is to discern color. For this reason, it’s more important to focus on Cut quality than on Color.
However, in general, we recommend a 1 Carat Diamond be in the nearly colorless G-I range. To the naked eye, it will appear just as colorless as diamonds in the D-F range but cost far less.
For more detail on Diamond Color and our recommendations, be sure to check out our Diamond Color Guide.
How To Get The Best Value For a 1 Carat Diamond Ring
Our main goal is to help people find radiant, high-quality diamonds at an exceptional value. We want you to find a stunning diamond engagement ring without paying more than you should.
To ensure your diamond is exactly what the diamond dealer is stating, ensure the diamond comes with either a GIA or AGS certificate. The GIA and AGS are the two renowned and well-respected diamond grading entities that issue accurate and consistent reports for diamonds.
If a diamond seller is trying to convince you to purchase a diamond with a different lab grading entity, politely decline their invitation. The actual quality of those diamonds are much less than what they’re portraying to be “true.”
To select an exquisite 1 Carat Diamond engagement ring at the best value, follow our expert recommendations:
- Cut: Maximize the fire and brilliance of your diamond by choosing only an Excellent cut diamond. Cut is the number one factor of a diamond’s beauty and value.
- Color: Choose a diamond in the nearly colorless G-I range, as to the naked eye, it will appear just as colorless as diamonds in the D-F range (and cost far less).
- Clarity: Diamonds with a VS1 and VS2 Clarity grade offer the best value for what can be seen with the naked eye. Most inclusions and blemishes will be unnoticeable at these grades.
- Shape: Select a Diamond Shape that is personally and aesthetically appealing. Ensure the type of setting you want is complementary and physically secure for the Shape.
- Online Diamond Dealer: Choose a well-respected diamond seller with years of experience, such as James Allen, Brian Gavin Diamonds, or Blue Nile.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings
Here our experts answer some of the top things readers want to know about 1 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings.
How Much Is A 1 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring?
Just as with other high-end products, the price of 1 Carat Diamond Rings can range dramatically. You could get a beautiful 1 carat round brilliant halo engagement ring in 14K white gold for $8,110. Or you could find a stunning 1 carat vintage engagement ring in platinum for $9,920.
Rather than aiming to get the cheapest price and product, you want to find a high-quality engagement ring at a great price. After all, this is a gift that will last a lifetime. Follow the tips in this guide to find the best value for an engagement ring, or reach out to our experts for personalized advice.
How Big Is A 1 Carat Diamond Ring?
Because Carat refers to the weight of the diamond, not the size, 1 Carat Diamonds differ in how big they are—and how big they look. For example, Oval diamonds tend to look larger than Princess diamonds, because they have a larger surface table. While we know size and carat weight is important to some buyers, we suggest focusing on choosing a well cut diamond. A stunning 1 carat diamond engagement ring that sparkles brightly, like this one from James Allen, will be more brilliant and eye-catching than a dull 2 carat diamond engagement ring.
How Much Is A 1 Carat Diamond Worth?
Figuring out the value of a 1 Carat Diamond should be done on a case-by-case basis. Depending on how well cut the diamond is, how many inclusions it has, and how colorless it is will all impact the how much the stone is worth.
In general, diamonds make for beautiful and meaningful pieces of jewelry. They shouldn’t be considered as an investment, though. If you were to sell your diamond, you would not break even on the original price. Where you purchased the diamond and where you’re reselling it makes a difference on the value you’ll retain. If you buy and sell your diamond online — the best option — you could retain approximately 60-70% of the diamond’s price.
What Is The Most Popular Size Diamond For An Engagement Ring?
The average size of an engagement ring in the United States is 0.9 Carat. With this carat weight, the diamond is substantial, but not too large and expensive. For instance, this 0.9 Carat 14k white gold ring costs $5,360. It’s beautiful and timeless—and it fits many budgets. Other 0.9 carat options include this halo 14k white gold ring and this splint shank 14k white gold pave engagement ring.
What’s A Good Carat Size For An Engagement Ring?
A good carat size for an engagement ring is anything over 0.5 Carat. At 0.5 Carat, the diamond will be noticeable but not overpowering. At 1.0 Carat, the diamond is more eye-catching. With a 2 Carat Diamond or 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring, you’ll be turning heads, especially if you select an excellent cut diamond with plenty of brilliance.
Most importantly, aim for a diamond that has brilliance and fire. Choose one that’s eye clean and looks white in relation to its setting. By focusing on these basic elements, you’re ensuring that your diamond is beautiful and has sparkle—which is more important than carat weight.
1 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring Inspiration
There’s a wide variety of styles available for 1 carat engagement rings. Here we offer you inspiration for everything from vintage designs to modern solitaires.
1 Carat Solitaire Engagement Rings
1 Carat Halo Engagement Rings
1 Carat Pavé Engagement Rings
1 Carat Vintage Engagement Rings
1 Carat Side-Stone Engagement Rings
If you’re looking for a colorful alternative or compliment to a 1 Carat Diamond Ring, consider gemstone jewelry for your engagement ring, such as choosing a pink sapphire or emerald.
Conclusion
Searching for a 1 Carat Diamond Ring may seem daunting at first, but with the information in this price guide, you’ll be able to select a brilliant diamond at an excellent price from a reliable diamond dealer.
If you’d like assistance in finding the perfect diamond, contact our experts today and we’ll begin your complimentary engagement ring search.
James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is at the point where it's almost the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. Their customer experience is best in class, and they have recently upgraded their non-engagement jewelry inventory as well. For a limited time, take advantage of their Summer Shine 25% off promotion!- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free International Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisals
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
- Free ring inscriptions
- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Best-in-class packaging
Blue Nile is the largest and most well known internet jewelry seller. They have the industry-leading largest available exclusive online inventory. Their high quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. - No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
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