1 Carat Diamonds

Many factors affect diamond price, including shape, carat weight, cut, color and clarity. Fancy cut diamonds are more budget-friendly per carat weight than round brilliant diamonds of the same quality. The exact 1 carat diamond price of an individual gemstone will depend on its 4Cs.

The size of a 1 carat diamond varies based on the diamond shape selected. Our diamond size chart breaks down the differences in the shapes.

When you want the look of a 1 carat diamond without a hefty price tag, consider "buying shy." This means purchasing a diamond with a carat size of .90 to .99 instead of a full carat. The difference won't be very discernible to the eye, but it will lower the price.

The term “carat weight” refers to a single diamond. The term “carat total weight” refers to all the diamonds used in a single piece. You'll hear carat total weight with diamond sidestone settings, halo settings, and other styles that use smaller stones to enhance the look of the center stone.

1 carat engagement rings are a classic choice that offers impressive sparkle. Generally, 1 carat diamond rings are considered a great size for timeless styles. Of course, your partner’s jewelry preferences, your budget and the chosen ring setting will also influence whether a 1 carat diamond is the right choice for your purchase.

All diamond shapes shine at 1 carat. More faceted cuts, such as round brilliant, are right at home in the 1 CT range. Other fancy cuts, such as Asscher cut, also sparkle in the 1 CT size. Different diamonds will appear larger or smaller in this size depending on how they are cut.

Any ring setting will complement this carat weight. You can go the classic route with a solitaire ring or choose from unique engagement rings that offer creative styles. Vintage-inspired, designer and even three-stone rings are perfect with a 1 CT center stone.

Many 1 carat engagement rings feature a halo of additional diamonds or gemstones to enhance the overall sparkle. If you are looking to add extra brilliance, incorporate other gemstones or you’d like to simply maximize the size appearance of a center diamond, a halo can be a great addition to the 1 carat diamond.

Different diamond shapes will offer different levels of coverage on the wearer’s finger. If you’re looking to maximize finger coverage, consider a fancy cut elongated gemstone such as an oval diamond, an emerald cut diamond or a pear-shaped diamond.

There is no set rule for how many carats an engagement ring or wedding band should be. The right carat weight is the one that best fits your budget and matches the wearer’s style.

As the most important of the 4Cs, cut is the first factor you should consider when shopping for 1 CT diamond rings or loose stones. Prioritize the best cut grade in your budget to maximize brilliance.

The larger a diamond is, the more apparent its coloration may be. The right cut and setting can help mask color.