Last Updated on 15/09/2024 by Above Diamond
“What is the price of a 1-carat diamond?” This might be the question you’re asking, just like many of us who are searching for the perfect diamond for your engagement ring.
Typically, a 1-carat diamond can range from THB 80,000 to THB 600,000, depending on various factors such as color, clarity, cut, and more.
If you’re not familiar with buying diamonds, you may wonder why the price of a diamond can vary so much, even within the same carat weight.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind these price variations together, focusing on round-cut diamonds, which are the most popular choice.
Read more: 12 fancy cut diamonds and the secret techniques to buy them!
Basic Knowledge: Diamond Carat
There are two simple rules for measuring diamond weight:
- 1. Diamond weight is always measured in carats. Example: If a 0.5-carat diamond is priced at THB 90,000 per carat, the price for that diamond would be THB 45,000 (THB 90,000 * 0.5).
- 2. Diamond price per carat increases with higher quality. Similar to a car, as you add more premium features, the price goes up. In the same way, as the diamond’s carat weight and other factors improve, the price increases significantly.
Interesting fact: 1 diamond point = 0.01 carat
Things to Consider: Diamond Grades
Diamond grades can sometimes cause confusion. You might assume that a diamond’s price per carat always increases with its weight, but this isn’t necessarily the case.
For example, a 0.99-carat diamond may be only 1% more expensive than a 0.98-carat diamond of the same quality. However, a full 1-carat diamond could be priced 5-15% higher than a 0.99-carat diamond. Why? It’s not just about logic—it’s about the pride and emotional satisfaction of owning a 1-carat diamond.
This psychological factor is one reason why there are many lower-grade diamonds circulating in the market.
Read more: How to easily and precisely measure ring sizes at home
How Does the “Cut” Affect a Diamond’s Price?
As we mentioned earlier, a 1-carat diamond may cost 5-15% more than a 0.99-carat diamond, depending on quality.
You might be thinking, “Does this mean jewelers who cut diamonds down to 0.99 carats are making a mistake?”
Actually, if the 0.99-carat diamond has a better cut, it might only be 3-10% cheaper than a full 1-carat diamond. This is because consumers still highly value the idea of a full carat.
A common technique in the industry is to cut diamonds in a way that maximizes carat weight while sacrificing proper proportions. This is why we always recommend buying a loose diamond before it is set in a ring, as it’s easier to verify the true weight and quality.
Read more: Buying engagement rings from department stores, online stores, or private jewelers
Below is an example of diamond pricing based on carat weight. You’ll notice that as carat size increases, the price grows exponentially.
Above Diamond
Standard Price Table of 1-Carat Diamonds (Rapaport Price List)
Diamonds are often priced based on a standard list, called the Rapaport Price List. Let’s focus on the group that follows this standard.
The table below shows the standard price for a 1-carat diamond, updated to the current year. We’ve converted the prices from USD to Thai baht for your convenience.
The horizontal axis lists Clarity, while the vertical axis shows Color.
ROUND / 1.00 | IF | VVS1 | VVS2 | VS1 | VS2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
D (100) | 552,000 | 441,600 | 372,600 | 331,200 | 276,000 |
E (99) | 431,300 | 383,000 | 338,100 | 300,200 | 248,400 |
F (98) | 379,500 | 345,000 | 307,100 | 272,600 | 231,200 |
G (97) | 293,300 | 276,000 | 255,300 | 238,100 | 207,000 |
H (96) | 234,600 | 220,800 | 210,500 | 200,100 | 186,300 |
I (95) | 200,100 | 189,800 | 179,400 | 169,100 | 155,300 |
J (94) | 169,100 | 155,300 | 141,500 | 131,100 | 124,200 |
Browse: our selection of certified diamonds
What is a Rapaport Price List?
The Rapaport Price List was created by Martin Rapaport in 1978 to provide a consistent pricing standard for loose diamonds.
It is updated weekly, although prices don’t usually fluctuate frequently. This list is a guide for diamonds with a clarity grade of SI3 or higher and a color grade of K or better.
Discounts & Premiums
Pricing diamonds involves both science and art. Beyond carat and color, factors like cut, inclusions, and fluorescence also play a role.
This is why diamond pricing can be complex for those outside the industry. It helps to have a trusted expert or friend in the diamond business for advice.
Read more: 4 Tips for Choosing Diamond Rings That Make You Look Elegant and Beautiful!
Sweet Spot of Value
Looking at the pricing of 1-carat diamonds, you might notice some inconsistencies in the Rapaport Price List.
For instance, the price difference between a D/VVS2 and an E/VVS2 diamond is significant, at around THB 87,000. But the gap between E/VVS2 and F/VVS2 is much smaller—only THB 26,000.
In this case, opting for an E/VVS2 diamond could save you significantly while still offering high quality.
Why is the Price Difference So Significant?
While there are many factors at play, it’s often emotional and psychological appeal that drives the price of D-color diamonds higher.
The takeaway? When purchasing a diamond, you don’t always need to go for the highest grade. It’s about finding the balance between quality, price, and personal preference.
Read more: What Are Triple Excellent Diamonds? Let’s Get to Know Them!
Discover the Price of a 1-Carat Diamond Today!
Click below to view the latest prices for 1-carat diamonds in our collection: