THE FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS OF SHOPPING FOR A ONE CARAT DIAMOND

Sometimes, jewelers and jewelry clerks can make shopping for an engagement ring a bit off-putting. In a crowded store, where you’re getting more nervous about that big moment as it gradually sinks in, while you search for that perfect ring for a perfect someone, a jewel professional looking at you like you sprouted extra heads for asking, “How much/how big is a one-carat diamond engagement ring?” might make you feel like running from the store screaming, and hiding in your basement for a few years.

There’s no need to flee just yet, however. That look he or she is giving you is not a look of intimidation or irritation (typically). They are simply waiting patiently for you to realize, on your own, without them having to embarrass you in front of everyone in the store, that they need a great deal more information that just “1ct ring,” before they can start giving you prices and showing you jewelry.

How much is a one carat diamond?

To avoid that strange, almost eerie, look from a jewelry merchant or crafter, start with a slightly more specific question. “What is your average price range for a 1 carat diamond engagement ring?” This is a question he or she can answer for you without hesitation, and it shows that you know a little something about the jewelry market.

It would help if you already knew your budget, so they’re not fumbling blindly in the store’s more expensive jewelry, when you’re looking for something simpler, with a smaller price tag. Knowing the average prices for diamonds in the area in which you are shopping wouldn’t hurt, either! Not to mention that jewelers, just like any other type of merchant, are in competition with each other for customers. So, if you know a little something about diamond prices before walking into the store, you can use that competition to your advantage! The average cost will likely vary, depending on the geography and the area in which you are shopping, but 1 carat diamonds usually sell for roughly $1,200-$3,000. Use this information wisely!

One carat diamond price differences

Diamond weight, or carat, plays its role in the prices of the rings. However, it is not the sole factor. Below is a list of qualities that affect a 1ct diamond’s cost (commonly referred to by professionals as the 4 C’s, which does include the carat’s weight):

Diamond Clarity. That means the opaqueness and translucence of the stone and the presence, or lack, of blemishes, scratches, chips, or unintentional extra facets, which jewelry professionals call “inclusions.” Even the smallest inclusion can affect the stone’s clarity from one or more angles, and diminish the diamond’s price. The more inclusions counted in the gemstone, and the greater effect they have on the jewelry’s clarity, the further down the price of that 1ct diamond climbs.

Color. White diamonds aren’t the only diamonds to form naturally. Blue, pink, yellow, and even occasional red diamonds are often found in diamond mines. These are the rarest diamonds, because their color formed naturally, rather than given by artificial measures at the hands of a jewel crafter. Rarity among other colors also alters the gemstone’s price. For example, two almost identical 1 carat diamonds might have a drastically higher cost if one of them is a small blue or pink one, and the other is a rich red diamond.

Cut. When a diamond is cut, the style into which it is crafted directly impacts the stone’s retail value. For example, the diamonds that appear just a little larger than other 1ct gems often really are!

Gemstones are labeled by their weight, not size, because a round stone that weighs about as much as a princess cut diamond sacrificed less of its rough, primordial diamond formation to become the polished engagement ring at which you’re looking. The amount in which these factors change the ring prices varies, but again, your jeweler will have an approximate price ranger to offer you, as well as an explanation of which inclusions affect cost more than others. He or she can also tell you which blemishes are usually w-camouflaged b the stone’s clarity and/or cut. This allows you to find a beautiful, not-entirely-flawless diamond that, because of its natural composition, shines just as brightly as one of its precious, inclusion-free cousins, without the terrifying price tag!

A few tips when buying that perfect diamond engagement ring

As common sense as some of these may sound, many people don’t know how to proceed with purchasing a diamond engagement ring. Here are some tips:

Do plenty of research. Don’t stop once you learn average diamond prices near your location. Read up on the colored diamonds, and which ones are usually less expensive and clearer. Skim jeweler websites and/or product, and see what you can find out about any competitors nearby. Learn as much as you can before you step foot out of your home.

Bring a friend. If you’re having trouble understanding parts of the information you researched, take a friend/relative with you who has either purchased a piece of 1ct diamond jewelry before, or who knows a great place to shop with raving reviews.

Be firm with your budget. While the jeweler/clerk may be friendly and courteous, his or her job is to make the biggest sale possible. Plan your budget carefully, and stick to it.