The price of a diamond depends on many factors, such as shape, clarity, and color. For example, a fancy cut diamond (a cut other than round brilliant) tends to be less expensive due to the more effective use of the rough diamond material. In this guide, we’ll give price ranges for the most popular qualities in the market whether they are lab-grown or natural diamonds: round brilliant cut, VS2-Sl1 clarity, F- color, and very good to excellent make.

Diamond Prices for Natural & Lab-Grown Diamonds

natural 0.50-0.75ct $1,750-3,500 lab grown 0.50-0.75ct $500-1,000
Half to three-quarter-carat diamonds are available in many shapes and qualities. The average cost for a well-cut round brilliant diamond SI1- VS2 clarity and F-H color (the most popular qualities) ranges from around $1,750- $3,500 depending on the specifics of the individual stone, including cut, clarity, color, and carat weight.

natural 0.70-0.99ct $3,500-5,500 lab grown 0.70-0.99ct $700-1,500
Three-quarter to one-carat diamonds are available in many shapes and qualities. The average cost for a well-cut round brilliant diamond SI1- VS2 clarity and F-H color (the most popular qualities) ranges from around $3,500- $5,500 depending on the specifics for the individual stone.

natural 1.00-1.25ct $5,500-8,795 lab grown 1.00-1.25ct $950-2,000
One to one-and-a-quarter-carat diamonds are available in many shapes and qualities. Cut variations start to play a bigger role in value as size increases. The average cost for a well-cut round brilliant diamond SI1- VS2 clarity and F-H color (the most popular qualities) ranges from around $5,500- $8,795 depending on the specifics of the individual stone.

natural 1.25-1.45ct $8,500-13,000 lab grown 1.25-1.45ct $1,700-3,000
One-and-a-quarter to one-and-a-half carat diamonds are available in many shapes and qualities, but supply becomes much tighter near the 1.40-1.50 size. The average cost for a well-cut round brilliant diamond SI1- VS2 clarity and F-H color (the most popular qualities) ranges from around $8,500- $13,000 depending on the specifics of the individual stone.

natural 1.50-1.75ct $10,500-20,000 lab grown 1.50-1.75ct $2,500-4,000

One-and-a-half to one-and-three-quarter carat diamonds are available in many shapes and qualities. Prices start up the bell curve in a noticeable way. The average cost for a well-cut round brilliant diamond with SI1- VS2 clarity and F-H color (the most popular qualities) ranges from around $10,500 to $20,000, depending on the specifics of the individual stone. Cut plays an essential role in Value, and Certificates matter more and more.

natural 1.75-2.00ct $15,500-25,500 lab grown 1.75-2.00ct $3,000-4,500

One and three-quarter to two-carat diamonds are somewhat available in many shapes and qualities, but supply starts to noticeably reduce around .9 ct. The average cost for a well-cut round brilliant diamond with SI1- VS2 clarity and F-H color (the most popular qualities) ranges from around $15,500- $25,500, depending on the specifics of the individual stone.

natural 2.00-2.50ct $20,000-35,000 lab grown 2.00-2.50ct $4,500-5,500

Two to two-and-a-half-carat diamonds are available in many shapes and qualities, but not nearly the same supply as smaller stones. Rarity also starts to become more pervasive. The range of quality within each category varies more and has a greater impact on value. The average cost for a well-cut round brilliant diamond SI1- VS2 clarity and F-H color (the most popular qualities) ranges from around $20,000- $35,000 depending on the specifics of the individual stone.

natural 2.50-2.75ct $30,000-47,500 lab grown 2.50-2.75ct $5,500-6,500

Two to two and three-quarter-carat diamonds are available in most shapes and qualities. The average cost for a well-cut round brilliant diamond with SI1- VS2 clarity and F-H color (the most popular qualities) ranges from around $30,000 to $47,500, depending on the specifics of the individual stone. All sizes and qualities are now in limited supply, and costs vary significantly from stone to stone.

natural 2.75-2.95ct $40,000-50,000 lab grown 2.75-2.95ct $6,500-9,000

Two-three-quarters to three-carat diamonds are in limited supply in many shapes and qualities. The average cost for a well-cut round brilliant diamond SI1- VS2 clarity and F-H color (the most popular qualities) ranges from around $40,000- $50,000 depending on the specifics of the individual stone.

natural 3.00-3.40ct $50,000-85,000 lab grown 3.00-3.40ct $8,500-11,500

Three to three-and-a-half-carat diamonds are available in most shapes and qualities, in less and less abundance. The average cost for a well-cut round brilliant diamond SI1- VS2 clarity and F-H color (the most popular qualities) ranges from around $50,000- $85,000 or more depending on the specifics of the individual stone.

natural 3.50-3.95ct $60,000-125,000 lab grown 3.50-3.95ct $9,000-17,500

Three-and-a-half to four-quarter-carat diamonds are available in most shapes and qualities, but (with the exception of low qualities) are rare and highly valuable. The average cost for a well-cut round brilliant diamond SI1- VS2 clarity and F-H color (the most popular qualities) ranges from around $60,000- $125,000 or more depending on the specifics of the individual stone. There are also “bluff” stones in the market that are cut with shallow depths or variations in cutting that significantly affect value.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diamond Pricing

Why pay more for a natural diamond?

According to our research on lab-grown vs. natural diamonds, most choose natural diamonds for their perceived value, tradition, and rarity. Of those who prefer lab-grown diamonds, the top factors were price and environmental impact. However, price aside, 59% would choose natural diamonds over lab-grown.

Do lab-grown diamonds hold their value like natural diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds typically don’t retain value the way natural diamonds do. This isn’t a reflection of quality, as they are chemically and optically identical. Natural diamonds have perceived higher value and lower supply. Since natural diamonds are finite, their rarity supports long-term value. Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, can be produced in increasing quantities as technology improves, which keeps resale prices low. If your purchase is primarily for sentimental or design purposes, a lab-grown stone can be a beautiful and cost-effective choice.

What are the 4 C’s of diamond pricing?

The 4 C’s of diamonds are cut, color, clarity, and carat:

• Cut measures how well a diamond’s facets interact with light, impacting brilliance and sparkle more than any other factor.
• Color grades the absence of color in a diamond, with the rarest stones being completely colorless.
• Clarity evaluates the presence of internal or surface imperfections, known as inclusions and blemishes.
• Carat refers to the weight of the diamond, which can influence size but isn’t the sole indicator of beauty.

How can I make sure I’m getting a fair price for a diamond?

Always check for a grading report from a respected lab such as GIA or AGS, as it ensures you’re comparing verified quality and not just marketing descriptions. Use the report to match the diamond’s specifications to industry price charts, but remember that factors like brand reputation, setting craftsmanship, and return policies can also justify price differences. If you’re making a significant purchase, consider getting an independent appraisal before finalizing.

Should I buy a diamond online or in person?

In-person buying lets you see the diamond’s sparkle, fire (the spectral hues of light you can see), and size in real lighting—something photos and videos can’t fully replicate. For this reason, buying online can be a risk. Check out our full engagement ring buying guide to learn more about buying in-person vs. online with a full breakdown of steps to purchase.

How do I find a reputable seller and avoid scams?

Look for sellers who provide grading reports from independent labs (GIA, AGS, IGI for lab-grown), offer transparent pricing, and have consistent positive reviews from verified buyers. You may also check for membership in professional organizations such as the Jewelers of America or the American Gem Society, which hold members to ethical and educational standards. Be cautious of prices far below market averages—they often signal undisclosed quality issues or misrepresented stones. A warranty or return policy can also offer you some peace of mind.

Find a Diamond

Choosing a diamond goes beyond fitting your budget–you also want to find a stone that reflects your (or your significant other’s) style. At Christopher Duquet, we combine decades of craftsmanship with a passion for helping clients make confident, informed choices. Whether you’re looking for an engagement ring, necklace, bracelet, or other timeless piece, our team will guide you through every detail. Visit our Chicago studio to explore hand-selected diamonds or schedule an appointment to start creating a custom design.