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1 carat round diamond ring Buying Guide

Get tips on how to save up to $7,720 with our guide.
We have made this guide especially for those who want to make the most out of their hard-earned money when buying a 1 carat round diamond ring. We will provide advice on what is worth the extra cost and what is not necessary. We will also reveal the exact places where you can find that dream ring or even an upgraded version.
Want to go straight to shopping?
We carefully selected the best deals on 1 carat round diamond rings from top online stores. Check out our recommendations in the links provided.

Diamond Price Guide Overview
8 buying lessons - 5-10 min total read time

Lock in the best deal for the most exquisite 1 carat round diamond ring.

In the upcoming lessons, you will learn valuable tips on saving money while still acquiring a stunning 1 carat round diamond ring. We will guide you on maximizing your budget and steering clear of pitfalls set by diamond companies.
Average Price
$3,063.51
Price Range
$1,690-$11,340
Our Max Savings
$7,720
Lessons 1-4  ∴  Save Money 
Lessons 4 & 5  ∶  Spend Money 
Lessons 6-8  ∴  Personalize & Decide 
⤫ 40% Cash Savings

Lesson 1

Buying Online

You can find diamond rings online for a significantly lower cost. Physical stores tend to increase prices by 40% and offer only a limited range of options.
⤫ $7,690 Cash Savings

Lesson 2

Clarity

Our clarity tips can assist you in reducing diamond ring expenses by 50%. We are dedicated to educating you on effective money-saving techniques.
⤫ $760 Cash Savings

Lesson 3

Color

The color of a diamond plays a big role in determining its price. We are here to help you understand how to use this information to your advantage and save money.
⤫ 85% Cash Savings

Lesson 8

Lab Grown

Lab-grown options can save you up to 85% on a 1 carat round diamond ring, but selling it might be challenging.
☺ Spend Money

Lesson 4

Carat Weight / Size

Women tend to prefer larger diamonds, so this is where you should invest your money. We can assist you in getting a bigger-looking diamond while still saving money in other aspects.
☺ Spend Money

Lesson 5

Cut, Sparkle & Brilliance

The way a diamond is cut is extremely important for its overall appearance. It's not an area where you should try to save money, as it's what gives the diamond its brilliance and catches people's attention.
≔ Personalize

Lesson 6

Shapes

Each shape of a diamond ring has a unique appearance. We will demonstrate the appearance and characteristics of each shape.
≔ Personalize

Lesson 7

Setting / Band

Choosing a solitaire ring can help you save money and create the illusion of a bigger diamond. However, it's important to consider your personal preferences as well.

Lesson 1 - Buy Online
Up to 40% savings here

Choose to purchase your 1 carat round diamond ring online and you can save up to 40% on your bill.

Choosing to purchase your jewelry online has numerous advantages over shopping at physical retail stores, particularly in terms of affordability, variety, and the opportunity for personalization. Online retailers such as Blue Nile and James Allen can offer diamonds at significantly lower prices compared to traditional brick-and-mortar stores, often up to 40% less, thanks to reduced operational expenses. Online platforms provide a wider range of options, allowing you to easily find the perfect diamond amidst a vast selection. Additionally, these websites offer more customization choices, enabling you to create a ring that perfectly aligns with your individual preferences and style. This combination of value and customization sets online jewelry shopping apart.

Click on the shop now links below to begin building the most affordable and valuable 1 carat round diamond ring!

Excited to go shopping? Our links will help you find the best deals on high-quality diamonds from trusted online retailers.

Our Money Saving Links

Watch us compare pricing with retail stores and our favorite online brands

Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
Best overall experience, great selection, 24/7 customer support
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
Another excellent website for very well priced diamond rings.
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
They focus on ethically sourced diamonds. Best option for karma free rings
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
They focus on ethically sourced diamonds. Best option for karma free rings
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
Mostly here to show you how retail companies are not high quality. 

Lesson 2 - Clarity

If you're in the market for a 1 carat round diamond ring, remember that the diamond's clarity is the main determinant of its price.

⊗ Up to $9,572 savings with these tips
Watch us save thousands of dollars by simply selecting the right clarity range.

What is Clarity?

When we talk about the clarity of a diamond, we're actually referring to how visible any imperfections are. However, the main focus should be on "visibility" since most of these flaws can only be seen when magnified 10 times. In the diamond industry, clarity is measured on a scale ranging from 'flawless' (FL) to 'included' (I), with categories like VS1 (Very Slightly Included), VS2, and SI1 (Slightly Included) falling in the middle. The imperfections in diamonds within these grades are typically only noticeable when viewed through a 10x magnifying glass, which means they appear completely clear to the naked eye. So, anyone admiring your ring won't be able to see them!

Optimal Clarity Range for a 1 carat round diamond ring

Choosing a diamond in the VS2-SI1 clarity range for your 1 carat round diamond ring can result in significant savings, amounting to a potential reduction of up to $9,572 from the total price. Considering the balance between price and clarity, we strongly suggest opting for a diamond in the VS2 clarity grade. However, it is important not to disregard SI1 diamonds. By dedicating a few minutes to carefully examining different diamonds, you can unearth ones that possess an almost flawless appearance.

One more important tip! Always avoid "cloudy"

This one is simple. Always avoid cloudy diamonds found in the GIA certificate. This is the one flaw that really matters for brilliance. 
☆ These diamonds have identical carat, cut, & color 
Not Recommended
Go with this clarity
FL
IF
VVS1
VVS2
VS1
VS2
SI1
‹ drag left or right ›

FL - Flawless

Cost - $12,474 The diamond is perfect, without any flaws, but the price is way too high. Savings - You could save $8,819 - $9,625 with a VS2, SI1, or SI2 diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

IF - Internally Flawless

Cost - $11,340 This diamond is perfectly clear inside without any flaws, but it might have some imperfections on the outside. Even these imperfections seem unnecessary. Savings - You could save $7,685 - $8,491 with a VS2, SI1, or SI2 diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

VVS1

Cost - $7,110 This diamond is almost perfect, but when you take into account the cost, it's still excessively expensive. Savings - You could save $3,455 - $4,261 with a VS2, SI1, or SI2 diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

VVS2

Cost - $11,340 These diamonds are really nice, but we suggest going for a lower clarity. Savings - You could save $7,685 - $8,491 with a VS2, SI1, or SI2 diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

VS1 - Very Slightly Included

Cost - $3,509 If you come across an amazing deal on a VS1 diamond, that's really great. However, the upcoming clarity grades are known to offer the best combination of affordability and value. Savings - You could save $-146 - $660 with a VS2, SI1, or SI2 diamond

‹ drag left or right ›

VS2 - Very Slightly Included

Cost: $3,655 Total Savings: $-146 - $7,685 If you're looking for a diamond that is both high in quality and affordable, this clarity level is your best choice. These diamonds will look completely flawless to the human eye because any imperfections cannot be seen.
‹ drag left or right ›

SI1 - Slightly Included

Cost: $2,902 Total Savings: $607 - $8,438 This is the absolute best choice if you want a diamond with excellent clarity, and it's available at an amazing price. However, it's important to understand that not all SI1 diamonds are the same. While some might not meet your expectations, many of them are truly stunning and have a similar look to a VS2 diamond.

Lesson 3 - Color

The cost of a 1 carat round diamond ring is greatly influenced by the diamond's color.

⊗ Up to $1,080 savings with these tips
Watch us save thousands by purchasing diamonds in the right range

What is Color?

Diamonds can either have a yellowish tint or no color at all. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) rates diamonds on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (yellow or brown). The majority of diamonds used in jewelry have a slight amount of color and fall within the G-H range. The subtle hints of color in these diamonds are typically only noticeable when compared to higher-grade diamonds like D, E, or F. Although larger diamonds may show color more prominently, a round diamond from the G-H range will still appear nearly colorless and will be less expensive than completely colorless diamonds, such as those in the D-grade.

Optimal Color Range For A 1 Carat Round Diamond Ring

Selecting a 1 carat round diamond ring that falls within a specific color grade can lead to significant cost reductions. Instead of investing in pricier diamonds graded D-F, consider opting for a diamond in the G-J range. By making this decision, not only can you still acquire a dazzling piece, but you can also save up to $1,080, in addition to any savings attained from making wise choices regarding clarity.
Clearest Color
Best Value
Sometimes Ok
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
< drag left or right >

D color

Cost - $3,482 This diamond is colorless, meaning it has no hints of yellow, you can find these at a good price, but it is not as common. Savings - You could save $590 - $764 with a G or H colored diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

E color

Cost - $3,273 An E color diamond is a rare, colorless gem of exceptional beauty and value. You can sometimes find them at a great price. Savings - You could save $381 - $555 with a G or H colored diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

F color

Cost - $3,077 These are near-colorless with only slight traces of color, making it an attractive choice. You'd really have to look closely to figure it out Savings - You could save $185 - $358 with a G or H colored diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

G color

Cost - $2,892 These are near-colorless with only slight traces of color, making it an attractive choice for it's quality and price. You'd really have to look closely to notice any color Savings - You could save $174 with an H colored diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

H color

Cost - $2,719 Total Savings: $174 - $764 These are near-colorless with only slightly more noticable hint of color, further making it an attractive choice for it's quality and price. You'd need to have a trained eye to see the color flaw in this one without having a colorless diamond next to it.
‹ drag left or right ›

I color

Cost - $2,556 Total Savings: $337 - $927 These begin to have a bit more noticable hint of color especially when next to colorless diamonds. These still have unnoticable color if placed on a solitaire ring, but we do not recommend these on a halo ring.
‹ drag left or right ›

J color

Cost - $2,402 Total Savings: $490 - $1,080 These also have a slightly more noticable hint of color especially when next to colorless diamonds. These still have unnoticable color if placed on a solitaire ring, but we do not recommend these on a halo ring.

Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds can often cut prices in half and no one will ever notice the difference. 

Lesson 4 - Lab Grown
Save up to 85% on your diamond ring.

Save up to $2,600 on your 1 carat round diamond ring with a lab grown diamond.

Lab-grown diamonds are incredibly attractive because they look just like natural diamonds, even though they are made in a lab. What makes them even more appealing is that the way they are produced is environmentally friendly and morally responsible. On top of that, lab-grown diamonds are significantly more affordable than natural diamonds, with prices that can be up to 85% lower.

Choosing a lab-grown diamond for your 1 carat round diamond ring can help minimize your financial loss when selling it.

Selecting a 1 carat round diamond ring that falls within a specific color grade can lead to significant cost reductions. Instead of investing in pricier diamonds graded D-F, consider opting for a diamond in the G-J range. By making this decision, not only can you still acquire a dazzling piece, but you can also save up to $1,080, in addition to any savings attained from making wise choices regarding clarity.
Explore Lab Grown 

Lesson 5 - Carat / Size

When shopping for your diamond ring, make sure to prioritize your budget towards carat weight.

Why is Carat Important?

Imagine a diamond ring for a moment. What stands out the most? It's definitely the size of the main diamond! Women agree on this - surveys show that size is the most important factor. That's why our budget recommendation is straightforward: pay attention to the carat weight, which directly determines the size.
Watch us compare sizes and help you visualize what you want. 

Choosing the Carat Range for Shopping a 1 Carat Round Diamond Ring

We recommend that you check out diamonds ranging from 0.9 to 1.1 carats. This will give you a nice selection of prices without a significant increase in size.
Hand Diamond

1 carat

Explore More Diamond Weights

Lesson 6 - Cut

When purchasing your 1 carat round diamond ring, keep in mind that the cut of the diamond determines its sparkle and shine. Opt for an ideal or excellent cut to enhance its beauty.

Find out why cut makes diamonds sparkle and why you want ideal or excellent cut diamonds.

What is Cut?

If you want to find an absolutely breathtaking 1 carat round diamond ring, then you gotta focus on how it's cut. The cut determines how precisely and flawlessly the facets of the diamond are shaped, and this directly impacts its overall brilliance and glitter.

The behind-the-scenes truth about diamonds

You might think that an 'Ideal' cut diamond, which is famous for its perfectly sparkly appearance, is always the most expensive. Well, it turns out that this assumption isn't always accurate. Surprisingly enough, a 'Fair' cut diamond with the same carat, color, and clarity can sometimes be even pricier. It might sound strange, but poorly cut diamonds can actually appear larger while lacking that desired sparkle and brilliance. A diamond without any sparkle is just like a guitar without any strings.

Keep this in mind: go for GIA Certified Excellent Cut Diamonds (sometimes referred to as "Ideal" Cut).


Never Buy These
Definitely Buy These
Fair
Good
Very Good
Ideal
Excellent
‹ drag for sparkle ›

Fair Cut Diamond

Look at that dull sparkle... not much to write home about. Stay away from these.
‹ drag for sparkle ›

Good Cut

Still pretty bland in the sparkle area... stay away from these. 
‹ drag for sparkle ›

Very Good Cut

Getting better, but you don't save much money to  
‹ drag for sparkle ›

Ideal Cut

The is as low as you should go
‹ drag for sparkle ›

Excellent Cut

Blue Nile calls it Astor, James Allen calls it True Hearts, and Brilliant Earth calls it Truly Brilliant. 

Regardless, excellent cut diamonds have incredible sparkle.

Lesson 7 - Shape

Diamonds come in many shapes, each with its own sparkle factor, Some of which can give the impression of a higher-priced 1 carat round diamond ring.

What is Diamond Shape?

The style of a diamond is determined by its shape, which can be round, oval, or many other options. Some shapes create the illusion of a larger diamond, while others provide more sparkle and a classic appearance. Explore our selection of 1 carat diamond rings in various shapes using our shape tool in this section.

What shape to choose?

Some of these shapes will indeed give the diamond the appearance of being larger, and there are certain shapes that are considered trendy. However, at the end of the day, the most important factor in making this decision should be what catches your attention and brings you the most joy. If you don't have a preference, then I would suggest going for a brilliant cut diamond, which includes shapes such as Round, Marquise, Princess, Cushion, Oval, Pear, and Radiant. Out of these, Round is the most commonly chosen shape. On the other hand, if you want the diamond to appear larger for the same carat weight, then Oval and Marquise shapes would be the way to go.
Watch us compare shapes so you can see exactly what style you prefer. 

Explore other diamond shapes

Try out different diamonds

Hand Diamond
Round
Marquise
Princess
Emerald
Cushion
Oval
Pear
Asscher
Radiant
Heart

Lesson 8 - Setting

The band greatly affects the overall appearance of a 1 carat round diamond ring.

What is setting?

The shiny part of a diamond ring that holds the stone is called the setting. It's usually made of gold in different colors like white, yellow, or pink. You can also choose a silver setting. The setting plays a big role in how your 1 carat round diamond ring looks. It's where you can show off your own style. Here are the three most popular settings. No matter which one you choose, it's best to go with 14k gold. Keep reading to find out why.
The setting or band is really important for making your diamond look bigger and better. 

It's always best to go with 14K Gold when selecting your ring band.

It's really important to keep this rule in mind. Avoid going for 18k or 24k gold for your setting. The smarter option is 14k gold. Even though 18k and 24k gold might be purer, they are much softer and can bend easily. If the setting meant to safeguard your valuable diamond bends, there's a much higher chance of your diamond falling out. Many people have faced this problem.

Solitaire Style - A Sleek Band Makes the Diamond Appear Bigger

Based on survey data, many women aspire to have a large diamond. To maximize the apparent size of a 1 carat round diamond ring, consider a Solitaire setting with a slim, refined band. The contrast of the smaller band with the larger diamond can make the stone appear larger. To augment this effect, look for settings that feature small accent diamonds along the band. They'll add a tasteful embellishment without taking attention away from the main diamond.

Halo: Increase the size of your diamond by surrounding it with tiny gems.

To make your 1 carat round diamond ring appear bigger, think about using a halo setting. The small diamonds surrounding the main stone make it look brighter and larger. You can even choose a double halo setting for a more impressive trick. When combined with a thin band, this can turn a smaller diamond into a visually larger and extravagant gem.

Maintain the Main Diamond's Dominance

A lot of ladies like their diamond to appear big. If your ring band is too fancy or wide, it can draw attention away from the diamond, making it seem smaller. If your main interest is in the 1 carat round diamond ring, a simpler band would be your best choice. On the other hand, if the design of the whole ring is your top priority, a more intricate band might be perfect for you, but keep in mind that it might reduce the visibility of the diamond.

Build a Custom 1 carat round diamond ring Starting with Our Curated Diamond Selections For The Best Deals

Creating your very own 1 carat round diamond ring is a personal adventure that lets you make a piece of jewelry that reflects your unique style and individuality, all without breaking the bank compared to store prices. With trusted names like Brilliant Earth, James Allen, and Blue Nile, you have the ability to customize every single part of your ring, from the diamond's cut right down to the band's style.
Start Building
Watch us take you through the entire building process on our favorite websites.

Shop online with one of our respected partners to make your purchase. Each link will take you to the top deal for a diamond ring.

We've collaborated with all the brands, and each Shop Now link is set up to find you the best price for the highest quality diamonds. To put it simply, it provides you with our exact settings on each website to discover the best deals for your needs. Take advantage of a wide selection, personalized rings, and exceptional customer support.

Our Money Saving Links

Watch us compare pricing with retail stores and our favorite online brands

Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
Best overall experience, great selection, 24/7 customer support
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
Another excellent website for very well priced diamond rings.
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
They focus on ethically sourced diamonds. Best option for karma free rings
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
They focus on ethically sourced diamonds. Best option for karma free rings
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
Mostly here to show you how retail companies are not high quality. 

Virtual Appointment

Let us help you get help by the industry leaders. When you click the button below we will help you choose where to set up your appointment.
Book Appointment

Frequently Asked

Did you want to know even more? Wow you're a great student!

How much is a 1 carat round diamond ring worth?

On average, a 1 carat round diamond ring is worth around $3,100. However, the price range for such rings can vary significantly, ranging from $1,690 to $11,340.

How big is a 1 carat round diamond ring?

A 1 carat round diamond ring has a diameter of approximately 6.4mm. Comparatively, a 0.5 carat round diamond ring would have a slightly smaller diameter of around 5.9mm, while a 1.5 carat round diamond ring would have a slightly larger diameter of around 6.9mm.

What does a 1 carat round diamond ring look like like on a hand?

A 1-carat round diamond engagement ring has a width of 6.5mm, which means that it takes up 38.5% or slightly over one-third of the finger's width.

What is the price of a 1 carat round diamond ring?

The price of a 1 carat round diamond ring ranges from $1,690 to $11,340.

Is a 1 carat round diamond ring good enough?

Yes, a 1 carat round diamond ring can be a good choice. It may not have the same size as a 2 carat diamond, but it can still be beautiful and elegant. The round cut is a classic choice and can provide a brilliant sparkle. The quality of the diamond, including its clarity and cut, will also play a role in its overall appearance. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and budget.

Is a 1 carat round diamond ring big?

Yes, a 1 carat round diamond ring is considered a decent size. The average carat weight for a diamond engagement ring is about 1.2 carats, so a 1 carat diamond is slightly smaller than average. However, it is still a noticeable and attractive size for a diamond ring.

What does a 1 carat round diamond ring weigh?

A 1 carat round diamond ring weighs 0.2 grams.

Should I get a 1 carat round diamond ring?

A 1 carat round diamond ring is a popular choice because of its classic shape, versatility, and affordability.

Is a 1 carat round diamond ring too big?

A 1 carat round diamond ring is not considered too big. It is a popular choice for engagement rings and offers a good balance between size and affordability.

Is a 1 carat round diamond ring small?

A 1 carat round diamond ring can be considered small depending on personal preferences. The size of the diamond will appear differently on different sized fingers. Additionally, the setting of the ring can also affect the perceived size of the diamond.
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