If you’re shopping for 1 carat diamonds the options can seem overwhelming. While always stunning, this popular carat weight can range dramatically in appearance and price due to its cut, diamond shape, and quality. When buying a 1 carat diamond, it’s important to understand what to look for including the price of a quality diamond and what size and shape is best suited for you.

Use this article as your complete buying guide to 1 carat diamonds with expert advice from our VRAI Diamond Expert and GIA Graduate Gemologist, Queena Chang. Let us help you find a beautiful, high-quality 1 carat diamond ring or loose diamond that you’ll treasure for years to come. For more personalized guidance, book an appointment with your very own diamond expert.

Is A 1 Carat Diamond A Popular Choice?

A 1 carat diamond is the most popular diamond carat weight. Most diamond engagement rings, such as our lab-grown diamond rings, are between 1 and 2 carats. 1 carat diamonds are beloved by many because they are stunning and valuable yet more suitable than higher carat weights for a range of budgets.

Which Carat Diamond Is Best?

The best diamond carat weight is the one that suits you best. The diamond carat you choose should align with your personal preference and taste. It’s also important to consider your budget when deciding on the best carat weight for you. The price of a diamond often noticeably increases at 1 carat and goes up significantly from there. 2 carat diamonds are typically available for more than double the price of a 1 carat diamond.

While a higher carat weight will mean your diamond is bigger and weighs more, other factors like shape and cut will greatly determine the appearance and size of a diamond. Whatever diamond you choose should be one you love to wear.

How Big Is A 1 Carat Diamond?

It’s important to remember that carat weight does not equal diamond size. 1 carat diamond size will vary depending on the diamond shape. Each shape displays carat weight differently. While 1 carat weighs .2 grams, refer to the diamond’s measurements to determine its size.

The popular Round Brilliant cut diamond displays carat weight truest to size while other diamond shapes can maximize the carat weight or appear smaller.

Is A 1 Carat Diamond Big Enough?

A 1 carat diamond is a wonderful size and will certainly make a statement. If you’d like your diamond to look bigger, consider one of the shapes below that maximizes its carat weight. If you’re selecting a 1 carat diamond ring, certain engagement ring settings like a Halo ringwill make your diamond appear bigger and more brilliant.

If you do prefer a higher carat weight, explore our premium selection of VRAI created diamonds, ranging from .3 carats to over 11 carats.

Is A 1 Carat Too Small?

While a 1 carat diamond will be beautiful and noticeable, it’s up to you whether or not this carat weight is too small. “Diamond shapes I would avoid if you’re looking for size would be Princess, [Asscher]/asscher-cut-diamonds), and Cushion cuts, as they tend to carry the most of their weight in their pavilions,” recommends Queena Chang, VRAI Diamond Expert.

What 1 Carat Diamond Shapes Look the Biggest?

Certain diamond shapes will appear larger. “I highly recommend [Oval]/oval-cut-diamonds), Pear, Marquise, and Round diamonds for a 1 carat diamond,” explains Chang, “They will provide the biggest dimensions for the carat weight.” While the above fancy-shaped diamonds will appear larger due to their elongated shape, Round Brilliant diamonds appear larger because of their renowned brilliance.

How Much Is A 1 Carat Diamond Worth?

The higher the carat weight the rarer and therefore more valuable the diamond is. 1 carat diamonds are rarer and more valuable than diamonds of lower carat weight , but less rare, and less expensive than bigger diamonds, such as 3 carats and above.

A 1 carat diamond’s worth will also depend on the diamond shape and the other diamond 4Cs: cut, color, and diamond clarity. A high-quality diamond or a popular diamond shape will be worth more than a diamond of lesser quality or a fancy-shaped diamond that doesn’t have as much demand.

1 Carat Diamond Price

When determining how much do 1 carat diamonds cost, you’ll need to consider the diamond’s quality, the popularity of its shape, and where you’re buying your diamond from.

If you’re choosing a 1 carat diamond ring, the metal choice and style will also affect the total price. All VRAI sustainably created diamonds are produced in our zero emission foundry, with no middlemen. This allows us to sell high-quality lab-grown diamonds for less.

You can compare the price of all of our VRAI Created 1 carat diamonds by viewing our diamond inventory. Our VRAI Diamond Experts can help you select an ideal 1 carat engagement or wedding ring for your budget when you book an appointment.

How To Choose The Best 1 Carat Diamond

Understanding the diamond 4Cs is the best way to buy a beautiful, quality 1 carat diamond.

“I would personally say that the diamond cut and color would be the most important. Here at VRAI, we understand that the cut is what gives a diamond its brilliance and light performance, so we have curated our list to only feature those that are Excellent cut and above,” explains Chang. “This will guarantee that any diamond you select from us will have the fire that you are looking for in a diamond.”

The next factor to take into consideration, as it will largely impact your diamond's overall appearance, is the diamond color. “My main focus would be on the Color grade. With the Color, I generally recommend F-H colors for Platinum and White gold settings, and G-J colors for Yellow gold and Rose gold settings,” Chang suggests.

How to Buy A 1 Carat Diamond

When it comes to how to buy a diamond, consider who you’re buying your diamond from, your budget, and your style preference.

Where To Buy A 1 Carat Diamond

You can easily buy stunning VRAI created diamonds online, at one of our VRAI showrooms, or through a virtual appointment. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, use our diamond quiz for personalized recommendations that suit your preferences.

You can compare each diamond using our online diamond table. This includes a photo of the diamond, the carat, color, cut, clarity, shape, and price. Each diamond and diamond ring has a size chart available so you can see how it will look on a sample ring size 6 hand.

Once you’ve chosen your dream diamond, you can select the setting and metal choice or purchase without a setting for a beautiful loose diamond.

At VRAI, we offer complimentary assistance from start to finish in selecting your ideal 1 carat diamond. When you book an appointment, our VRAI Diamond Experts can help you with how to buy an engagement ring, wedding ring, or loose 1 carat diamond.

Why You Should Buy a Lab Grown 1 Carat Diamond

When you choose a 1 carat diamond, lab grown and sustainably created by VRAI, you’re choosing a diamond that better reflects your values. All VRAI created diamonds are produced in our zero-emission foundry. They have a guaranteed origin and quality, with no negative environmental or human toll. The same cannot be said for mined diamonds.

Is There A Way to Buy A 1 Carat Diamond For Less?

There are a few things you can do to get a 1 carat diamond for a lower price — without sacrificing quality. At VRAI, we can offer truly competitive diamond prices since we produce our lab grown diamonds from start to finish, with no middlemen.

You can also choose diamond shapes that aren’t as popular, such as fancy-shaped diamonds, to help lower the price of your 1 carat diamond. The setting and metal choice you choose for your diamond ring can also lower or increase the total price.

Another way to lessen the price of your diamond is to buy just outside of your ideal carat weight. Instead of buying a 1 carat diamond, choose a .8 or .9 carat diamond. The difference in appearance won’t be noticeable to most, but it will help lower the diamond price. You can work with a VRAI Diamond Expert to choose a setting and shape that will maximize the carat weight.

Explore VRAI Created 1 Carat Diamonds

Whether you’re looking for a 1 carat loose diamond or a 1 carat diamond engagement ring, our Diamond Experts are here to help. Book an appointment online or at a VRAI showroom for complimentary, personalized guidance.