How Much Is a 1 Carat Lab Grown Diamond? (US Price Guide)

Quick answer: In the US today, a certified 1 carat lab grown diamond usually costs a few hundred dollars up to about $1,500 for the loose stone. Where yours lands depends on its cut, color, clarity and shape, and on the retailer. Top grades such as D color with VVS clarity sit at the higher end. A finished ring adds the cost of the setting.

Lab grown diamond prices have dropped a lot over the past few years, which is why a 1 carat stone is now within reach for many budgets. Here is how to read the price and get the best value.

1 Carat Lab Grown Diamond Price Ranges

These are typical US retail ranges for a loose, IGI-certified 1 carat lab grown diamond. Prices change often, so treat them as a guide rather than a quote.

What Changes the Price of a 1 Carat Lab Diamond?

Cut quality

Cut controls sparkle, and it is the one grade we never recommend saving on. An Excellent or Ideal cut can make a 1 carat diamond look brighter, and even larger, than a poorly cut stone of the same weight.

Color and clarity

Moving from G to D color, or from VS2 to VVS1 clarity, raises the price but is hard to see once the diamond is set. For most people, G to H color and VS2 clarity look white and clean on the hand.

Shape

Round brilliants usually cost the most per carat because more rough is lost during cutting. Ovals, pears, emeralds and cushions often cost less, and elongated shapes like ovals and pears look larger face-up than a round of the same weight.

Certificate

An IGI report adds a small cost but protects you. It confirms the grades, the measurements and that the stone is lab grown. Learn more in our lab grown diamond buying guide.

Shown: 1.00 Ct European Cut Lab Grown Diamond, D Color, VVS2, IGI Certified

How Big Does a 1 Carat Diamond Look?

A well-cut 1 carat round measures about 6.5 mm across. On a US size 6 finger, it covers a noticeable part of the finger's width and reads as a classic engagement ring size. Ovals and pears of the same weight look a little longer and larger. See our diamond size chart to compare sizes side by side.

How Much Is a 1 Carat Lab Grown Engagement Ring?

A complete ring is the stone plus the setting. A simple solitaire in 14K gold adds less than a halo or pave band, which uses more metal and extra accent diamonds. 18K gold and platinum cost more than 14K. When you compare rings, check that the center stone's grades and certificate are listed, not only the total price.

5 Ways to Get More for Your Budget

• Prioritize cut. Excellent cut first, then choose color and clarity.
• Choose G to H color if you are setting the stone in yellow or rose gold, which hides slight warmth.
• Stop at eye-clean. VS2 is usually eye-clean; VVS is a nice extra, not a must.
• Consider 0.90 to 0.99 carat. A stone just under 1 carat looks almost the same and can cost less.
• Try an elongated shape. An oval or pear gives more visible size per carat.

Buying a 1 Carat Lab Diamond From Ivevar

We cut, set and polish in our own workshop in Surat, India, one of the world's main diamond-cutting centers, and ship worldwide with free shipping and 30-day easy returns. Every certified loose diamond comes with its IGI report, and we share photos or a video before your order ships. Browse our loose lab grown diamonds, or pair your stone with one of our lab grown diamond solitaire rings.

Shop 1 Carat Lab Grown Diamonds

1.00 Ct European Cut, D, VVS2Shop Now1.11 Ct European Cut, E, VVS2Shop Now0.90 Ct European Cut, D, VS1Shop Now0.86 Ct European Cut, E, VS1Shop Now1.07 Ct Rose Cut, E, VS2Shop Now1.02 Ct European Cut, Intense PinkShop Now

Swipe to see more → | View all loose lab grown diamonds

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are lab grown diamonds so much cheaper than mined diamonds?

Lab diamonds are not limited by mining, and production has become much more efficient. That lowers the cost of the stone, even though it is chemically and physically a real diamond.

Will my 1 carat lab diamond hold its value?

Lab grown diamonds have low resale value, and prices have fallen over time. Buy one because you love how it looks and what it means, not as an investment.

Is a 1 carat lab diamond too small?

No. One carat is still the most popular engagement ring size in the US. If you want more presence, an oval or pear of the same weight looks larger.

Does a lab grown diamond need a certificate at 1 carat?

Yes, we recommend an IGI report for any center stone this size. It confirms the grades you are paying for.

The Bottom Line

A 1 carat lab grown diamond is more affordable than ever. Put your budget into an excellent cut, choose a color and clarity that look white and clean to your eye, and always ask for the IGI report. Our team is happy to help you compare stones before you buy.

Related Guides

• How to buy a lab grown diamond: a simple buying guide
• Top 5 questions about lab diamonds
• Lab grown diamonds: common myths busted

Author Bio

Aumsri Pradhan

Founder, Ivevar Luxury

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Aumsri Pradhan is the founder of Ivevar Luxury, a Surat-based fine jewelry brand that designs and handcrafts lab grown diamond and moissanite jewelry in its own workshop. She leads the brand's design and customer experience, from engagement rings and bridal sets to custom pieces made to each client's story. Through the Ivevar blog, she shares practical guidance on lab grown diamonds, moissanite, diamond grading and ring design to help buyers choose with confidence.

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