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1-Carat Diamond Earrings Price: A Buying Guide

Updated on July 4, 2024

With over 40 years of expertise, Diamond Registry’s CEO and owner, Nissan Perla, is your trusted guide in the diamond-buying world. Recognized by prestigious publications like The Washington Post and Chicago Tribune, Nissan’s extensive knowledge and experience in evaluating, buying, and selling diamonds are unparalleled. Our commitment to integrity, transparency, and delivering exceptional value ensures that you make an informed decision when acquiring your timeless treasure. Choose Diamond Registry for personalized guidance, education, and a curated selection of the finest quality diamonds, backed by decades of industry expertise and dedication to your satisfaction.

Table of Contents

This is our expert guide to 1-carat diamond earrings price, covering everything from quality and pricing to style, ensuring you make the perfect choice.

What makes us your trusted partner

With over 40 years of expertise, Diamond Registry’s CEO and owner, Nissan Perla, is your trusted guide in the diamond-buying world. Recognized by prestigious publications like The Washington Post and Chicago Tribune, Nissan’s extensive knowledge and experience in evaluating, buying, and selling diamonds are unparalleled. Our commitment to integrity, transparency, and delivering exceptional value ensures that you make an informed decision when acquiring your timeless treasure. Choose Diamond Registry for personalized guidance, education, and a curated selection of the finest quality diamonds, backed by decades of industry expertise and dedication to your satisfaction.

What Do 1-Carat Diamond Earrings Look Like?

1-carat diamond earrings are a stunning choice for both everyday wear and special occasions. 

Each earring typically features a single diamond weighing approximately 0.5 carats, for a total of 1 carat when paired. These diamonds usually measure about 5mm in diameter, creating a noticeable and elegant presence on the ear without being overpowering.

Contact our experts for a free consultation.

Setting StyleMetal TypePrice RangeClarityColor
Prong14K White Gold$2,500 – $4,000VS2 – SI1H – J
BezelPlatinum$3,500 – $5,500VS1 – VS2G – I
Martini18K Yellow Gold$3,000 – $4,500SI1 – SI2I – K
Basket14K Rose Gold$2,800 – $4,200VS2 – SI1H – J
Halo14K White Gold$3,500 – $5,000SI1 – SI2I – K
Screw BackPlatinum$4,000 – $6,000VS1 – VS2G – I
Push BackSterling Silver$1,800 – $3,000SI1 – SI2J – L

Is 1 Carat a Good Size for Earrings?

Yes, 1-carat diamond earrings strike an ideal balance between visibility and versatility. 

They’re large enough to catch the eye and sparkle beautifully, yet not so large as to appear ostentatious. This size is suitable for various face shapes and personal styles, making it a popular choice for both men and women.

Cut

The cut of a diamond is crucial for its beauty and value, particularly in 1-carat diamond earrings. It determines how well the diamond interacts with light, affecting its brilliance, fire, and scintillation.

Excellent/Ideal Cut Price: $3,500 – $5,000 per carat

These diamonds are cut to ideal proportions, maximizing light return. In 1-carat earrings, excellent cuts create stunning brilliance and fire, making the diamonds appear larger and more radiant.

Very Good Cut Price: $3,000 – $4,500 per carat

While not perfect, very good cuts still offer impressive sparkle. For 1-carat earrings, they provide a beautiful appearance at a more accessible price point.

Good Cut Price: ($2,500 – $3,500 per carat)

Good cuts may have slight light leakage but still offer decent brilliance. In 1-carat earrings, they can be a budget-friendly option while maintaining an attractive appearance.

Fair/Poor Cut Price: $2,000 – $3,000 per carat

These cuts significantly compromise light performance. For 1-carat earrings, fair or poor cuts are generally not recommended as they lack the desired sparkle and may appear smaller.

Cut Proportions

  • Ideal Cut: Optimal proportions allow maximum light return through the crown. In 1 carat earrings, ideal cuts create a perfect balance of brilliance and fire.
  • Shallow Cut: Too much light escapes through the bottom, reducing brilliance. In 1-carat earrings, shallow cuts may make the diamonds appear larger but less sparkly.
  • Deep Cut: Light leaks out the sides, resulting in a darker appearance. For 1-carat earrings, deep cuts can make the diamonds look smaller and less brilliant.

Recommendation:

For 1-carat diamond earrings, we recommend opting for excellent to very good cuts. While they may come at a premium, the enhanced beauty and apparent size make them a worthwhile investment, especially considering the prominent position of earrings. For more help, contact our expert.

Color

Color is a crucial factor in determining the quality and value of 1-carat diamond earrings. Here’s a breakdown of diamond color grades and their impact on appearance and price:

GradeCategoryDescriptionPrice Range (per carat) 
D-FColorlessAbsolutely no visible color$5,000 – $8,000
G-JNear-colorlessSlight color, barely perceptible$3,500 – $5,000
K-MFaintNoticeable color under magnification$2,500 – $3,500
N-RVery LightColor visible to naked eye$1,500 – $2,500
S-ZLightDistinct yellow or brown tint$1,000 – $1,500

For 1-carat diamond earrings:

  • Basic: I-J color-grade earrings offer good value, balancing quality and affordability. Price range: $2,500 – $3,500 per pair.
  • Ideal: G-H color-grade earrings provide excellent quality with minimal color. Price range: $3,500 – $5,000 per pair.
  • More Valuable: E-F color-grade earrings offer superior quality with virtually no color. Price range: $5,000 – $7,000 per pair.
  • Most Expensive: D color-grade earrings, the highest quality, completely colorless. Price range: $7,000 – $10,000+ per pair.

In earrings, slight color differences are less noticeable than in larger stones, allowing for more flexibility in color choice while maintaining a beautiful appearance.

Clarity

The clarity of a diamond refers to the presence of internal or external imperfections in it. For 1-carat diamond earrings, clarity plays a crucial role in both appearance and price.

GradeDescriptionVisibilityPrice Range (per carat) 
FL, IFFlawless, Internally FlawlessNo visible inclusions under 10x magnification$6,000 – $8,000
VVS1, VVS2Very, Very Slightly IncludedInclusions difficult for skilled grader to see$4,500 – $6,000
VS1, VS2Very Slightly IncludedMinor inclusions seen with effort under magnification$3,500 – $4,500
SI1, SI2Slightly IncludedNoticeable inclusions under magnification$2,500 – $3,500
I1, I2, I3IncludedInclusions visible to naked eye$1,000 – $2,500

For 1-carat diamond earrings:

Basic: SI1-SI2 clarity grades offer good value, with inclusions typically not visible to the naked eye. Price range: $2,500 – $3,500 per pair.

Ideal: VS2-VS1 clarity grades provide excellent quality with no visible inclusions. Price range: $3,500 – $4,500 per pair.

More Valuable: VVS2-VVS1 clarity grades offer superior quality with virtually no visible inclusions. Price range: $4,500 – $6,000 per pair.

Most Expensive: FL-IF clarity grades, the highest quality, completely free of inclusions. Price range: $6,000 – $8,000+ per pair.

For earrings, VS2 to SI1 clarity grades often provide the best balance of quality and value. These grades ensure that the diamonds appear clean to the naked eye while keeping costs reasonable. Higher clarity grades, while more valuable, may not significantly enhance the visible beauty of 1-carat earrings.

Selecting the Perfect Setting for Your 1 Carat Diamonds

The setting of your 1-carat diamond earrings not only secures the stones but also enhances their beauty and reflects your personal style. 

When choosing a setting, consider your lifestyle, personal style, and how frequently you plan to wear the earrings. Each setting type can beautifully showcase your 1-carat diamonds while providing different benefits in terms of aesthetics and practicality.

 Here are the most popular settings for diamond earrings:

Prong Settings: Classic and Secure

Prong settings feature small metal claws that grip the diamond, holding it securely in place while exposing much of its surface.

Advantages:

  • Maximizes light exposure, improving brilliance.
  • Minimalist design highlights the diamond.
  • Allows for easy cleaning.

Considerations:

  • Prongs may snag on clothing
  • Require periodic tightening

Price Range: $200 – $500 additional to diamond cost

Bezel Settings: Modern and Protective

A bezel setting encases the diamond in a metal rim that surrounds the stone’s circumference, either fully or partially.

Advantages:

  • Offers excellent protection for the diamond.
  • Sleek, modern appearance.
  • Less likely to snag on clothing.

Considerations:

  • May slightly reduce the diamond’s light performance.
  • Can make the diamond appear smaller.

Price Range: $300 – $600 additional to diamond cost

Halo Settings: Better Apparent Size

Halo settings feature a ring of smaller diamonds surrounding the center stone, creating a dazzling effect

Advantages:

  • Makes the center diamond appear larger.
  • Adds extra sparkle and brilliance.
  • Vintage or modern look depending on design.

Considerations:

  • More complex, potentially higher maintenance
  • Higher cost due to additional diamonds

Price Range: $500 – $1000 additional to diamond cost

For 1-carat diamond earrings, prong settings are often the most popular choice as they allow maximum light interaction, enhancing the diamonds’ brilliance. 

However, bezel settings offer a modern look with added protection, while halo settings can create the illusion of larger diamonds.

Metal

When it comes to 1-carat diamond earrings, the choice of metal plays a crucial role in both aesthetics and value. 

White gold and platinum have dominated the market in recent years due to their ability to enhance the diamond’s brilliance. However, yellow gold has seen a resurgence in popularity, while rose gold offers a trendy alternative. 

Platinum stands as the most expensive option, prized for its durability and prestige. 

Gold, available in 14K and 18K, provides a balance of quality and affordability. 

The price of the metal can significantly impact the overall cost of the earrings, potentially adding anywhere from $250 to $1000 to the price, depending on the choice and quality of the metal.

Here’s a breakdown of popular options:

White Gold: Timeless and Versatile

  • Composition: Gold alloyed with white metals and plated with rhodium
  • Advantages: Enhances diamond’s white appearance, versatile style
  • Maintenance: Requires periodic replating to maintain color
  • Price Range: 14K: $300 – $500 18K: $400 – $600

Yellow Gold: Traditional and Warm

  • Composition: Pure gold alloyed with other metals
  • Advantages: Classic look, complements warm skin tones
  • Maintenance: Minimal, may need occasional polishing
  • Price Range: 14K: $250 – $450 18K: $350 – $550

Rose Gold: Romantic and Modern

  • Composition: Gold alloyed with copper
  • Advantages: Unique color, growing in popularity
  • Maintenance: Minimal, color is permanent
  • Price Range: 14K: $250 – $450 18K: $350 – $550

Platinum: Durable and Prestigious

  • Composition: 95% pure platinum
  • Advantages: Extremely durable, hypoallergenic, natural white color
  • Maintenance: Develops patina over time, which some prefer
  • Price Range: $600 – $1000

Sterling Silver: Affordable Alternative

  • Composition: 92.5% pure silver
  • Advantages: Lowest cost, bright white color
  • Maintenance: Requires regular cleaning, prone to tarnishing
  • Price Range: $50 – $150

When selecting a metal for your 1-carat diamond earrings, consider:

  1. Skin tone: White metals often complement cool skin tones, while yellow and rose gold flatter warmer tones.
  2. Durability: Platinum and gold are more durable than silver for everyday wear.
  3. Maintenance: Consider how much care you’re willing to invest in maintaining the metal’s appearance.
  4. Budget: Platinum is typically the most expensive, followed by gold, with silver being the most affordable.

For 1-carat diamond earrings, white gold and platinum are popular choices as they improve the diamonds’ white appearance. However, yellow and rose gold can create a beautiful contrast, while silver offers an affordable option for occasional wear.

1 Carat Diamond Earrings for Best Budget

To maximize the value of 1-carat diamond earrings, consider our expert`s recommendation:

  • Cut: Excellent to Very Good: Prioritize cut quality to enhance brilliance and perceived size.
  • Clarity: VS2 to SI1: These grades offer a clean appearance in earrings without the premium of higher clarity.
  • Color: G to I: Near-colorless grades provide an excellent balance of quality and value in this setting.
  • Carat: 0.95 – 1.05 total weight: Slight variations around 1 carat can offer significant savings without visible size difference

Price: $3,500 – $5,000 per pair

This price range reflects a balance of quality and value for 1-carat diamond earrings. It accounts for diamonds that offer excellent visual appeal without the premium costs associated with the highest grades in each category. The exact price within this range would depend on the specific combination of characteristics and the chosen setting.

Contact our experts for more information or a free consultation

Certification and Authenticity

When investing in 1-carat diamond earrings, ensuring the authenticity and quality of your diamonds is crucial. Here’s what you need to know:

Importance of GIA or AGS Certification:

  1. Reliability: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and AGS (American Gem Society) are the most respected diamond grading laboratories worldwide.
  2. Objective Grading: These certifications provide an unbiased assessment of the 4Cs (Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat weight).
  3. Value Assurance: Certified diamonds typically hold their value better and are easier to resell if needed.
  4. Fraud Prevention: Certification helps protect against misrepresentation or fraud in diamond sales.

What to Look for in a Certificate:

  1. Laboratory Name: Ensure it’s from GIA or AGS.
  2. Diamond Shape and Measurements
  3. Carat Weight
  4. Color Grade
  5. Clarity Grade
  6. Cut Grade (especially important for round brilliants)
  7. Fluorescence (if any)
  8. Unique Identification Number

Cost Implications:

  • Certified diamonds may cost 10-20% more than non-certified diamonds.
  • However, the assurance of quality and authenticity often justifies this premium.

Before buying 1-carat diamond earrings always insist on individual certificates for each diamond. While it may seem tempting to save money on non-certified diamonds, the risk of overpaying for lower-quality stones or even synthetic diamonds is not worth the potential savings.

Final Thoughts

Investing in 1-carat diamond earrings demands a strategic balance of quality, budget, and style. Prioritize cut for brilliance, seek GIA or AGS certification, and consider slight compromises in color or clarity for value. Choose a setting that suits your lifestyle, and remember that proper care ensures longevity. With informed decision-making, your diamond earrings will serve as both a stunning accessory and a wise investment, offering enduring beauty and potential appreciation over time.

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Client Reviews

Rebecca Schott
Rebecca Schott
Nissan, David and his team were extremely accommodating, understanding and patient with our purchase. They took the upmost care to find the best solution for our needs and went above and beyond normal ‘customer service’ standards. I have absolutely no qualms recommending their products and services. Both were absolutely flawless. I will continue to sing them praises and will most definitely purchase from them again in the future. Thank you again!
Gershom Menachem
Gershom Menachem
Great team of diamond experts who show personal care for the client’s needs and aftersales service. They really go the extra mile to make it happen no matter the challenges ahead. Rush orders, international shipping, upgrade service, jewelry repair, large diamonds, small items, precious stones. Very honest and open information to the clients. You will feel like talking to a friend.
Thom P.
Thom P.
Bought a beautiful stone here for an engagement ring. I was a little apprehensive since you’re buying something unseen. But Cid made it easy. In fact, Nissan, the owner also gave a call to make me more comfortable. They sent me the stone to take to a local jeweler with only my Amex in case I bailed on them.

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