What Makes Solitaire Ring Prices Vary?

Short answer: Most of the price of a solitaire ring is set by the stone: its carat, cut, colour and clarity. Then come the stone’s shape, its certificate and the setting. Two solitaires of the same carat can differ greatly in price from a single grade of colour or clarity. That is why an accurate price for a solitaire can only be given for a specific stone and a specific design.

The stone’s 4Cs

Carat

This affects the price most. As carat rises, not only the stone’s price but also the price per carat goes up: a 2-carat stone costs more than twice a 1-carat stone of the same quality. The price also jumps at round values such as 0.50, 1, 1.50 and 2 carats. What is a carat?

Cut

Cut quality decides how much the stone sparkles. “Excellent” or “Very Good” cut stones cost more, but because they are the real source of sparkle, this is the characteristic not to compromise on. What is cut quality?

Colour and clarity

D colour and flawless clarity are the most expensive end. G–H colour and VS clarity look clean and white when worn and cost noticeably less. Colour and clarity.

The stone’s shape

At the same carat and quality, the round cut is the most expensive shape, because it loses the most rough in cutting and is the most in demand. Shapes such as oval, pear, marquise and cushion can cost less per carat, and some look bigger at the same carat. The advantages of an oval solitaire.

Certificate

A report from an independent laboratory is the stone’s identity and the basis of its price. Without a report, a stone’s carat and quality cannot be verified, and two quotes cannot be compared. How to read a certificate.

Setting and gold

• Simple four-prong: The least gold and workmanship; almost the whole price goes to the stone.
• Pavé band and halo: Small side stones are added, so both stones and workmanship increase. Halo solitaire.
• Purity and weight: 18 karat costs more than 14 karat; a thick band needs more gold than a thin one.

Natural and lab-grown diamonds

At the same 4Cs, a lab-grown diamond is noticeably more affordable than a natural diamond. The stone is a real diamond; the difference is its origin. The price difference comes from the production chain, not the quality. More: lab-grown diamond prices.

Three ways to make the most of your budget

1. Just below the threshold: A 0.90-carat stone looks almost the same as 1 carat but costs less.
2. Eye clean is enough: Be flexible on colour and clarity down to the level that cannot be seen when worn.
3. Do not compromise on cut: The cut decides most of the sparkle.

More: 7 ways to an affordable diamond ring.

Frequently asked questions