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Diamond price 2026: current price per carat and trends
The diamond price in 2026 is experiencing significant fluctuations linked to international markets, Asian demand and the emergence of synthetic diamonds. At Diamantaires Paris OG, we follow these developments daily to guarantee you the best price when appraising and buying back your stones. This page presents the updated prices, market trends and the keys to understanding the value of your diamond.
Free estimate on 01 48 87 81 44 Send your photos via WhatsAppWhat is the current diamond price in 2026?
Diamond does not have a single official quotation like gold or silver. Its price is determined by several reference indices, including the Rapaport Diamond Report, a weekly publication that is the global reference used by all professionals. This report establishes wholesale prices in US dollars per carat, segmented by weight, colour, clarity and cut shape.
In 2026, prices vary considerably according to four fundamental criteria, known as the 4Cs:
- Carat (weight): expressed in carats (1 carat = 0.20 gram). The price per carat increases exponentially with weight.
- Color (colour): from D (exceptional white, the rarest) to Z (yellow tint). Grades D to F command a significant premium.
- Clarity (purity): from IF (Internally Flawless, no inclusions) to I3 (inclusions very visible to the naked eye).
- Cut: the quality of the cut influences the brilliance. An 'Excellent' diamond is worth 20 to 40% more than a 'Good' one.
Indicative diamond prices per carat in 2026
The table below shows the resale price ranges for certified natural diamonds, in round brilliant cut. These values are estimates based on current professional market prices.
| Weight | Standard quality (G-H, VS) | Good quality (E-F, VVS) | High quality (D-E, IF-VVS1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.30 carat | €600 – €1,200 | €1,000 – €2,000 | €1,500 – €3,000 |
| 0.50 carat | €1,500 – €2,500 | €2,500 – €4,000 | €3,000 – €5,000 |
| 0.70 carat | €2,500 – €4,000 | €4,000 – €6,500 | €5,500 – €9,000 |
| 1 carat | €4,000 – €7,000 | €7,000 – €12,000 | €8,000 – €18,000 |
| 1.50 carats | €7,000 – €13,000 | €12,000 – €22,000 | €18,000 – €35,000 |
| 2 carats | €12,000 – €22,000 | €20,000 – €40,000 | €25,000 – €60,000 |
| 3 carats | €25,000 – €45,000 | €40,000 – €80,000 | €50,000 – €120,000 |
| 5 carats and + | €60,000 – €120,000 | €100,000 – €250,000 | €150,000 – €500,000+ |
These prices are indicative and correspond to natural diamonds of round brilliant cut. The actual value depends on the precise 4Cs of your stone, the presence of a GIA certificate and market conditions at the time of sale.
Price according to diamond cut shape
The cut shape directly influences the resale price. The round brilliant cut is the most sought-after and commands the highest prices. Other shapes, called 'fancy shapes', are generally traded at a discount of 10 to 30% compared to the round.
| Cut shape | Premium / Discount vs Round | Demand on the secondary market |
|---|---|---|
| Round brilliant | Reference (highest price) | Very strong — the most liquid |
| Cushion | -10% to -15% | Strong, very popular since 2020 |
| Oval | -10% to -20% | Strong, popular in engagement rings |
| Princess (square) | -15% to -25% | Average, less sought-after than before |
| Emerald | -15% to -25% | Stable, appreciated in high jewellery |
| Pear (drop) | -15% to -25% | Average to strong depending on size |
| Marquise | -20% to -30% | Low, considered vintage |
| Asscher | -20% to -30% | Niche, appreciated by connoisseurs |
| Radiant | -15% to -20% | Growing, a good compromise between brilliance and price |
How does the Rapaport Diamond Report work?
The Rapaport Diamond Report, published every Thursday by Martin Rapaport since 1978, is the global reference for diamond prices. It is a wholesale price grid, in US dollars per carat, for GIA-certified round brilliant diamonds. The grid is organised by:
- Weight: 0.01 to 10.99 carats, with brackets (0.30-0.39 ct, 0.40-0.49 ct, 0.50-0.69 ct, 0.70-0.89 ct, 0.90-0.99 ct, 1.00-1.49 ct, etc.)
- Color (colour): D to M, in columns
- Clarity (purity): IF to I3, in rows
Rapaport prices are indicative wholesale prices. Actual transactions take place 'above' or 'below' Rap, expressed as a percentage discount or premium. For example, a diamond traded at 'Rap -15%' means it sells 15% below the listed Rapaport price. In periods of high demand, rare stones (D-IF over 2 carats) can trade above Rap.
Factors influencing the diamond price in 2026
Global demand
China and India account for more than 50% of global diamond consumption. The United States remains the leading market with around 45% of global diamond jewellery sales. An economic slowdown in these countries directly impacts prices. In 2026, the economic recovery in Asia is supporting prices for higher-quality stones (1 carat and above, colour D-G).
The impact of synthetic diamonds
The rise of laboratory-grown diamonds (produced by CVD and HPHT methods) has profoundly changed the market since 2020. Prices for synthetic diamonds have fallen by more than 70%, making these stones very accessible. For natural diamonds, the impact varies by size:
- Under 0.50 carat: 30 to 50% drop in natural prices, strong competition from synthetic
- 0.50 to 1 carat: 15 to 25% drop, the market is stabilising
- 1 to 2 carats: moderate drop of 5 to 15%, buyers still favour natural
- Over 2 carats: little or no impact, large natural diamonds remain rare and sought-after
To learn more about the distinction between the two types of stones, see our article natural diamond vs laboratory-grown diamond.
The price of gold and precious metals
Although diamond and gold are distinct markets, the historic rise in the gold price in 2025-2026 has an indirect positive effect. Investors seeking safe-haven assets are showing greater interest in tangible assets, which supports interest in investment diamonds of exceptional quality.
GIA certification
A GIA-certified diamond trades at a premium of 10 to 30% compared to an uncertified stone of equivalent quality. The certificate from the Gemological Institute of America is recognised worldwide and guarantees the objectivity of the assessment. It is the essential standard for transactions involving valuable diamonds.
Diamond price trends: 2024-2026
After two years of correction (2023-2024), the natural diamond market is showing signs of stabilisation in 2026. Here are the main trends observed:
- Small stones (< 0.50 ct): prices remain under pressure due to competition from synthetics. This segment represents the largest volume of transactions but margins are reduced.
- Medium stones (0.50-1.50 ct): stabilisation after a 15-20% drop. Demand for engagement rings supports this segment.
- Large stones (2 ct +): prices are holding or rising slightly, driven by rarity and collector demand.
- Natural coloured diamonds (fancy yellow, pink, blue): prices continue to rise, particularly for pink stones after the closure of the Argyle mine in 2020.
When is the right time to sell a diamond?
There is no universal 'best time' to sell a diamond, but certain factors can work in your favour:
- High gold price: when the gold price is high, diamond jewellery also benefits from better overall valuation.
- Strong seasonal demand: the periods before Christmas, Valentine's Day and the wedding season (May-September) see increased demand.
- Having a GIA certificate: if your diamond is not certified, we can assess whether it is worthwhile to have it certified before sale (for stones over 1 carat, it is often profitable).
- Stable or rising market: in 2026, the market for stones over 1 carat is favourable to sellers.
How to have your diamond appraised at Diamantaire Paris?
Our team of GIA-qualified gemmologists offers a free and confidential appraisal. The process is simple and quick:
- Initial contact: call 01 48 87 81 44 or send photos via WhatsApp. We will tell you if your item matches what we are looking for.
- In-store appraisal: our gemmologist analyses your diamond under a 10x loupe, measures its proportions with a Leveridge gauge, checks UV fluorescence and evaluates the 4Cs.
- Buyback offer: we present a price based on the updated Rapaport price, with a detailed explanation of each criterion.
- Immediate payment: if you accept, payment on the same day by instant transfer, bank cheque or cash (legal limit of €3,000).
We buy all types of diamonds: stones set in jewellery, loose diamonds certified or not, diamonds from estates and inheritance, investment diamonds and professional diamond lots.
Come to our showroom in the heart of Paris
Our showroom welcomes you in a confidential and secure setting, at 43 Rue Beaubourg in the Marais (Paris 3e). Just minutes from the Centre Pompidou and Place Vendôme, we are easily accessible by public transport.
Address: 43 Rue Beaubourg, 75003 Paris
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6.30pm
Metro: Rambuteau (line 11) or Arts et Métiers (lines 3 and 11)
Phone: 01 48 87 81 44
You can come without an appointment for a free, no-obligation estimate. For high-value diamonds (over 2 carats), a prior call allows our specialist gemmologist to dedicate his full attention to you.
Call 01 48 87 81 44 WhatsAppAre you looking for someone to appraise a stone? Discover the profession of diamond dealer in Paris and what sets it apart from a jeweller.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions about diamond prices
Is a diamond a good investment in 2026?+
A diamond is not a financial asset in the traditional sense: there is no stock market listing, no dividend, and liquidity is limited. However, diamonds of exceptional quality (from 2 carats, D-F color, IF-VVS1 clarity, GIA certified) have historically maintained or increased their value over the long term. It is a tangible, portable, and discreet asset that can complement a diversified portfolio.
Why is the resale price of a diamond lower than the purchase price?+
The retail price in jewelry includes numerous costs: manufacturing of the piece, the retailer's margin (often 100 to 300%), VAT (20%), marketing, and store rent. On resale, the value is based solely on the stone and the precious metal, without these additional costs. This is why a diamond purchased for €10,000 at a jewelry store may have a resale value of €3,000 to €6,000 depending on its quality.
Does a diamond without a certificate have any value?+
Yes, an uncertified diamond retains an intrinsic value based on its actual characteristics. Our gemologists evaluate each stone according to the same criteria as the GIA. However, the absence of a certificate generally results in a discount of 10 to 30%, because the final buyer must rely solely on our expertise. For diamonds over 1 carat, we may recommend having them certified before sale if this significantly increases their value. To learn more, see our guide to selling a GIA-certified diamond.
Do lab-grown diamonds lower the value of natural diamonds?+
The impact is real but varies. Small natural diamonds (under 1 carat) face the strongest competition from synthetic stones, with declines of 30 to 50% since 2020. However, natural diamonds over 2 carats are little affected: their natural rarity and their value as an heirloom clearly distinguish them from lab-grown stones. In 2026, the market appears to have found a new equilibrium, with a clear segmentation between the two types of stones.
How can I tell if my diamond is natural or synthetic?+
It is impossible to distinguish a natural diamond from a synthetic diamond with the naked eye or a loupe. Only specialized instruments (spectroscopy, advanced fluorescence) can differentiate them. If your diamond has a GIA or HRD certificate, it always indicates the origin (natural or laboratory). Without a certificate, our gemologists have the necessary equipment to carry out this verification in the salon. See our article natural diamond vs. lab-grown diamond to learn more.
Where can I follow diamond prices?+
The main sources for tracking diamond price trends are: Rapaport Diamond Report (paid, reserved for professionals): the global reference · IDEX Online: professional trading platform with price indices · Diamantaires Paris: we publish updated estimates and provide you with price ranges free of charge during our appraisals
Free & confidential appraisal
Have your piece appraised
Describe the piece in 3 steps: a state-certified gemologist will reply within 24 h and tell you if it matches what we are looking for. The price is then determined during the in-person appraisal, with the piece in hand — free of charge and without obligation.