1.50 Carat Diamond Ring Guide

Bottom Line Recommendation:

If you’re looking for a large, beautiful engagement ring, a 1.5 carat diamond ring is a fantastic choice. 

Like with all diamonds, 1.50ct diamonds can vary hugely in price based on their cut quality, clarity and color. We recommend choosing a diamond with an excellent cut grade, a VS1 or VS2 clarity grade and a color grade in the G to I range to get the best value for money.

We also recommend buying online instead of from your local jewelry store, as this will help you save 30-40% on average. Trusted online diamond vendors such as James Allen, Blue Nile are excellent choices for diamonds in the 1.50ct range.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:

How much does a 1.50 carat diamond cost?
How large is a 1.50 carat diamond?
What style ring works best with a 1.50 carat diamond?
What tips should I follow when buying a 1.50 carat diamond?
Where should I buy a 1.50 carat diamond ring from?

If you want personalized help buying a diamond ring in the 1.5ct range, feel free to contact us and we’ll help you choose the best options for your tastes and budget.

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A 1.5 carat diamond engagement ring can look elegant, dramatic and beautiful, offering lots of size and impressive brilliance. Diamond engagement rings of this size don’t go in or out of style. Even during economic turmoil, you’ll see people purchasing 1.50ct+ diamond engagement rings. According to Edahn Golan, founder of Edahn Golan Diamond research & Data, jewelry sales were up 10% during the covid crisis.

Larger than the average diamond, 1.50ct diamonds are available to purchase from both local jewelry stores and online vendors. Like with all diamonds, the 1.5ct stones that are available can vary hugely in appearance, quality and value for money. 

A 1.5ct diamond engagement ring is a major purchase, meaning it’s important to make sure that you get the best possible value for money.

Below, we’ve explained how much a 1.50ct diamond should cost, how a diamond of this size looks compared to other diamonds, as well as what you should look for in a diamond in terms of cut quality, color, clarity and other characteristics.

We’ve also shared some of our favorite diamonds in the 1.5ct range from our recommended diamond jewelry vendors.

How Much Does a 1.50 Carat Diamond Ring Cost?

On average, the price of a 1.5ct diamond ring can range from as little as $4,000 to $25,000 or more. 

The cost can vary based on numerous factors, including the cut quality, clarity and color grades of the diamond you choose, the shape of the diamond, and the engagement ring setting in which the diamond is mounted. And of course, a major factor is where you purchase your diamond. That is why we have an article covering the best diamond ring retailers.

As a general rule, you’ll find the best value for money for a 1.50ct diamond ring in the $8,000 to $12,000 range. In our experience, diamonds in this price range offer the best combination of quality, appearance and value for money. 

Below the $8,000 mark, you’ll usually find 1.5ct diamonds with noticeable imperfections or poor color that’s noticeable to your eye. 

Above the $12,000 mark, diamonds definitely become higher in quality. However, the difference between a sub-$12,000 1.50ct diamond and one that’s twice as expensive is difficult to notice without a jeweler’s loupe and bright lighting. 

For example, this gorgeous 1.50 carat, I color, SI1 clarity, excellent cut round diamond from James Allen is $9,880. While it isn’t flawless, its small imperfections and not-quite-colorless appearance aren’t noticeable to the naked eye, even in large, well-lit photos. That makes it a perfect diamond for a 10k engagement ring.

This diamond is also 1.5 carats in weight. It also has an ideal cut grade. However, it has a flawless D color grade and a VVS2 clarity grade — significantly higher than the diamond above. 

This diamond costs $20,690, making it 109% more expensive than the diamond above. Is it a higher-quality diamond? Yes. Are the differences easily noticeable to the naked eye? No. 

Now, let’s look at an example from the opposite end of the price scale. This 1.50 carat, M color, SI2 clarity diamond from James Allen costs $3,830. It’s obvious just from looking at this diamond that it has some major aesthetic issues — namely, large, obvious inclusions and a visible yellow tint. They are easy to notice, also because of the large size of a 1.50 carat diamond. And if this diamond was set in a white gold or platinum ring with halo, pavé, or side-stone diamonds, the yellowness would be even more noticeable. 

As such, we don’t recommend going too far below the $8,000 mark if you’re looking for a 1.5 carat diamond. Stay within the $8,000 to $12,000 range and you’ll be able to buy a gorgeous 1.50+ carat diamond without overpaying.

1.50 Carat Diamond Price Chart

The table below features the price ranges for round brilliant cut diamonds in different color and clarity grades. All prices are for ideal cut diamonds. Individual diamond prices can vary quite a lot, even for very similar diamonds, making it important to compare individual diamonds to get the best deal. 

If you want a 1.50ct diamond and have a specific budget, you can contact us and we’ll help you find the best diamond within your price range.

If you choose a diamond in a shape other than the round brilliant cut, you may pay slightly less than the prices listed above. We’ve explained this topic in more detail in our guide to diamond shapes and pricing.

How Big is a 1.50 Carat Diamond: Actual Size

On average, a 1.5ct diamond in the round brilliant cut will measure approximately 7.3mm by 7.3mm in diameter. In comparison, a 1 carat round brilliant cut diamond is approximately 6.4mm in diameter, making the 1.5 carat stone appear slightly larger to the eye. 

The exact measurements for any specific 1.50ct diamond can vary based on the diamond’s cut parameters.

It’s important to remember that the term “carat” refers to a diamond’s weight, not its size. If you choose a diamond in a shape other than the round brilliant cut, such as the princess or oval cut, it will have slightly different measurements and may look bigger or smaller to your eye.

1 Carat vs. 1.50 Carat Diamonds

1.50ct diamonds are often compared to 1ct diamonds. The key differences between 1.5ct and 1ct diamonds are:

• Size. A 1.5 carat round brilliant cut diamond measures about 7.3mm in diameter, while a 1 carat diamond is slightly smaller at 6.4mm in diameter. This size difference is large enough to be quite noticeable on your fiancé-to-be’s finger.
  
  If you’re looking for a larger, more eye-catching diamond and have a suitable budget, a 1.50ct diamond will have more presence than a 1 carat diamond engagement ring.

• Price. Diamond prices rise exponentially with carat weight, meaning a 1.50ct diamond will typically be more than 1.50 times the price of a 1ct diamond.
  
  For example, a 1.50 carat, I color, VS2 clarity, excellent cut diamond will run about $9,000, while a similar 1 carat diamond $5,500. Despite being 50% heavier, the 1.5ct diamond is 75% more expensive.
  
  If you’re looking purely for value for money and don’t care as much about the perceived size of the diamond, choosing a smaller diamond in the 1 carat range might be a better option for you.

• Quality. There’s no difference in quality between diamonds of different carat weights. A 1.50ct isn’t “better” than a 1ct diamond — it’s simply a larger, heavier stone that commands a higher price.

1.50 Carat vs. 2 Carat Diamonds

Many people with an engagement ring budget in the $8,000 to $20,000 range look at both 1.5 carat and 2 carat diamonds. The key differences between diamonds in this range are:

• Size. As you’d expect, a 2ct diamond will look larger than a 1.5ct diamond. With this said, the difference isn’t extremely big — a 2 carat round brilliant cut diamond will measure about 8.1mm in diameter, compared to 7.3mm for a 1.50ct diamond.
  
  As you can see in our guide to carat weight and diamond sizes, there’s not that much of a difference in perceived size between a 2ct and 1.50ct diamond.

• Price. Like with a 1ct and 1.50ct diamond, there’s a significant difference in price between a 1.50ct and 2ct diamond. As we mentioned above, a 1.50ct I VS2 diamond will run about $9,000. A similar 2.00ct diamond would cost $18,000 (double).
  

1.50 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings: Inspiration

Let’s take a look at some examples of beautiful 1.5ct diamond rings, with several different settings and diamond shapes, to give you some inspiration to begin your journey.

1.50 Carat Halo Engagement Rings

For a little flair, there is the halo setting. This style of setting features a single center stone encircled with smaller accent diamonds around its circumference. 

Halo settings add fire and brilliance to a diamond ring, for a more stunning appearance overall. They are also a great way to make the center diamond appear bigger, meaning you can get more perceived value for your money.

1.50 Carat Pavé Engagement Rings

Like the halo setting, a pavé setting utilizes small accent diamonds to accentuate the appearance of an engagement ring.

The pavé setting features small diamonds along its band, in a way that adds brilliance without taking away from the center diamond. Pavé diamonds may sometimes be used along with a halo setting, or simply with a classic 4 or 6 prong solitaire crown.

1.50 Carat Vintage Engagement Rings

Vintage engagement ring settings offer a burst of flair, echoing the unique style of Art Deco, Edwardian, or Victorian time periods. Vintage ring settings are eye-catching, intricate in detail, and can be intensely personal.

1.50 Carat Solitaire Diamond Rings

A solitaire diamond ring is perhaps the most common diamond setting there is. Simple, classic and timeless, it features a single diamond, held aloft with no other diamonds to accompany it.

A solitaire setting lets you make everything about the center diamond. There’s nothing else to distract the eye, and there’s very little that can go wrong with a solitaire setting and a high-quality diamond.

Solitaire settings fit any shape or style of diamond, so if you’re in doubt, this is a great place to start with setting your diamond engagement ring. Here are a few examples of differently shaped diamonds in a solitaire setting:

1.50 Carat Oval Diamond Ring

There’s little better than a perfectly cut, perfectly proportioned oval diamond. Oval diamonds offer a great amount of brilliance and fire, with a unique shape to set your ring apart. The elongated shape of an oval diamond also means it has a larger table size, making it appear larger than other shapes at the same carat weight.

1.50 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Ring

Emerald cut diamonds feature a large table size and a very unique look due to its long, straight facets, or “steps”. While it doesn’t have quite the fire of a brilliant cut diamond, the symmetrical facets are stunning in their own right, and this diamond shape does a great job of showcasing its size.

1.50 Carat Princess Cut Diamond Ring

The princess cut is the second most popular diamond shape, after the round brilliant. The princess cut’s square shape creates a unique point of difference, along with brilliance and fire that is hard to match. Princess cuts can be a great alternative to someone who doesn’t want to go with the traditional round brilliant diamond look.

1.50 Carat Diamond Ring Color

Color is one of the most important factors to look for when buying diamonds, especially those in the 1.5ct+ range. 

Diamonds are graded for color using the GIA scale, which runs from D (the best color grade, for clear, colorless diamonds) to Z (heavily tinted diamonds with yellow or brown color). The more colorless the diamond, the better the grade and the higher its value.

Our guide to diamond color goes into the color grading system in more detail, as well as how a diamond’s color can affect its appearance. 

Diamond prices can increase by a significant amount with each color grade, often without a very large difference in appearance between one diamond and another. 

Meanwhile, the G color diamond is priced at $11,361 — almost $3,000 more than the D color diamond. 

In general, we recommend limiting your search to diamonds in the G to I range, especially if you plan to choose a ring that’s made from a metal like white gold or platinum, as these metals tend to display the color of a diamond the most. 

Diamonds with a G, H or I grade are considered “near colorless.” To the naked eye, they appear just as colorless as diamonds in the D to F range, all while costing significantly less.

If you plan to choose a yellow or rose gold engagement ring, it’s often okay to go a little further down the scale and choose a diamond with a J or K color grade. This is because the yellow or rose gold color of the ring will help to conceal any color that can be found in the diamond.  

One factor to keep in mind is that the quality of a diamond’s cut is more important than its color grade, at least from an aesthetic perspective. A well cut diamond will help to conceal its internal, whereas a poorly cut diamond will display any yellow or brown tint more clearly.

Need help choosing the right color grade? Contact us and we’ll help you find the best 1.5 carat diamond for your tastes and budget.

1.50 Carat Diamond Ring Clarity

A diamond’s clarity refers to its visual appearance. The fewer inclusions and blemishes that can be found in a diamond, the better its clarity.

Diamond clarity is graded on a scale, from IF (internally flawless) to I3 (inclusions, third degree). An internally flawless diamond has no internal or external imperfections and will look flawless to the naked eye and when observed under magnification and bright lighting.

Flawless diamonds are both extremely rare and extremely expensive. They’re also not a great choice from a value for money perspective, as the difference between a flawless diamond and one with small, barely visible inclusions is virtually impossible to see with the naked eye.

Like with color, we don’t recommend buying a diamond with the highest clarity grade. Doing so is very expensive. Instead, we recommend choosing a diamond that appears clean to your eye, with no obvious, visible inclusions or blemishes.

Eye-cleanliness is particularly important in a 1.50ct diamond, as the large table of a diamond this size can make inclusions more visible than they would be in a smaller diamond. 

The minimum clarity of a diamond can also vary based on its shape. Some shapes, such as the cushion cut, do a great job of hiding inclusions. Other shapes, like the emerald cut, have a very large table (and also thanks to the way it’s cut) that can make inclusions and blemishes more visible.

In general, we recommend VS2 clarity grade or better for most 1.5 carat diamonds. A clean VS2 clarity diamond will usually have inclusions and blemishes, but they’ll generally be invisible to the naked eye.

In some cases, an SI1 diamond might also be eye-clean and a suitable choice. At the other end of the scale, we generally don’t recommend going higher than VVS2. Beyond this point, you’re paying for clarity that you won’t ever notice once the diamond has been set in a ring.

Shopping Tips for a 1.50 Carat Engagement Ring

• Choose an excellent or ideal cut diamond. The better a diamond’s cut, the more light it will reflect, creating the stunning look with which diamonds are associated.
  
  As always, we recommend buying an excellent or ideal cut diamond. A diamond with an excellent cut will have stronger brilliance, fire and a much more impressive appearance than a poorly cut diamond.

• Stick to the G to I color range. As we recommended above, choosing a diamond with a color grade in the G to I range (near colorless) will give you better value for money than choosing a diamond with a color grade in the D to F (colorless) range.
  
  Diamonds in the G to I range will appear just as colorless to the naked eye as colorless diamonds, all while costing far less. Even with a large 1.5 carat diamond, the difference is almost totally imperceptible without the use of a jeweler’s loupe.

• For a yellow or rose gold setting, choosing a lower color grade is okay. Yellow and rose gold can help to conceal the slight yellow tint of a diamond with a lower color grade, making it okay to go below the G to I range if you choose either of these metals.
  
  For the most part, it’s best not to go below the J to K range. For more information on the best color grades for optimal value for money, check the recommendations in our guides to different diamond shapes.

• Choose a VS2 clarity grade or better. The VS2/VS1 clarity grade offers the best value for money, especially for a diamond of this size. Most of the inclusions and blemishes in a VS1 diamond of 1.5ct will be invisible to the naked eye.
  
  We don’t recommend going below the VS2 clarity grade for a 1.50ct diamond, as the large size of the diamond means that inclusions are often visible at lower grades (even though you can still find eye-clean SI1s.). Above all, make sure that you choose a diamond that’s eye-clean.

• Pick the shape you like best. There’s no “perfect” diamond shape — instead, the best option is to pick a shape that looks pleasing to you. Our diamond shape guide covers all of the widely available diamond shapes, with information on each one’s characteristics.

• Choose a setting that suits your tastes. Your choice of setting has equally as much of an impact on the appearance of your ring as your choice of diamond. If your setting has pavé, halo or side-stone diamonds, it may also affect your choice of a center diamond.
  
  We recommend using our list of engagement ring styles to choose a ring that suits your tastes, preferences and budget.

• Buy your ring online. We strongly recommend buying your diamond online, rather than from a local jewelry store. Shopping online means you’ll spend less and have access to a much larger selection of diamonds than any local jewelry store can offer.
  
  You can find more information on our recommended online diamond jewelry vendors below.

Best Places to Buy a 1.50 Carat Diamond Ring

As we explained in our guide to buying diamond jewelry online, we highly recommend buying from a trusted online vendor instead of a brick-and-mortar jewelry store. 

Buying online gives you access to a larger selection of diamonds than any offline jewelry store can offer. Because of the economics of e-commerce vs. traditional retail, you’ll also be able to save a significant amount of money compared to what you’d pay to buy a diamond offline.

This means that you can either buy a better diamond for the same price, or spend less to get a diamond of equal quality. 

Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to vet and review a diverse range of online and offline diamond vendors. We highly recommend the following sellers:

• James Allen. James Allen offers a huge range of diamonds, including many in the 1.5ct range, as well as beautiful settings. Their product photography is the best in the industry, allowing you to see each diamond in detail before you decide what to buy.
  
  James Allen’s pricing is extremely competitive and they offer a large range of diamonds with GIA or AGS certification. Their customer service is excellent, with a generous return policy and lifetime warranty.

• Blue Nile. Another fantastic choice, Blue Nile has the largest diamond inventory of any online vendor, with competitive pricing and an equally diverse selection of settings.
  
  Like James Allen, Blue Nile sells GIA and AGS certified diamonds, with a good selection of diamonds in the 1.50ct range. Their customer service is professional and reliable, with a free lifetime warranty and excellent return policy.

• Brian Gavin Diamonds. Brian Gavin Diamonds is a great choice if you’re looking for an exceptionally well-cut diamond. With 20+ years of experience, this is the place to shop if you’re looking for the crème de la crème of brilliant diamonds.

1.50 Carat Diamond FAQs

Now we’ll answer some of the most common questions people ask when shopping for a 1.5 Carat diamond ring.

How Much is a 1.5 Carat Diamond Ring?

A 1.5 Carat diamond ring is likely to cost between $8,000 to $12,000. However, the price can vary greatly, both higher and lower than this range. A near-flawless 1.5ct diamond may cost as much as $25,000, while a low-quality diamond may be purchasable for as low as $4,000.

Try to stick within the price range mentioned above, as this makes it most likely you’ll get the best value for money, and avoid overpaying for qualities that are not easily noticeable.

How Big is a 1.5 Carat Diamond?

A 1.5 Carat diamond (round cut) will, on average, have a diameter of 7.3mm. But as Carat actually refers to weight, not size, this may be different from diamond to diamond.

Each Carat is equal to 0.2 grams, so a 1.5 Carat diamond will weigh 0.3g. The table size – the area visible when you view the diamond from the top – can vary depending on each diamond’s cut and shape.

How Big is a 1.5 Carat Oval Diamond vs. a 1.5 Carat Round Diamond?

A 1.5 Carat oval diamond should have an average size of 8.5mm in length and 6.5mm in width. This is compared to 7.3mm in length and width of a round brilliant diamond. Oval diamonds commonly look larger than round diamonds, as they have a larger face-up area and shallower depth.

Here are more carat size topics to browse:

• How to read a diamond carat/size chart
• What does the average engagement ring cost in 2022?
• What is the price of a ½ carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of a ¾ carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of a 1 carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of a 2 carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of a 2.5 carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of a 3 carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of a 4 carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of a 5 carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of a 6 carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of a 7 carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of an 8 carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of a 9 carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of a 10 carat diamond ring?

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab created diamonds online. For a limited time Save 25% during James Allen Holiday Sale!

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What we love about them:

• No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
• Lifetime Warranty
• Free International Shipping
• Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
• Provide insurance appraisals
• One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
• Free ring inscriptions
• Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
• 24/7 Customer Service
• Best-in-class packaging

Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Blue Nile have generously offered our readers an exclusive one-time use coupon. (Click Here to save $100 off $1000 purchase)

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What we love about them:

• No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
• Lifetime Warranty
• Free Shipping
• Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
• Provide insurance appraisal
• One free resizing within the first year of purchase
• High quality images of about half of their diamonds
• 24/7 Customer Service
• 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
• Best in class fulfillment

About the author

Michael Fried Mike Fried has over 25 years experience in the diamond industry working with Leo Schachter Diamonds, Moshe Namdar Diamonds, and joining The Diamond Pro in 2007. He is recognized as an industry expert and has been quoted in publications such as Us, People, Page Six, The Next Web and more.