0.5 Carat Diamond Prices
The average price for a 0.5 carat diamond in Australia in September 2024 is $1,641.
However, this can range from $700 for a diamond with poor colour, clarity and cut quality to $4,700 for a diamond with top specifications.
Diamond carat prices are continually changing and you can see in the graph below that this has varied by 18.1% over the last year.
0.5 Carat Diamond Prices in Australia
How shape affects 0.5 carat diamond price
One of the biggest factors that affects diamond price is the shape of the diamond.
Different shapes not only offer distinct styles but also vary in cost due to factors like cutting complexity, demand, and how much of the original rough diamond is retained during the cutting process.
The table below show the ranking of 0.5 carat diamonds by shape:
The most expensive shape is the round diamond, priced at $1,691 AUD for 0.5 carats. This isn’t surprising, as round diamonds are highly sought after due to their classic appearance and unmatched brilliance. However, round diamonds are also the most difficult to cut, requiring more precision and leading to greater loss of the rough stone during the cutting process. This higher demand, combined with the difficulty of cutting, results in a higher price tag.
On the other hand, cushion diamonds are priced at $1,411 AUD for 0.5 carats, making them the most affordable option in this list. Cushion-cut diamonds are often more economical because their shape allows more of the original rough diamond to be retained during cutting. This lower material loss means that buyers can get a larger-looking diamond for a more affordable price compared to round diamonds.
Other popular shapes, like heart and oval diamonds, fall in between these two extremes. For example, a 0.5 carat heart diamond is priced at $1,648 AUD, while an oval diamond of the same weight costs $1,566 AUD. These shapes are more intricate to cut than round diamonds but typically do not require as much material loss, which helps keep their prices slightly lower.
When comparing all the diamond shapes in the 0.5 carat category, we can see that the price difference between the most expensive and least expensive options is about $280 AUD. While this variation is significant, it still offers buyers some flexibility. If brilliance and tradition are top priorities, the round diamond justifies its premium price. However, for buyers looking for a more affordable yet stylish option, the cushion or princess cuts offer a compelling balance between size and price.
