Diamond Prices Are Still Beyond the Reach of the Vast Majority of People
Key Takeaways
- The high price of natural diamonds comes from a combination of 3 factors: Extreme rarity in nature, enormous mining and operating costs, and weight loss of up to 60% during the intricate...
The high price of natural diamonds comes from a combination of 3 factors: Extreme rarity in nature, enormous mining and operating costs, and weight loss of up to 60% during the intricate crafting process. In addition, supply control by monopoly corporations also keeps this gemstone as a symbol of luxury.
Why is the price of natural diamonds always so "huge"?
The expensiveness of diamonds does not simply come from their beauty, but from the inverse ratio between the effort invested and the final product obtained. To get a diamond that meets jewelry standards, manufacturers must face extremely large financial and technical barriers.
Mining costs are very high
Diamonds form at depths of hundreds of kilometers below the earth's surface. Bringing modern machinery to hazardous areas (such as extinct volcanic craters) costs millions of USD.
- Actual figures: Mining units must sift through an average of 1.3 tons of soil and rock just to find 1 carat of diamond.
- This process requires a large number of highly skilled workers and the most advanced geological exploration equipment.
Diamonds after mining will be processed to achieve a sparkling beauty
Weight loss after processing
A rough diamond when first mined usually has a rugged appearance and is worth only 40% compared to the finished product.
- To achieve brilliance (Excellent cut), artisans must polish and cut away most of the rough mass.
- Pricing logic: The selling price of a processed diamond must be pushed higher to compensate for the weight lost in the workshop.
Monopoly in mining makes diamond prices very high
The diamond mining industry is not for the masses. Only a small number of billionaire conglomerates hold global mining and distribution rights. By actively regulating supply to the market, they maintain diamond value at a stable high level, turning it into an accumulated asset of the upper class.
Natural diamonds are distributed exclusively
The selling price of natural diamonds on the market today
The value of diamonds ranges from a few million to over 1 billion, determined by the standard 4C (Carat, Color, Clarity, Cut). Below is a reference price table for common sizes (ly) based on the current market:
| Size (Ly) | Estimated selling price (VND) |
| 3 ly 6 | 7,245,000 |
| 4 ly 5 | 19,228,000 |
| 5 ly 4 | 57,408,000 |
| 6 ly 3 | 173,604,000 |
| 7 ly 2 | 344,195,000 |
| 8 ly 1 | 623,001,000 |
| 9 ly 0 | 1,349,939,000 |
Note: The price table was updated on 16/03/2026, diamond prices may increase sharply in the future in cases of scarcity. Stones with large sizes (over 6 ly) often see skyrocketing prices due to the extreme rarity of large rough crystals in nature.
Large-size diamonds have very high selling prices
FAQ - Quick answers about diamond value
Why do two diamonds of the same 1 carat have different prices?
Due to differences in clarity (Clarity) and color (Color). A perfect white diamond (color grade D) will be much more expensive than one with a yellowish tint (color grade H, I) despite having the same weight.
Do natural diamonds retain value well?
Natural diamonds retain value quite well. Thanks to monopoly and lasting rarity, natural diamonds are a safe investment channel and hold value more steadily than most other gemstones.
Which certificate should you pay attention to when buying diamonds?
Certificates from GIA (Gemological Institute of America) are the most reputable globally, ensuring quality parameters are accurate and making buying, selling, and valuation easier.
The high price of natural diamonds is the inevitable result of a harsh mining process and the intricate craftsmanship of human hands. Hopefully the price table and information above have given you a comprehensive view before investing in this "queen of gemstones."
