Diamond Prices Still Out of Reach for the Vast Majority of People
Key Takeaways
- The price of natural diamonds is expensive due to the combination of 3 factors: extremely high rarity in nature, huge operational mining costs, and up to 60% weight loss during exquisite processing....
The price of natural diamonds is expensive due to the combination of 3 factors: extremely high rarity in nature, huge operational mining costs, and up to 60% weight loss during exquisite processing. In addition, supply control by monopolistic corporations also keeps this gemstone a symbol of luxury.
Why are natural diamonds always so "huge" in price?
The expensiveness of diamonds does not simply come from their beauty, but from the inverse relationship between the effort invested and the final product obtained. To obtain a diamond that meets jewelry standards, manufacturers must face enormous financial and technical obstacles.
High mining costs
Diamonds form hundreds of kilometers deep underground. Bringing modern machinery to remote areas (like extinct volcanoes) costs millions of dollars.
- Actual figures: Mining units have to sift through an average of 1.3 tons of soil and rocks just to find 1 carat of diamond.
- This process requires a large number of highly specialized workers and the most advanced geological exploration equipment.
Diamonds are processed after mining to achieve their sparkling beauty
Weight loss after processing
A rough diamond when newly mined often has a rough appearance and is worth only 40% of the finished product.
- To achieve brilliance (Excellent cut), artisans must grind and cut away most of the rough weight.
- Pricing logic: The selling price of processed diamonds must be pushed up to compensate for the weight lost in the cutting workshop.
Monopoly in mining makes diamond prices very high
The diamond mining industry is not for everyone. Only a few financial conglomerates hold the rights to mine and distribute globally. By actively regulating supply to the market, they maintain the high and stable value of diamonds, making them a store of wealth for 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 4C standard (Carat, Color, Clarity, Cut). Here is a reference price list for common sizes (mm) based on the current market:
| Size (mm) | Estimated Selling Price (VND) |
| 3.6 | 7,245,000 |
| 4.5 | 19,228,000 |
| 5.4 | 57,408,000 |
| 6.3 | 173,604,000 |
| 7.2 | 344,195,000 |
| 8.1 | 623,001,000 |
| 9.0 | 1,349,939,000 |
Note: The price list is updated on March 16, 2026. The price of diamonds may increase sharply in the future in case of scarcity. Large diamonds (over 6 mm) usually see their prices skyrocket due to the extreme rarity of large rough crystals in nature.
Large diamonds have very high selling prices
FAQ - Quick answers about diamond value
Why do two diamonds of the same carat have different prices?
Due to differences in clarity and color. A perfect white diamond (D color) will be much more expensive than one with a yellowish tint (H, I color) of the same weight.
Do natural diamonds hold their value well?
Natural diamonds hold their value quite well. Thanks to their exclusivity and sustained rarity, natural diamonds are a safer investment channel and maintain their value more stably than most other gemstones.
What certificates should I pay attention to when buying diamonds?
Certificates from GIA (Gemological Institute of America) are the most globally reputable, ensuring that quality parameters are accurate, making buying and valuation easier.
The high price of natural diamonds is the inevitable result of harsh mining processes and the exquisite craftsmanship of humans. Hopefully, the price list and the information above have given you a comprehensive view before investing in this "queen of gemstones."
