How Much is a 9 Carat Diamond Worth? A Guide to the 4 C’s of 9-Carat Diamonds

Last Updated on December 29, 2023

Diamonds are the world’s most precious stones. Graded on a scale commonly referred to as the 4 C’s — carat, cut, clarity, and color — diamonds can vary wildly in quality and price. If you’re looking for a rare diamond of supreme quality, a 9-carat diamond may be your perfect match.

How much is a 9-carat diamond worth?

A 9-carat diamond can be worth anywhere from about $19,000 to over $1,000,000. Depending on the cut, clarity, and color of the diamond, the value can change wildly. However, if you see a 9-carat diamond going for less than $19,000, it’s likely that someone is lying.

What determines the value of a 9-carat diamond?

The value of a 9-carat diamond is determined by a number of factors, including the carat, cut, color, and clarity of the diamond. D (colorless) diamonds and diamonds that are completely free of any imperfections are typically worth more.

However, when it comes to diamonds, bigger does not always mean better. In fact, experts say that having a smaller, perfectly-cut diamond is better and worth more than a larger one with a less impressive cut.

The color of a diamond can also have a huge impact on determining its value. D (colorless) diamonds are the most sought after because they are considered flawless and pure. However, Z (yellow or brown) diamonds are considered a less desirable color and are often sold for less. While there are diamonds for nearly every color — red, purple, blue, green, and even gray — colorless diamonds always sell for the highest prices.

A diamond’s clarity can have a huge impact on its price point. Diamond clarity is gauged on a scale from Flawless (clarity FL) to Included (I1, I2, and I3). Flawless diamonds have no visible blemishes, marks, or inconsistencies under the naked eye or magnification. However, Included diamonds have apparent blemishes that will affect the final look of the diamond. Clarity is important because high clarity diamonds have a clearer shine and brilliance than low clarity diamonds. Essentially, high clarity diamonds just look better.

Is 9-carat diamond considered rare?

Yes, 9-carat diamonds are considered incredibly rare, which is why they are sold at such high prices. 9-carat diamonds are considered to be premium diamonds, so they will almost always sell for exceptionally high prices.

How big is a 9-carat stone?

9-carat diamonds are extremely large, coming in at about 13mm (or .52 inches) per stone. This is huge for a diamond; indeed, anyone wearing a ring with a 9-carat diamond is sure to turn a couple of heads.

However, the final size of the diamond will almost always depend on the cut. Certain cuts require removing more of the diamond than others, which will result in a smaller final product. But no matter how the diamond is cut, a 9-carat diamond ring will always be large by comparison.

Does the color of a 9-carat diamond matter?

Yes, the color of a 9-carat diamond does matter. Regardless of your personal preference, the color of the diamond will almost always have an impact on its price, with colorless diamonds demanding the highest prices and value.

That being said, if you don’t mind a tinge of color in your diamond, you can probably get it for much cheaper than a colorless one. However, be careful not to select a diamond with too much color: too much color can take away from the brilliance and shine of your diamond.

What are some of the most popular 9-carat diamond ring shapes?

Some of the most popular 9-carat diamond ring shapes are the round brilliant cut, the oval cut, the emerald cut, the cushion cut, the princess cut, and the marquise cut.

The round brilliant cut is classic and timeless, perfect for almost any ring, finger, or taste. When a person hears the word “engagement ring,” they think of this cut. The oval cut is slightly different but still gorgeous. A slight variation on the round brilliant cut, the oval cut has become a classic in its own right.

The emerald cut is a bit more geometrical, with a rectangular shape and stair-step facets on the sides. Though the emerald cut doesn’t suit everyone, it makes for another classic option. The cushion cut is similar to the emerald cut except that it’s more square with rounded edges. The cushion cut resembles a more classic look.

The princess cut has all the beauty and radiance of the round brilliant cut as a square and is perfect for anyone who wants a twist on the classic round brilliant cut. Finally, the marquise cut’s elongated, oval shape makes a beautiful and unique take on a classic look.

How to make a 9-carat diamond look bigger than it is?

There are several ways to make a 9-carat diamond look bigger than it actually is. First, think about opting for a halo setting. Not only will the accent stones complement the center stone, but they can also make it appear larger and more vibrant than it is. Second, think about opting for a thinner band for the ring. Having a thinner band will actually make the diamond seem larger by comparison.

What is the most important thing to consider when buying a 9-carat diamond?

When buying a 9-carat diamond, it’s important to consider the cut, color, and clarity, as well as your personal preferences and budget. While many people think that carat weight is the end all be all for diamond quality, that isn’t necessarily true. By evaluating the diamonds holistically, you can find a 9-carat diamond to fit your wants, needs, and preferences.

Are 9-carat diamonds GIA-certified?

The only way to know if a 9-carat diamond is GIA-certified is to research and inquire. Since purchasing a 9-carat diamond is such a huge financial investment, it’s important to have that assurance that you’re receiving a genuine diamond of the highest quality. Next time you’re shopping, simply look on the website or call the helpline to inquire about GIA certification.

Eran Hayo is the Chief Editor of Jewels Advisor, with over 5 years of experience in the fields of jewelry and memorabilia. He built Jewels Advisor to serve one main purpose – to teach you everything he knows about jewelry, and help you make better-informed decisions when buying diamonds and engagement rings online. His work has been cited on famous publications such as The Sun, MSN and WikiHow.