5 Carat Diamond Ring Price Guide (2026) | The Luxury Tier
How much is a 5 carat diamond ring? From $6,000 lab stones to $100,000+ natural gems. A guide to buying the ultra-large carat weights.
Our team of certified gemologists and jewelry experts provides in-depth analysis to help you make informed purchasing decisions.
A 5 carat diamond is an anomaly. In the natural world, stones of this weight and quality are statistically improbable, accounting for fewer than 0.01% of all gem-quality diamonds mined. In the lab-grown sector, they represent the upper limit of what is commonly produced with high stability.
Buying a diamond of this magnitude requires a different strategy than purchasing a standard 1 carat stone. At 5 carats, inclusions are magnified. Body color is obvious. Cut precision becomes the difference between a dull rock and a brilliant gem.
This guide breaks down current market pricing for 2026, comparing natural rarities against their lab-grown counterparts.
5 Carat Diamond Price at a Glance
- Natural 5 Carat Price: Expect to pay between $100,000 and $150,000 for a stone with decent grades (H Color, VS2 Clarity). Investment-grade stones (D Flawless) can exceed $250,000.
- Lab Grown 5 Carat Price: Prices have stabilized between $5,000 and $8,000 for top-tier grades (E/F Color, VVS Clarity).
- The "Face-Up" Size: A 5 carat round brilliant diamond measures approximately 11.0mm in diameter. This covers nearly 60% of the average finger width.
- The Value Drop: Natural 5 carat diamonds hold value due to extreme rarity. Lab grown diamonds of this size have seen significant price compression and should not be viewed as financial investments.
Natural 5 Carat Diamond Price Chart (2026)
Prices for natural 5 carat diamonds swing wildly based on the "4 Cs." A single grade drop in Color or Clarity can shift the price by $20,000.
The following table estimates pricing for GIA-certified Round Brilliant cuts. Fancy shapes (Oval, Cushion, Emerald) typically cost 15-25% less.
| Color \ Clarity | IF (Internally Flawless) | VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) | VS (Very Slightly Included) | SI (Slightly Included) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D (Colorless) | $350,000+ | $280,000 - $320,000 | $200,000 - $250,000 | $150,000 - $180,000 |
| G (Near Colorless) | $220,000+ | $180,000 - $210,000 | $130,000 - $160,000 | $100,000 - $120,000 |
| J (Faint Yellow) | $120,000+ | $100,000 - $115,000 | $80,000 - $95,000 | $60,000 - $75,000 |
Note: Prices are for stones with Excellent/Ideal Cut grades. Poorly cut stones will be significantly cheaper but will lack brilliance.
Lab Grown 5 Carat Diamond Price Chart (2026)
Lab grown diamonds eliminate the scarcity premium. You pay for the production cost and cutting labor. This compresses the price spread between grades.
| Color \ Clarity | VVS (Very Very Slightly Included) | VS (Very Slightly Included) |
|---|---|---|
| D-F (Colorless) | $7,000 - $9,500 | $5,500 - $7,500 |
| G-H (Near Colorless) | $5,500 - $7,000 | $4,500 - $6,000 |
| I-J (Faint Yellow) | $4,000 - $5,000 | $3,000 - $4,500 |
Grading Factors: The "Big Stone" Rules
Size changes perception. Defects hidden in a 1 carat stone become blatantly obvious in a 5 carat stone.
Color Sensitivity
A 5 carat diamond acts like a large prism, concentrating color. A "J" color diamond (faint yellow) might look white in a 1 carat size, but at 5 carats, the yellow tint will be undeniable.
- Recommendation: Stick to H Color or better for natural stones. For lab grown, given the low price difference, choose D, E, or F.
Clarity Visibility
Inclusions in a 5 carat diamond are five times easier to see than in a standard stone. A "black crystal" inclusion that is invisible in a small diamond becomes a visible speck in a 5 carat.
- Recommendation: Avoid SI2 grades entirely. VS2 or VS1 is the sweet spot for natural diamonds. For lab grown, target VVS2 or VS1 to ensure total transparency.
Buying Online vs In-Store
Where you buy determines the markup you pay. High street retailers have immense overhead costs (rent, insurance, security) for stocking such high-value items. Online retailers use a "virtual inventory" model or centralized vaults to reduce these costs.
| Feature | Buying Online | Buying In-Store |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 30-40% Lower | Significant Retail Markup |
| Selection | Access to global inventories (100,000+ stones) | Limited to what is in the safe (2-3 stones) |
| Inspection | High-Res 360° Videos (20x-40x Zoom) | 10x Jeweler's Loupe |
| Risk | Low (Insured Shipping, 30-Day Returns) | Low (Available immediately) |
FAQ: 5 Carat Diamond Buying
How big is a 5 carat diamond? A round brilliant 5 carat diamond is approximately 11.0mm in diameter. For comparison, a standard aspirin tablet is roughly 10mm wide. It covers a significant portion of the finger.
Is a 5 carat lab diamond real? Yes. It is chemically, physically, and optically identical to a mined diamond. The only difference is origin. A gemologist cannot tell them apart without specialized equipment.
Can I wear a 5 carat ring every day? Yes, but with caution. A 5 carat stone sits higher on the finger due to its depth. It is more prone to knocking against surfaces. We recommend a platinum setting with 6 prongs for maximum security.
Do 5 carat diamonds hold their value? Natural 5 carat diamonds of high quality (D-F Color, FL-VVS Clarity) are investment-grade assets and have historically retained value well. Lab grown diamonds do not hold resale value and should be viewed as a luxury expense, not an investment.
How much is a 5 carat moissanite? A 5 carat equivalent moissanite typically costs between $300 and $600. While durable, it has a different refractive index, resulting in a "disco-ball" effect that looks distinct from a diamond.
Final Recommendation
If you have the budget for a natural 5 carat diamond ($100k+), focus on cut quality above all else. A large dull stone is a waste of money. Ensure it has a GIA certificate with an "Excellent" cut grade.
For most buyers, a lab grown 5 carat diamond offers a compelling alternative. You get the same massive, celebrity-style look for under $8,000—saving over $100,000 that can be better spent on a house, investment portfolio, or wedding.
About this guide
Written by the TheCaratCut Editorial Team. Our recommendations follow our editorial policy, and we may earn commissions through affiliate links. See our affiliate disclosure.