The natural diamond market for round diamonds in the 1.00–1.19 carat range in March 2025 revealed dynamic pricing trends across clarity and color categories. These shifts, observed in our latest diamond pricing report, shed light on the enduring balance of market factors, including supply chain adjustments, evolving consumer behavior, and competitive pressures from the production of lab-grown diamonds.
Premium Grades
The upper-tier diamond categories demonstrated mixed performance in March. D/FL clarity diamonds saw a slight decline, dropping from $12,374 in February to $12,092. This marginal dip suggests a softening demand for flawless diamonds, potentially influenced by seasonal variations or cautious high-net-worth purchasing. Conversely, D/IF clarity diamonds remained relatively stable, moving from $13,852 in February to $13,770 in March, reflecting sustained interest in internally flawless stones despite broader market adjustments.
Mid-Range Grades
Popular amongst PriceScope members. The mid-range clarity and color categories exhibited notable fluctuations. F/VVS1 clarity diamonds rose slightly from $8,495 in February to $8,507 in March, indicating steady demand for diamonds in this segment. However, G/VVS2 clarity diamonds experienced a more significant increase, jumping from $6,118 in February to $6,187 in March. This upward trend highlights selective buying patterns, with consumers gravitating towards value-focused premium options within the mid-range market.
In contrast, certain grades faced downward pressure. D/VVS1 diamonds dropped sharply from $10,517 in February to $8,382 in March, reflecting potential shifts in consumer preferences or inventory adjustments by retailers. Similarly, F/VVS2 diamonds declined slightly from $7,445 to $7,393, suggesting a modest cooling in demand for this specific clarity grade.
Lower Grades
The lower-tier clarity and color grades continued to face challenges, with some exceptions. J/SI1 diamonds saw a marginal recovery, rising from $2,357 in February to $2,281 in March. This slight uptick may point to a stabilization in demand for budget-conscious stones, although the overall category remains under pressure. On the other hand, K/SI2 diamonds declined further, dropping from $1,827 in February to $1,890 in March, emphasizing ongoing softness in the lower end of the market, likely exacerbated by the growing appeal of lab-grown diamonds.
Market Implications
The March 2025 trends reveal a nuanced picture for the natural diamond market. Premium categories, while stable, show signs of softening in certain high-clarity grades, suggesting a cautious approach among high-end buyers. The mid-range segment continues to demonstrate resilience, with selective price increases in key clarity and color combinations reflecting strategic purchasing. However, the lower-tier categories remain under pressure, driven by competition from lab-grown alternatives and evolving consumer priorities.
As the market adjusts to these dynamics, consumers and stakeholders should focus on the evolving demand for mid-range and premium diamonds, where strategic inventory management and competitive pricing can help capture value. Monitoring the impact of lab-grown diamonds on the lower end of the market will also be critical as consumer preferences continue to shift.
Popular Diamond Shapes
In our latest analysis of the Top 5 Popular Natural Diamond Shapes from February to March 2025, the natural diamond market revealed significant shifts in shape preferences, reflecting evolving consumer behavior.
Round diamonds, while still dominant, dropped from 70.14% in February to 65.40% in March (-4.74%). This decline suggests buyers are exploring alternative shapes but reinforces the Round cut’s timeless appeal. Oval diamonds surged from 7.60% to 9.94% (+2.34%), solidifying their position as a modern favorite for those seeking elongated, elegant designs. Pear diamonds grew from 5.41% to 6.92% (+1.51%), reflecting increased interest in their unique teardrop silhouette and versatility. Emerald cuts remained stable at 5.52%, showcasing their enduring appeal with clean lines and understated sophistication. Cushion cuts fell from 4.92% to 4.63% (-0.29%), continuing their downward trend as buyers favour more structured shapes.