The price of a blue diamond ring in South Africa varies significantly, depending on factors such as size, color intensity, clarity, cut, and the rarity of the stone’s hue and provenance. Blue diamonds are considered among the rarest and most expensive gemstones in the world, with notable auction prices often setting global benchmarks[2].
High-profile blue diamonds with intense color and exceptional clarity have fetched prices upwards of $4 million per carat at international auctions. For example, the famous Blue Moon diamond, a 12.03-carat stone discovered at South Africa’s Cullinan Diamond Mine, sold for $48.5 million—over $4 million per carat[2]. Similarly, a 10-carat fancy vivid blue diamond known as “The Mediterranean Blue” sold for $21.5 million in May 2025, which is just over $2 million per carat[1].
For blue diamond rings with smaller carat weights and less intense color grades, the prices are still high but more accessible. For instance:
- A 0.12-carat marquise-cut fancy greyish blue diamond was listed at approximately $4,800 (~R89,280).
- A 0.15-carat fancy intense blue square-cut diamond was priced at $10,500 (~R195,300)[2].
The rarity of natural blue diamonds in South Africa means that only a few are available for direct purchase in the local market at any time, and these often command a premium. Factors influencing blue diamond prices include:
- Color Intensity: Stones graded as “fancy vivid” blue are the most valuable.
- Clarity and Cut: While color is most important, clarity and cut still add to the value.
- Carat Weight: Larger stones are exponentially rarer and pricier.
- Origin and Provenance: Diamonds from famed mines like Cullinan may fetch a higher price[4][5].
In summary, South African blue diamond rings range from just under R100,000 for stones under 0.2 carats with modest grades, up to tens of millions of dollars (hundreds of millions of rand) for larger, highly graded gems. The average price per carat for blue diamonds on the international market generally starts in the tens of thousands of dollars, rapidly increasing with size and color intensity[4].
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