Diamond rings from Kay Jewelers and Jared
Average wholesale price for a one-carat diamond: Around $1,000 to $3,000 (depending on the cut and style)
Price you pay: $4,000 and up
On average, stores like Kay and Jared will institute a 100% to 200% price mark-up on diamond jewelry. The demand for diamonds in the US is largely a marketing invention.
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