When it comes to engagement rings, the size of the diamond is often used as a measure of love and commitment. Many people wonder what ring size is considered “big” or impressive. The carat weight of a diamond refers to its mass, with one carat equaling 0.2 grams. While a larger diamond is more rare and valuable, the meaning behind the ring is far more important than its physical size.
What is a carat?
As mentioned, a carat is a unit of measurement used for gemstones like diamonds. One carat equals 0.2 grams. Diamond carat weight is measured to the hundredth of a carat. For example:
- 0.30 carat
- 0.75 carat
- 1.50 carats
When describing the carat weight of a diamond, the measurement is often abbreviated. A 1.00 carat diamond may be described as a 1 carat diamond. Similarly, a 0.75 carat diamond may be described as a 3/4 carat diamond.
Average engagement ring size
Most engagement rings feature a center diamond of around 1 carat. The average center diamond sold in the United States is about 0.9 – 1.0 carats. However, there is a wide range when it comes to diamond carat weight.
According to recent surveys, the most common diamond carat weights for engagement rings are:
- 0.50-0.99 carats (28% of rings)
- 1.00-1.49 carats (20%)
- 1.50-1.99 carats (13%)
As you can see, while 1 carat is considered average, many engagement rings have diamonds substantially smaller or larger than 1 carat. The choice depends on the individual preferences and budget of each couple.
What is considered a large diamond?
While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, gemologists generally categorize diamond carat weights as follows:
- Small: Less than 0.50 carats
- Medium: 0.50-0.99 carats
- Large: 1.00-1.99 carats
- Very Large: 2 carats or more
So diamonds of 1 carat or more are generally considered “large” stones. Two carats or greater are categorized as “very large.”
Here are some examples of large diamond carat sizes and their appearances:
| Carat Weight | Example Ring Size |
|---|---|
| 1.25 carats | Looks noticeably large on the finger |
| 1.50 carats | A very generous look often described as “bling” |
| 2.00 carats | A show-stopping diamond that makes a bold statement |
As you can see, once you reach and exceed 1 carat, the diamond takes on a bold, substantial appearance. Anything 2 carats or greater is guaranteed to impress.
What factors impact perceived size?
When judging a diamond’s size, carat weight is just one consideration. The dimensions and cut quality also impact the visible size.
For example, a 1.00 carat diamond may appear larger than another 1.00 carat diamond if it has proportions that maximize brilliance and spread of light. Optimal dimensions for a 1 carat round brilliant diamond are about 6.5mm diameter and 40% depth.
Additionally, a well-cut diamond with excellent polish and symmetry will face up larger than a diamond with poor cut quality. Light leakage and dark areas in a diamond reduce its spread of light.
It’s important to balance carat weight with quality factors to ensure you get the most “bang for your buck” in terms of visible diamond size.
Price differences for large diamonds
Diamond prices increase exponentially with carat weight, especially when exceeding one carat. This chart shows average pricing for round brilliant diamonds by carat weight:
| Carat Weight | Average Price |
|---|---|
| 0.50 ct | $2,200 |
| 0.75 ct | $4,300 |
| 1.00 ct | $6,000 |
| 1.50 ct | $13,700 |
| 2.00 ct | $18,800 |
As you can see, a 1.50 carat diamond costs over twice as much as a 1.00 carat diamond. And a 2.00 carat diamond costs around three times more than a 1.00 carat stone. The rarity of large diamonds commands these premium prices.
Is bigger always better?
When it comes to diamonds, bigger is not necessarily better. While large diamonds are impressive, you should choose a ring size based on your budget and preferences vs. trying to maximize carat weight alone.
It’s smarter to buy a high quality diamond that is well-cut and colorless, even if that means compromising on size. For example, you may be happier with a 0.90 carat diamond with excellent cut than a 1.20 carat stone with just “good” cut.
Also, some settings and diamond shapes appear larger than their carat weight suggests. A 0.9 carat round diamond looks smaller than a 0.9 carat oval diamond.
The most important factor is that you and your partner love the engagement ring. While a “big” diamond is visually impressive, it should not come at the cost of financial strain or compromise on diamond quality.
Common large diamond sizes
If you decide that a large diamond is important, here are some typical sizes to consider:
1.25 carats
A 1.25 carat diamond is considered a milestone size, marking the entrance to “large” diamond territory. This substantial ring size looks impressive on the finger.
1.50 carats
1.50 carats is a popular choice for those desiring an eye-catching ring. It crosses into the “very large” category and provides that coveted “bling” factor.
2.00+ carats
Once you reach 2 carats and beyond, you are firmly in show-stopping territory. While expensive, this size guarantees your ring will impress and spark major hand envy.
Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez have been proposed to with enormous 10+ carat diamonds. But rings in this size range are well outside most people’s budget.
Is a large diamond right for you?
Only you can decide if a large diamond ring is a priority for your engagement. Ask yourself these questions:
- What can you comfortably afford? Don’t go into debt over a ring.
- Do you value diamond quality over size? Consider cut and clarity too.
- Does your partner’s lifestyle demand an impressive ring?
- Is your priority sentimental value vs. making a statement?
If both you and your partner would enjoy a show-stopping ring, then a “big” diamond makes sense. But don’t feel obligated to spend beyond your means. There are ways to maximize perceived size and sparkle while sticking to your budget.
How to save on a large diamond
Since carat weight significantly impacts diamond prices, you’ll want to look for ways to get the most size for your dollar. Here are tips for saving on a large center stone:
- Select a diamond shape like oval or pear that looks larger per carat
- Opt for a diamond with a slight color grade in the G-J range
- Look for an SI1 – SI2 diamond clarity just shy of flawless
- Choose a simple, compact setting to maximize diamond prominence
- Search for diamonds just under major carat milestones (0.99 ct, 1.49 ct)
With strategic choices, you can secure a noticeably large diamond while sticking to your engagement ring budget.
Conclusion
When it comes to diamonds, carat weight is just one piece of the puzzle. While “very large” diamonds of 1.00 carat or greater make bold statements, you shouldn’t focus on size alone. Be sure to balance diamond carat weight with considerations of quality, sparkle, and setting style. Most importantly, choose a ring you love vs. trying to impress with a huge diamond.