When it comes to choosing a diamond for an engagement ring, the process can be a bit overwhelming. A ring is an important investment, and one you plan on having for the rest of your life! Because of this, we encourage diamond shoppers to thoughtfully consider what their biggest priorities are when it comes to the diamond of their dreams. Factors to consider include budget, style preference, and the Four C’s: cut, clarity, color, and carat.
To help you through this process, we’ll answer a few frequently asked questions and provide images to help you compare diamond sizes in three popular diamond shapes: round, emerald, and oval. A picture is worth a thousand words after all! Read on to learn more about diamonds and factors to consider when shopping for your perfect stone.
Carat Size Considerations: Why It’s Important to Find the Right Carat Size for You
Before you purchase a diamond engagement ring, it’s essential to first determine the size of the stone. Diamonds are measured in carats. A carat is equal to 1/5th of a gram and represents the mass or weight of a diamond. The more carats in your diamond, the more expensive it will be. This is because there are fewer stones available at larger sizes.
Different diamonds at the same carat weight can appear to be larger or smaller than others, since factors like shape and cut affect a diamond’s appearance. The cut determines how a diamond reflects light, so a well-cut diamond will have more sparkle and brilliance. And an increased fiery brilliance can make a well-cut diamond appear larger than a lesser cut diamond even if both stones have the same carat weight.
What Is the Average Carat Size for Engagement Rings?
The average carat size for engagement rings differs based on the location and demographics (such as age) of the purchaser. For example, in the U.K. and Europe, diamond engagement rings tend to range around 1/2-carat. Whereas in the United States the average carat size for diamond engagement rings is around 1-carat.
Diamond Carat Size Comparison: Carat Size on Hand
Round Diamonds
Round diamonds are the most classic and popular shape for diamond engagement rings because of their brilliant sparkle and fire. Their glittering brilliance makes them gorgeous centerpieces for solitaire engagement rings. However, they are often the most expensive diamonds, as their shape requires a large amount of the rough stone to be cut away.
Opting for a glittering halo of accent diamonds or a pavé diamond band will make your round diamond appear larger. Other setting styles featuring nature-inspired motifs, asymmetric designs, or hand engravings complement a round center diamond and add to the unique beauty of a ring.
Emerald Diamonds
Emerald cut diamonds are very popular among celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Lawrence, Beyoncé, Amal Clooney, and more. This striking and sophisticated shape works well with the geometric Art Deco styles featuring split shank bands or baguette diamond accents. The distinct shape works particularly well in vintage-inspired engagement rings. It’s also a popular shape choice for engagement rings set with colored gemstones like morganite, aquamarine, sapphires, and, of course, emeralds! Known as “step cuts”, emerald diamonds possess a different type of beauty from its fancy cut counterparts like radiant diamonds, offering exceptional clarity and a distinctive look when set in engagement rings.
Oval Diamonds
Oval diamond engagement rings are an extremely popular option. For many people, ovals represent the best of both worlds, since they have the sparkle of a round brilliant cut diamond with the elongated surface area of other fancy shaped diamonds. Looking through the most loved ring images on our Instagram feed, a majority of them feature oval diamonds – and we don’t anticipate this trend slowing down anytime soon! When selecting an oval diamond, look at the stone’s length to width ratio as well as the carat size.
Final Thoughts
Although it’s easy to be blinded by the biggest diamond in the room, when it comes to choosing your diamond it’s important to take stock of more than just the size. At Brilliant Earth, we are of the belief that the size of the diamond doesn’t matter as long as the ring makes your partner happy and is at a price point that you feel comfortable with.
Which diamond shape is your favorite? Let us know on our Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or in the comments below!
hoping and praying to acquire one 🙂
Show me information on these please. Thanks