Engagement rings come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. When buying something as meaningful as an engagement ring with special significance, you need to research and decide exactly what you want beforehand. And most importantly, you shouldn’t let social media trends and jewelry brands’ marketing strategies affect your decision.
That’s why we’re here to help. We already explained whether a promise ring is an engagement ring and now we’ll tell you all about the average engagement ring diamond size. So, without further ado, let’s jump in!
What Is the Average Diamond Size for An Engagement Ring?
In the United States, the average engagement ring or promise ring size ranges from 0.8 to 1.2 carats. However, there can’t be a definite answer to this question. It ultimately depends on your budget and location. It’s well known that some states and countries have a larger average carat size than others. For example, the average carat weight is 0.6 in the United Kingdom.
The average diamond size also somehow depends on personal preference. Some people like to lay low with small diamonds, while some like the glamour that large diamonds offer.
Of course, men’s and women’s ring sizes differ, but other things also contribute to the average diamond ring size. For instance, as statistics show, young people spend much less on precious jewelry like diamonds than older people.
This is probably because older generations have had more time to save money and spend on luxurious products.
What Is Considered a Big Engagement Ring?
Due to the social media influence and people’s desire for superiority, there’s an obsession going around about big engagement rings, though such engagement rings popularity started much, much earlier. So instead of looking at the average carat size, people are shifting towards going extra.
However, the concept of a big engagement ring is entirely subjective. For example, most diamond rings will look large to you if your hand is smaller than average. Vice versa, if you have big hands, you’ll feel that all rings are too small.
In addition, the ring’s shape significantly affects its size. For example, an elongated or oval diamond that’s just over one carat will look larger to the human eye than a princess cut of the same size.
And it’d be best if you focused on what cut looks better on your hand, your budget, and the stone’s clarity instead of overthinking its size.
How to Find the Right Carat Size for You
When looking for the right carat size, you should first consider your budget, not the average number. The average carat weight won’t be of much importance to you if you can’t afford it. And, of course, you should discuss this issue with your partner before you go shopping. Then, once you’ve reached a common ground about the budget, you can choose the diamond shape and cut type.
It’s worth mentioning that each shape shows a diamond’s carat weight differently. For instance, a round brilliant diamond and an emerald cut one with the same carat weight wouldn’t be the same size at all. The round brilliant diamond will most probably be larger.
After settling on the budget and the shape, you can easily find the right carat size for you. Just make sure you have the right measurements because resizing the ring afterward can prove costly.
Choosing the Perfect Carat Size for An Average Engagement Ring Size
Finding the ideal carat size for your engagement ring involves considering a few essential factors, such as:
- Budget: Set a budget to focus on diamonds within your price range, based on the 4Cs.
- Personal Preference: Choose a size that matches your style and personality.
- Finger Size: Consider how the diamond will look in proportion to your finger.
- Lifestyle: Select a practical size that suits your daily activities.
- Quality Over Size: Don’t prioritize carat weight alone; focus on the overall diamond quality.
Ultimately, take your time, explore options, and seek guidance from a trusted jeweler. The perfect diamond is the one that resonates with you and brings joy for a lifetime.
How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring?
Much like all the other aspects of buying an engagement ring, there’s no specific amount of money you should spend on one. It depends on the diamond’s size, clarity, cut, and ultimately, your budget. You shouldn’t put a massive dent in your wallet to buy a diamond ring. Just calculate what you’re ready to pay, and base your search for engagement rings on that.
You shouldn’t fall into the trap of social media and the photos that it puts in our faces all day long. You aren’t expected to buy a ring as glamorous as the one Jennifer Lopez wore, for instance. Also, there aren’t any rules on how big or expensive a diamond ring should be.
Those are just marketing strategies that jewelry brands enforce on us. If you want to estimate how much you’ll spend when buying your own engagement ring, there are four points you should consider because you’ll wear it every day. They go by the four Cs, and here’s a brief roundup of them all.
Cut
The first point of the four refers to the diamond cut. In other words, it determines how well the stone is polished, faceted, and proportioned. It also dictates the diamond’s brilliance, which is the stone’s ability to reflect light to the eye.
According to the GIA system, the diamond cut grades are Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor. Naturally, the Excellent and Very Good are the better options. And luckily, the cut grade doesn’t affect the cost as significantly as you’d think.
Color
Back to the GIA system, it puts diamond colors on a D-Z scale. The D means that the diamond is colorless, the most expensive option on the market. Meanwhile, the Z means that the diamond has a yellowish hue. The best diamond engagement ring colors fall between D and J, so you should ideally go for them.
However, the diamond color isn’t more than a personal preference, and it doesn’t determine the ring’s quality or value. So if you’re on a tight budget, you don’t have to push it.
Clarity
The clarity determines the number of inclusions in a diamond, which are imperfections formed by nature. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) system puts diamonds on a scale from Flawless (FL) to Included (I), with Flawless being the diamonds with best clarity. However, diamonds that fall on the lower scale don’t necessarily look imperfect to the eye.
Carat
Finally, the last C refers to the carat weight. According to the GIA, one carat equals approximately 0.2 grams. And typically, the larger carat you get, the more money you’ll pay.
Once you’ve chosen those four features, you can estimate how much you’ll pay for your ring.
How to Change Your Diamond’s Carat Size
If you’ve already bought your ring and you aren’t satisfied with the size of your diamond, there are a few tricks you can try to make it look bigger. The best part is that you won’t even have to change the stone on your ring.
For starters, a halo engagement ring setting will make your diamond look larger than it is, while no halo setting may require a larger center diamond, potentially more expensive. A halo is a circle of small diamonds surrounding the center diamond on your ring. In addition to the splendor this setting gives, it’ll make your diamond look more prominent.
Second, you can try getting a thinner engagement ring. Thin bands give the illusion of a bigger diamond. You can either try a knife-edge band or a thin pavé one to make the center stone pop.
Another creative method you can try is getting cluster engagement ring settings, where you set small diamonds closely together to look like a large diamond from a distance. This is also a budget-friendly way to get an expensive-looking ring.
Plus, you can try wearing stackable rings. Those are layered over each other and make your engagement ring stand out on your hand and look larger.
Conversely, you can get a thick band to make your diamond ring look smaller. But if you’re uncomfortable with how big your ring is, we recommend you give it time.
You might feel insecure about it at first, but over time, you’ll get used to its size.
FAQs: Average Diamond Engagement Ring Size
Is a Two-Carat Diamond Considered to Be Big?
Yes, diamonds between 2 and 2.4 carat are considered big. Simply put, a 2-carat diamond would have a diameter of about 8 mm. So it’ll be pretty eye-catching on your hand.
What Diamond Shape Looks Biggest?
Generally, round diamonds look the biggest among other types. Even if they have the same carat weight, round ones will still be more noticeable. This is because their circular cut isn’t too deep, so most of the weight reflects in the ring’s size appearance. Also, they’re many people’s favorite because they have the most brilliance out of all types.
Is a 1.5-carat Diamond Too Big?
No, a 1.5-carat diamond is not too big; in fact, it’s a popular choice. While it may not be the smallest, it’s certainly not overly extravagant. People with a good budget often opt for this size because it looks stunning on average finger sizes and exudes an air of elegance and luxury. If you’re looking for a beautiful and sizable diamond, 1.5 carats is an excellent choice.
Is 2.5 Carats Big for An Engagement Ring?
Yes, a 2.5-carat diamond is indeed a sizable choice for an engagement ring. It’s known for its elegance and ability to make a significant impression. While not overwhelmingly large, it captures attention and radiates sophistication, making it an excellent selection for those looking for an impressive ring.
Is $5,000 a Lot for An Engagement Ring?
A $5,000 budget for an engagement ring is quite generous. On average, people spend around $3,000 to $20,000 on engagement rings. While it’s above the median spending amount, it allows you to explore a range of beautiful options. However, it’s essential to find a ring that not only fits your budget but also captures the essence of your love story.
What Is the Biggest Diamond in the World?
The largest diamond in the world is the Cullinan diamond. It was unearthed in South Africa nearly 120 years ago, and it weighs a staggering 3106 carats. To use it, diamond experts cut the Cullinan marvel into smaller pieces. Some of those were used on crowns for the British royal family.
To Wrap Up on Average Engagement Diamond Size
Many people wonder about the average size and how tight engagement rings should be before purchasing one. However, the only number that matters, in this case, is your budget. You don’t have to go over the board to buy a large diamond. And for the best part, there are a few tricks you can try to make your diamond look bigger if you think it’s too small.
All in all, engagement rings are about sentiment, love, and loyalty. So you shouldn’t overthink the materialistic aspects.
We hope you enjoyed our article about what makes a great engagement ring. With this knowledge, we know that you can make the most of your engagement ring and find the perfect one for your special partner.