Let Ken K. Thompson Jewelry help you find the perfect carat size
When it comes to engagement rings, carat size plays a pivotal role in capturing the imagination and making a lasting impression. The quest for the perfect carat weight often leads couples into a realm of choices, considerations, and sometimes, even confusion. Thankfully, we created this guide to answer your burning questions about engagement ring carat sizes.
At a Glance
What is the Average Carat Size for Engagement Rings?
The national average carat size for an engagement ring hovers around 1 carat (some statistics cite 1.08 carats, while others round this up to 1.2 carats), with about half of all recent engagement ring purchases falling between 1 and 2 carats. However, this average varies greatly by age and location.
Engagement ring shoppers in their twenties and early thirties typically buy smaller rings, while older buyers hold up the higher end of the average with bigger purchases. This makes sense when you consider that older shoppers typically have higher earnings and higher savings than their younger counterparts. Another interesting note: Americans buy bigger engagement rings than much of the rest of the world. In the United Kingdom, the average engagement ring carat size is 0.6 carats. In the rest of Europe, it’s about 0.5 carats–less than half of the American average. With that being said, let’s take a look at how each of these carat sizes would look in real life.
Diamond Carat Size Chart: Actual Carat Size
While we can understand that a diamond gets bigger as the number of carats grows, it can be tough to picture it on our fingers. That’s why we put together this diamond carat size chart, a great visual aide for understanding what these numbers really mean.
However, keep in mind that, to some extent, diamonds will look different on different finger shapes and sizes. A ½ carat diamond ring will look larger on a size 4 finger than a size 8 finger. By the same token, diamond shapes can also have a dramatic effect on perceived stone size. A 1 carat oval diamond may look bigger than a 1 carat square cut diamond, simply due to the visual effect of the elongated shape.
Diamond cut also has a huge impact on a diamond’s perceived size, but we’ll touch on that later. For now, let’s see what some common carat sizes look like on a typical hand.
.5 carat diamond ring
As you can see from our diamond carat size chart, a .5 carat diamond ring can be just as stunning and sparkling as a larger center stone. For those on a tighter budget, or those who prefer a subtler aesthetic, a .5 carat diamond ring is a gorgeous choice. If you’d like to make it look larger, opt for an elongated shape and a high-quality cut.
1 carat diamond ring
Here’s how the national average carat size stacks up to the rest–pretty impressive, we’d say! It’s elegant and eye-catching, an unmissable presence on anyone’s finger. 1 carat diamond rings come in a huge range of prices, so with a decent budget, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Again, though, if you’d like to make it look bigger than it is, pay special attention to the cut and shape of your stone.
2 carat diamond ring
On the higher end of typical diamond purchases, a 2 carat diamond ring is guaranteed to draw attention. Be sure to consider the most comfortable and functional settings for your 2 carat diamond rings–you don’t have to sacrifice convenience for carat size. At the end of the day, regardless of diamond shape, a 2 carat diamond ring is going to look big. Still, make sure you are buying a well-cut diamond to maximize its brilliance.
3 carat diamond ring
A 3 carat diamond ring features a substantial, sparkling center stone. With a carat weight of this magnitude, you’ll be radiating brilliance wherever you go. As you shop for a 3 carat diamond ring, think about which diamond shape will best complement your finger. 3 carat diamond rings are always stunning, but with the ideal shape and cut, they are truly awe-inspiring.
How Much Does Diamond Quality Matter?
Don’t go for size over quality
Diamond quality is judged by 4 scales, measuring color, cut, clarity and carat size. They’re known as the “4 Cs,” and it’s important to keep all of them in mind when shopping for your diamond. We’ve already covered carat weight, so let’s go over the other three “Cs” and how they impact a diamond’s appearance.
Diamond color refers to a diamond’s tint, with the highest quality diamonds being totally colorless. Diamond color is graded on a letter scale. The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) considers “D” the highest grade and “Z” the lowest.
Diamond clarity, on the other hand, assesses the presence of “inclusions” or flaws in a diamond. Inclusions are any non-diamond materials which get entrapped within the diamond as it forms, including particles of other minerals. Though they’re important in the overall appearance of your diamond, color and clarity don’t have as much of an impact on its perceived size.
Diamond cut is probably the most important factor, alongside carat size, in determining how large your diamond looks. Cut refers to the symmetry and proportions of a diamond–in particular, the facets (or flat faces) of the gemstone. Well-cut facets reflect lots of light to create a fiery, brilliant sparkle. A diamond graded as an “excellent” or “ideal” cut will look larger than it actually is simply due to its radiance. So, if you’d like to get the most bang for your buck in terms of actual carat size, it may not be a bad idea to consider a very well-cut smaller diamond than a less well-cut larger diamond.
How Much Does Carat Size Matter?
Ultimately, it’s up to you and your partner to decide on the importance of carat size as you shop for an engagement ring. It’s something worth discussing before you begin your search, but it’s also not the only important consideration. Get to know your partner’s priorities in an engagement ring. For instance, maybe they’d like a three-stone ring with several smaller diamonds rather than one large one. Maybe their main concern is the ring’s practicality. You won’t know until you ask, and you may be surprised by their answers.
If those conversations don’t leave you feeling confident in your ring choice, there’s nothing wrong with shopping for an engagement ring together. This is increasingly common, and for good reason. It allows both partners to voice their preferences, bring any questions to an expert jeweler, and ultimately select a ring that suits the wearer’s taste and lifestyle.
Visit Our Bemidji Jewelry Store To Find the Perfect Engagement Ring, No Matter What Size
No matter which carat size you ultimately choose, picking an engagement ring is a significant life choice and a major milestone in your journey as a couple. You deserve to collaborate with a jeweler who approaches this decision with care, listens to your preferences, and assists you in discovering the ideal ring to fit your style and budget. At Ken K. Thompson Jewelers, your local jewelry store in Bemidji, Minnesota, you’ll find a team of trustworthy experts here to guide you through the process. Come visit us and we’ll help you find the perfect ring for your special day! Or, you can visit us online to browse our selection of diamond engagement rings.