What Size Should the Diamond In My Engagement Ring Be?

March 3, 2023

Choosing a diamond engagement ring can be a daunting process. After all, the commitment for life you are proposing (when you propose) is one of the most significant acts you’ll ever perform, and on top of that you have to start thinking about what a wedding looks like (maybe sounds stressful?). And you need to present the perfect diamond ring for your bride to be, to wear – not just until you get married – but for a long time into the unforeseeable future. None of this can be taken lightly. But it definitely shouldn’t be an unpleasant experience either. In fact, we suggest you try to have some fun with it, guys and girls! A very, very common question we hear is, “How many carats should the diamond in my engagement ring be?” In our guide below, we discuss diamonds, carats and more – and find out if it’s true that size does matter.

DIAMOND DECISIONS

Before we go any further, there’s something you should know from the outset - don’t sweat it. You’ve got this. We’ve got your back! That’s what good jewellers do, it’s our job. There’s a whole bunch of factors involved when selecting a diamond engagement ring. At Diamond Exchange, we will explain it all to you clearly, patiently and in terms you can understand, so that you are confident in making your decision.

With engagement rings, various stones, styles, shapes and sizes come in and out of fashion. The same goes with jewellery in general and of course with all things that are subject to trends and tastes. Which is probably most things, from consumer products to foods and lifestyles. Pretty much everything. Flirting with fashion is fun, but an engagement ring is not the same as a pair of flared jeans which you can drop off at the Salvos when you get sick of them. Or that paleo diet which you ditch when you decide you actually need bread and pasta in your life. An engagement ring is meant to last for a lifetime, and should look fabulous on each and every one of those days. Being worn by its owner. The pairing is unique on the planet. That ring and that person. For a lifetime. And possibly beyond (remember, diamonds are forever). The point we’re making here is that ideally, you want your diamond engagement ring to have a timeless quality to it. Perhaps with a nod to a contemporary look, but at the end of the day, you want a beautiful ring which will stand the test of time and still look amazing decades down the
track.

WHAT IS IN VOGUE, ANYWAY?

It’s actually not quite as simple as that. What’s on trend has a different meaning for different types of people in different locations around the world. For instance, if you follow Hollywood celebrity form, you might think that when it comes to diamonds, big is always better. Some glossy upmarket magazines might be suggesting that certain types of gemstones are in this season, or particular shapes. Your friends and family probably have varying opinions about what the ideal engagement ring should look like. And those views are probably all valid. The point being there’s no one contemporary look which gets first prize. It’s personal. So very personal. You really need to think very carefully, firstly about that notion and what it entails. Secondly, keep in mind long term goals (i.e. a ring which goes the distance) and thirdly – and this is particularly true in relation to carats – weigh up (pun intended!) the pros and cons around size, quality and budget.

WHAT ARE THESE PROS AND CONS YOU SPEAK OF?

There are several factors to consider, which we list below. As you will see, carat or size should not be your number one imperative, when choosing a diamond. Bigger does not equal better. Sometimes, less is more, as the expression goes. Big can be plain wrong for some people. Conversely, if you are determined to ‘go large’, that’s great! There are actually clever ways and means of procuring the largest stone possible for your budget, which we’ll also explain.

CARATS AND SIZE

Many people don’t realise that ‘carat’ and ‘size’ and not quite the same thing, and it’s an important distinction to understand, from the outset, when you’re starting off on your quest for the perfect diamond engagement ring. Again, never fear, we are here – to help you succeed in this most noble crusade. Carat actually refers to the weight of a gemstone; it’s equivalent to 0.2 grams. And depending on shape and cut, stones which actually weigh the same (in carats) can appear quite different in size, at a glance. This is important to keep in mind. ‘Carat’ is one of the 4C’s, which we use to describe and value diamonds: carat, cut, colour and clarity. We will mention this in passing in this article, but for more detailed information you should head across to our educational pages, where the 4C’s are discussed in detail. You should definitely become familiar with these C’s.

BUDGET

The other essential thing to do at the outset is determine what your budget will be. You might have a bit of room to move, sure, but have a pretty good idea. You’ll be surprised at how many ways there are in which to flex, so that you get the best bang for your buck for the sort of stone you have in mind.

THE CLASSIC

The time-honoured, tried and tested classic option is a solitaire diamond on a fairly simple setting, in platinum or gold. By far the most typically requested stone for one of these is the one carat diamond. Basically, you will not go wrong if you opt for this style and size. As far as budget is concerned, did you know that there is a way you can cut corners – literally!? Diamonds increase in value for each 0.5 carat. What this means is that if you select a stone just shy of 1 carat – say a 0.9 carat diamond, you will get more for your money. And for all intents and purposes (i.e. the overall look, feel and presence of the stone) you may as well have a 1 carat classic, because no-one will be able to tell the difference. And you might be able to divert those dollars saved into a more expensive setting, for instance. Or a taller wedding cake perhaps?

CUT, COLOUR AND CLARITY

Carat, cut, colour and clarity determine the quality of a given diamond in combination, but the most influential of the 4C’s is cut really. If the cut has not been finished skilfully, it doesn’t matter how big the diamond is, it won’t sparkle as it should. So you can play around with the cut factor to an extent, to suit your preference for size or carat, in line with your budget. For instance, the most excellent cuts can pretty much obscure any internal imperfections or ‘flaws’ or ‘inclusions’. So if you are not too concerned about those things, you can potentially get a bigger diamond which is not perfect in all ways, yet the cut is sufficient that the stone presents beautifully anyway. Sounds good right? Industry expert, US diamond specialist Anna Jay sums it up well: “Rather than being hung up on what the number is I suggest focusing on what you like, what looks best on your hand, and working with a jeweler that can help you find a beautifully cut diamond.” Conversely, you may come across a diamond which has not been cut to the same high standards and so is less valuable. If it’s a big one, and you’re craving copious carats, you might get a big boy for a fair bit less than a comparable competitor with a better cut. The same applies with colour and clarity. If you’re willing to overlook lower gradings in these areas, you might be able to go up an increment or two on the carat scale. Most people are more interested in the overall quality of the diamond over its size, but by carefully considering the interplay of these four factors in a particular stone, you may be able to live with less of one in return for more of another, which may ultimately suit your search best.

SHAPE

If you’re not hung up on having a round cut solitaire, why not consider some of the other shapes? The other shapes such as Marquise, oval and pear shape diamonds in particular can look really sizable when worn, yet their carat count is the same. In general, these other shapes cost significantly less than round, so you can get a larger looking jewel boasting more carats, if you opt for one of these. Known as the ‘fancy’ shapes, they are very popular at the moment and they are striking in their designs, difference and dramatic nuance.

SETTINGS

Sure, settings play second fiddle to the star of the show, the diamond. But they have an important role to play. Different settings can accentuate the way the size of the stone appears, visually. Side stones, halos and other design features can make a centre stone seem larger. On the flip side, a diamond which is too big on a setting will not sit properly and may look crook. The setting is crucial, not an afterthought, so make sure you keep this in mind when deciding how many carats you need.

PRACTICALITIES

Don’t forget that big stones can be more difficult to live with – in terms of an item of jewellery worn daily on someone’s hand. A large stone with a higher profile is much more likely to get caught or knocked; can make it tricky to reach into pockets and things. For a person who’s active – on the go – or working with hands, a carat-heavy diamond can be heavy going! Also, consider the shape of the person’s fingers. Are they delicate; elegant? Or of more generous proportions? You want the ring to look just right as it rests on the finger, not too small or too large, but just right.

SMALLER DIAMONDS

Smaller diamonds can look just as good as their weightier cousins. Diamonds which are 0.1 – 0.4 carats can make gorgeous, sophisticated, understated rings - which are perfect if your style is more minimalist. 0.5 carat diamonds are a great option for a terrific looking, high performing ring. You may go for a halo setting to get some extra sparkle. 0.7 carats is an elegant compromise between the smaller, less expensive stones and the one carat classic. This size can get you a dazzling diamond which stands proud solo or with a little help from some side-stone friends.

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