The range of 1.0 to 1.9 carats is by far the most popular, but there are noticeable peaks at the 0.70 – 0.79 range, the 0.90 – 0.99 range and the 1.50 – 1.59 range. It's great to see that people take our advice and go for a diamond that's slightly lighter or heavier than industry cutoff weights to get the best value.
Tip #1: Standard & Average Sizes
The 1.0 carat center stone used to be the most desired size chosen for engagement rings, however, more recently we are seeing this shift towards a slightly larger stone, with couples choosing diamonds averaging 1.25 to 1.50 carats.
Typically the average carat for a diamond engagement ring is anywhere from 0.5 carats to 1 carat. The price of a diamond ring somewhere between these sizes can vary dramatically according to the specifications you select.
"Most women think of two carats as a decent-size diamond, with a typical color clarity ranging from VS1-VS2, F-G color. [D is colorless.] A noticeably big diamond will be three carats and above.
Is a 2 carat diamond considered to be big? The average carat weight for a diamond engagement ring is about 0.9 carat, meaning a 2 carat diamond is definitely considered big.
Hailey Bieber's engagement ring is a stunning piece of jewelry that features a breathtaking oval cut diamond that is estimated to be between 6 to 10 carats in size. The diamond is set in a classic yellow gold band with a very delicate and tucked away peek-a-boo hidden halo.
The average engagement ring size varies across the globe. It constitutes 0.6 CT in the U.K., 0.9 CT in the USA, 0.5 CT in Europe. The most desired сarat size on a finger in Australia is 1.0. According to our survey, the most frequently bought carat sizes in 2021 are 1.25, 1.0, and 1.5.
Beyond being a perfect size (big, but not too clunky on your finger), the 1-carat diamond ring is a popular choice because it allows the wearer to adorn a ring with side stones, like a 3-stone ring, leaving room for extra diamonds to accentuate the center stone without overcrowding or overwhelming it.
Visually, a 1.5-carat diamond face up doesn't look that much smaller than a 2-carat diamond. On average, 2-carat round-cut diamonds have an average diameter of 8mm, making them only 0.6mm larger than a 1.5-carat round diamond. With a halo or a thin band, your stone can definitely pass as a 2 carat.
On top of this, there's Kim's 20-carat engagement ring worth a staggering $3million, making it one of the most expensive celebrity engagement rings of all time. This isn't the only engagement ring Kim's had from Kanye, either, as over time she's had three stunning pieces.
If you're from the Midwest or a smaller town, you'll notice that a 1 carat stone is still considered the “classic” weight. Look around and see what most of your social circle is sporting and you'll have a good idea if your one carat rock is considered large, geographically speaking.
In the United States, for example, the national average for an engagement ring is around one carat. In the United Kingdom, it's 0.6 carats, and in Europe it's even smaller, hovering at 0.5 carats. Age also matters.
Is a 0.5-carat diamond big enough for an engagement ring? Yes, absolutely. In fact, it's a very good size for engagement rings – not too big and not too small. Just right, as Goldilocks would say.
A 3-carat diamond is large enough in size and carat weight to stand out. This type of diamond is also manageable enough to easily wear in a ring. Many diamond shoppers find that this size is just right for them. One important factor to consider is your diamond's cut.
Is a 3-Carat Diamond Considered Big? According to most diamond experts, anything over 2 carats is considered significantly big. So yes, 3-carat diamonds fit into the category of 'huge' diamonds.
A 1.7 carat diamond ring is big, without looking too big. It is over the average carat weight of 1.25 ct, but is becoming far more common due to the lower per-carat cost of lab diamonds.
One of the decisions to be made when considering the purchase of an engagement ring is how many carats should the ring be? The average according to The Knot (a research company and website for all things wedding) is 1 to 2 carats. There is no rule. Developing a budget is always a good place to start.
A ¾ carat diamond can be the perfect size. Bigger is not necessarily better. It's all about the quality of the diamond and the design of the finished piece.
0.70 Carats
A sweet spot in the compromise between size and price, diamonds around the 0.70-ct mark make great engagement ring stones. A diamond budget of about $2,000 can get you a fine diamond at this weight. Find this Ring. A band that tapers near the center stone will also make your diamond appear larger.
For the average person in the U.S., any diamond at least between 2 and 2.4 carats is considered “big,” i.e., way more than enough.
The average size of diamonds in engagement rings in Australia. The average size of a diamond in engagement rings in Australia is 1.0, and the most frequently bought carat sizes in 2023 are 0.5, 1.0, 1.25 and 1.5. Many consider a one-carat diamond solitaire engagement rings as a classic choice.
The center stone has a special meaning
The cushion-cut center diamond of Meghan's engagement ring is estimated to be roughly three carats and was sourced from Botswana — a country that is very important to Prince Harry and where the couple took their first vacation together.
Kate Middleton's engagement ring is an oval Ceylon sapphire ring set in 18-karat white gold. The 12-carat sapphire is surrounded by an impressive 14 solitaire diamonds. It has astonishing history, and it was once given to Princess Diana by Prince Charles.
Katy Perry's engagement ring is as unique and bold as the singer herself. With a two carat oval ruby center stone and a halo of eight diamonds surrounding it, the ring looks like a flower.