Are you in the market for an engagement ring, or plan to purchase one soon? Are you wondering about diamond sizes, values, etc.? For instance, you may wonder whether to get a one- or two-carat diamond engagement ring. Is there really that much of a difference between the two?
An engagement ring isn’t just any old purchase. It is an investment and something that will likely be handed down from generation to generation. So, must learn as much as possible to make the best decision about this investment.
Today we will talk about one-carat vs. two-carat diamond rings. Let’s get started.
What is a 2-Carat Diamond?
Many make the mistake of thinking that carat size means the actual size of the diamond. Actually, the carat size is the weight of the stone. For example, a two-carat diamond weighs about 400 milligrams (0.4 grams), or the equivalent weight of half of a raisin.
How Much Does a 2-Carat Diamond Cost?
There will be many things to consider when choosing the right diamond engagement ring, including the cost. When it comes to the price of a diamond, it can vary depending on several factors, including the shape, cut, and clarity. However, it is not unusual to spend between $5,000 and $60,000 for a two-carat diamond in most cases.
Keep in mind that this price is for the diamond alone and doesn’t include the cost of the setting. If other stones are in the ring, the setting can cost between $300 and $6,000, or even more, depending on the metal you choose. Obviously, the right setting will make the stone stand out.
Now, back to the diamond itself. A two-carat diamond isn’t necessarily the best if you’re shopping at the lower end of the price scale. Sure, you can pay the least amount possible, but the diamond isn’t going to be nearly as high in clarity as one that costs more. Remember, you do get what you pay for. So expect to spend at the higher end of the scale if you want a flawless diamond.
The Difference Between a Diamond Carat and a Diamond Size
As we mentioned earlier, the carat weight has nothing to do with the actual size of the diamond. It is all about weight. How the stone is cut will influence its size. For instance, if you were to choose a round cut, the size would be about 8-10 mm. On the other hand, if the stone is made into a marquis or oval cut, it will appear larger because of its shape.
Cuts, Shapes, and Sizes
When you begin shopping for a diamond engagement ring, you will likely notice many different cuts for stones. So let’s look at the popular cuts and their shapes and discuss stone sizes.
Round Brilliant Cut
The most popular diamond shape is the round brilliant cut. It is thought that the size of a stone in this cut is pretty close to the carat weight.
Oval Shaped
The oval shape is becoming more and more popular. They are much like the round brilliant, and the shape makes them appear larger than a round cut.
Emerald Cut
This is one of the oldest diamond shapes and is very popular. It has facets that are steeply cut, thus creating a mirror-like effect. It is rectangular in shape, and like the oval, it tends to look larger because of its shape.
Pear Shaped
This shape is considered quite symbolic, resembling a teardrop. Like emerald and oval cut stones, it looks larger because of its shape.
Princess Cut
This relatively newer shape is becoming quite popular. It is a square shape, so stones of this cut tend to look smaller than other shapes but larger than a round brilliant.
Cushion Cut
This cut resembles a pillow or cushion, hence the name. It resembles a round cut in many ways, but the carat weight may be hidden due to the deeper cuts and may look smaller than a round brilliant that weighs the same.
Radiant Cut
This cut has similar clean lines to those of an emerald cut stone but sparkles like a round brilliant. Once again, the shape of this cut makes a diamond appear larger than other shapes.
Marquise Cut
This is a play on the oval shape, with a point at either end. Stones in this shape look larger than stones in any other cut, so a two-carat stone will look very large.
1 vs. 2 Carat Engagement Ring: Which is Better?
To say that a one-carat diamond engagement ring is better than a two-carat engagement ring is better, or vice versa is a matter of preference in many cases. Also, a one-carat stone may be smaller than a two-carat stone, but it may be a higher quality diamond and, therefore, better than the larger diamond. Here are some things to consider when deciding between one- and two-carat diamonds.
The Diameter
It is essential to remember that two-carat diamond rings may not be twice as large as one-carat diamond rings. However, the heavier stone could look smaller because a diamond’s size is gauged by the appearance from the top of the stone. For instance, a one-carat diamond generally has a diameter of 6.5mm, whereas a two-carat stone has a diameter of about 8.2mm.
The Price
Any diamond’s price, no matter the size, depends on several variables. For instance, the color and clarity of the stone play a considerable role in its price. The higher the quality, the higher the price will be. If you have your heart set on a two-carat diamond but can’t afford the cost of natural diamonds, you may want to consider a less expensive lab-created diamond. They look just as great as genuine diamonds and can be priced much lower.
Popularity
In some cases, the larger the stone, the more socially prominent the wearer is. This would mean that larger stones are more popular in such a case. But, for the average person, a two-carat diamond engagement ring may be out of the question due to budgetary considerations. Remember that a diamond engagement ring shouldn’t be about winning a popularity contest. It should be all about the person who is going to wear it. That is the only person the ring needs to be popular with.
Intrinsic Value
While some people buy diamond rings as symbols of love, others see them as investments. First, remember that a diamond, like an automobile, decreases in value by about 20 percent the minute you walk out of the store with it. If you want to sell it, you will likely not get what you paid for it later. So rather than looking at a diamond ring as an investment, look at it as something that will be a family heirloom for many generations. That’s where the value lies for most people.
Related Questions
Is a two-carat diamond considered to be big?
While a two-carat diamond is considered a big stone, the cut will also determine how large it actually appears.
Why are two-carat diamonds so much more expensive than one-carat diamonds?
The larger the size and carat weight of a diamond, the more it will cost. Remember, it is much more challenging to find the raw material to create a two-carat stone than a one-carat stone. This will affect the cost of the diamond significantly.
2 Carat vs. 2.5 Carat: What’s the Difference?
There is very little difference between a two-carat diamond and one that is 2.5 carats. The most significant difference is that the larger of the two in a round cut has about 16 percent more surface area than the one that is lesser in weight.
Conclusion
Purchasing a diamond engagement is not a decision to be made lightly. There are many things to consider, including the carat weight and price per carat, the color range, the clarity, etc. However, the most crucial factor to consider is the person wearing it. It should reflect their individual style and taste. Obviously, it is also important to note that the love surrounding the ring holds the most value.
