How do you pick a diamond engagement ring with a stone that feels just right? Not too large, not too small, but perfectly balanced.
Whilst your budget will naturally play a big role, there are other things to consider that can help to guide your choice. Understanding what’s typical in terms of diamond size can also give you a helpful starting point as you look for something that suits your partner’s style and preferences.
Measuring Diamonds
Diamonds are measured in carats, but this actually relates to the weight of the stone not its dimensions. Of course, the weight of a diamond is closely linked to its physical size, even though two diamonds with the same carat measurement can be different lengths, widths and depths.
The cut of the stone is key. A round or oval cut diamond of the same weight will look different to one another, and you are also likely to prefer one style over the other. Diamonds cut to these shapes are likely to have a larger diameter which often creates the illusion of the diamond being bigger than it actually is.
The Average Size Of Stones In Engagement Rings
Taking the world as a whole, the average size of stones ranges between 0.5 to 1.0 carats. The European average as well as the average in places such as Japan and China is at the lower end of that scale, whilst in the United States, the average is at the upper end and above. The average carat size of stones in engagement rings purchased in the UK is 0.6 carats.
A ‘big diamond’ is usually classed as any stone of 3 carats or above, but you should never feel pressured into buying a stone that’s larger than you can afford. In addition, the size of stone that people purchase often depends on the age of the buyer, with younger people usually choosing smaller size stones, which stands to reason as they’ve had less time to save up. On the other hand, buyers in their thirties and above tend to go for larger stones, having had more opportunity to save for this significant purchase.
Does Size Matter?
Diamond experts often advise that going for a big diamond in an engagement ring isn’t always the best option. Much depends on your preference and whether the recipient wants (or expects) a sizeable sparkler or something more subtle. It’s important for an engagement ring to truly mean something to the wearer and to make them feel special. More often than not, the size of the stone isn’t the most important factor, it’s who the ring is from and the meaning behind it.
Factors That Will Impact The Stone Size You Choose
Cut
As we’ve already mentioned, how a diamond is cut will affect its appearance, including its size. Pear or oval shaped diamonds often register a lower carat weight whilst still looking big when set in a ring. This is usually because there is less depth to the stone and more focus on the diamond covering a larger surface area.
Price
Obviously, the bigger the carat, the higher the price. If the physical dimensions of a diamond are the most important factor for you, you’ll need to either be prepared to pay more or opt for a lower quality diamond.
Diamond specialists will usually advise you to choose a better-quality diamond ahead of a bigger size diamond. If you can afford both size and quality, it won’t need as much deliberation, but if budget is more of a consideration, always opt for the highest carat for your budget and the best quality cut, as both will increase the sparkle of your engagement ring, something that isn’t necessarily dependent on size.
Hand Size
Bear in mind the size of the wearer’s hand; the diamond in an engagement ring on the finger of someone with petite hands can be small and yet still look bigger than it actually is. That’s not to say you have to buy a bigger stone for someone with larger hands. It’s often best to choose a stone that you both like the look of (if you are shopping together), or a diamond with a sparkle that you think will most captivate your partner.
Comfort
Bigger carat sizes mean a heavier ring. The recipient may prefer a lighter, more comfortable ring with a smaller stone which they can wear more often, especially if they have smaller hands and fingers.
Changing The Size Of Your Stone
If, when your ring is made, you’re not happy with the size of the stone, it’s not a problem. A professional jeweller can swap the main stone for something larger, or add smaller stones around the side of your existing stone to bring extra sparkle.
Many people choose to upsize the stone in their engagement ring later in life, when they’ve had more time to save money, and/or to mark special life landmarks such as an anniversary or the arrival of a child or grandchild.
Let Us Help You Choose The Right Size Stone
Here at Hatton Garden Diamond, we’ve been helping couples to choose the perfect engagement ring for over four decades. Whether you visit us in person at our London jewellery district premises, or you order from us online, our team will make the experience of choosing your ring part of the fun and wonder of getting engaged and married.
No matter whether you opt for a petite stone in your engagement ring, or you opt for a stand-out gem, always remember that it’s the symbolism behind the giving and receiving of the ring that matters most.