Carat weight is NOT as big a deal as you think! The secret lies in the cut.
When it comes to engagement ring shopping, it’s all about going big or going home, right? Wrong. We’re here to put some common misconceptions regarding carat weight and size to sleep, so that you can buy an engagement ring sure to sweep your future ‘Boo’ off her feet!
1. Carat Cut: Why It Matters
Carat cut affects the visual appearance of the diamond and how much it sparkles. So diamonds with a better cut will look brighter. You’ll notice little visual difference while saving yourself some cash. Win Win. Halo rings do a good job of maximizing sparkle, by having an outer ring of smaller diamonds that reflect light off the center stone, making it appear larger:
White Gold Graduated Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
White Gold Double Shank Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
2. Worth the Weight?
As you can probably guess, the more the carat weight, the rarer and more valuable the diamond becomes. This also means your bling comes attached with bigger insurance policies, trade-in policies, and appraisals. Instead, opt for a diamond that’s just shy of the standard cutoff points (0.8 Carat), like these sparkling solitaire, pavé, and halo options. And don’t forget that you can ensure you’ve gotten the best diamond deal with our Diamond Price Match guarantee.
White Gold Comfort Fit Engagement Ring
Yellow Gold Petite Pavé Engagement Ring
Rose Gold Cushion Outline Pavé Engagement Ring
3. In Good Shape
Do you want a diamond that’s larger than life without breaking the bank? Choose an elongated shape such as oval, emerald or pear. These all tend to appear larger for their actual carat weight. A cushion cut style does a great job in maximizing carat weight, at the same time making the stone look larger:
Yellow Gold Cushion Halo Peridot and Diamond Ring
White Gold Pavé Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
4. Bigger Isn’t Always Better
Apart from focusing on carat weight and size, invest in a quality cut. This will maximize light reflection, meaning more sparkle and more dazzle. Remember, a small change in size can often mean a big difference in price! If you’re looking for maximum sparkle, choose a round, cushion or pear cut:
White Gold Pavé Halo & Shank Diamond Engagement Ring
White Gold Cushion Halo Split Shank Engagement Ring
White Gold Cross Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring
5. So, Where Does That Leave You?
Remember diamond specifications are not an exact science and you don’t have to perfect all 4 C’s! Without neglecting carat weight, color and clarity, focus on getting the perfect cut and you’re guaranteed to bag the perfect ring!
Starting your ring search? Check out the articles below to get more inspiration!
- Engagement Ring Etiquette: 5 Big Questions
- Buying An Engagement Ring 101
- Why Diamond Cut Matters Most
- Essential Diamond Terminology
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