What’s the Limit for a Lab Diamond Engagement Ring Size?

If you’re on the brink of an engagement and looking into rings, consider opting for a lab-created diamond. Whether you’re after a brand-new ring or wishing to replace an existing one with a larger lab diamond, we’ve got all the essential information on lab-grown diamonds for you.

Diamond Sizing and Carat Weight

Wondering how to determine the right diamond size for your engagement ring? What would be the perfect choice? Which carat weight would best complement your hand? And which diamond fits seamlessly into your desired setting? If these questions are on your mind, we’re here to provide clarity.

Let’s first define what constitutes a big diamond. Generally, diamonds that weigh more than two carats are considered large. A variety of factors, such as location and demographics, influence the average carat size. For instance, the average diamond size in an engagement ring in the United States is 1.08 carats, compared to 0.6 carats in the United Kingdom and around 0.5 carats in Europe.

Note that diamond prices see a significant jump once they exceed the one-carat mark. This is due to larger diamonds being rarer and consequently more expensive. Additionally, the price doesn’t increase in a linear fashion with carat weight; a two-carat diamond costs much more than double the price of a one-carat diamond. Hence, evaluating the diamond’s quality, including its color, cut, and clarity, is more crucial than focusing solely on carat weight. Lab diamonds are about 30% cheaper than their earth-mined counterparts of the same quality, allowing you to afford a larger stone at a lower price. Ensure you select a certified lab diamond to know exactly what you are getting, including its quality details. Lab-grown diamonds are graded using the same color, cut, carat, and clarity scales and are IGI certified. The cut is key to the diamond’s sparkle and overall aesthetics, so understanding its intricacies is essential.

So, what determines if a diamond is too big? Consider these factors:

With the basics of diamond sizes covered, let’s delve into more specifics.

Shape/size of the finger: Take your finger and hand size into account. For those with more petite hands, larger diamonds may appear overwhelming. For example, a one-carat diamond may seem quite large on a size-four finger, while the same diamond might look smaller on a size-eight finger.

Shape of the diamond: Some diamond shapes appear larger than their carat weight suggests. The diamond’s shape can influence its perceived size. The four shapes that typically look the largest per carat are marquise, pear, oval, and emerald (from largest to smallest in appearance). An elongated diamond like an oval or pear will seem larger compared to a square-shaped cut, such as an Asscher or princess cut.

Avoid focusing solely on carat weight: Prioritize a diamond that looks good on your finger and suits your style. A larger diamond doesn’t necessarily mean it will look better on your hand. You can always upgrade your diamond later if desired. Remember, the 4 Cs—color, cut, carat, and clarity—are all crucial when selecting a diamond, not just the carat weight. If you have any questions about lab-grown diamond engagement rings, Artful Bracelets has expert gemologists available via text, phone, or email to assist you. They can help you choose the right diamond size based on your preferences and budget.