When selecting an engagement or wedding ring, many couples today are moving away from traditional choices in favor of more personalized options. One fashionable way to add a unique touch is through a 2 carat diamond. However, as popular diamond sizes evolve, they often bring up the same concern: cost. If you’re eyeing this carat size, don’t immediately dismiss it as unaffordable.
The challenge: 2 carat diamonds are rarer than 1 carat diamonds, making it difficult to set a budget before you shop. Let’s break down the cost and influencing factors of these diamonds so you can find the perfect one without exceeding your budget. Also, explore tips on buying an engagement ring on a budget to keep your expenses in check.
The Typical Price of a 2 Carat Diamond
Many assume that the cost of a 2 carat diamond is just twice that of a 1 carat diamond. It’s not that straightforward, though: Sourcing enough raw material for a 2 carat diamond is more challenging than for a 1 carat, leading to a wide price range from $2,000 to $30,000.
Why 2 Carat Diamond Prices Vary
The price of a 2 carat diamond, like all diamonds, is influenced by the 4 C’s — cut, clarity, color, and carat. Diamonds that closely match the “perfect” criteria are priced at the higher end. A 2 carat diamond’s cost is significantly determined by:
Cut
The cut refers to a diamond’s appearance, light interaction, and finish. Each shape and size has an ideal cut proportion. The GIA diamond cut grading ranges from Fair or Poor (these grades are not available at Artful Bracelets) to Excellent. Some diamond cuts, like round cuts, involve more material loss, increasing their cost.
Clarity
Diamonds without blemishes (or inclusions) are highly valued. The clarity rating system is technical, with flawless diamonds at the top. The scale ranges from FL (Flawless) to I1 (Included 1). Further details on the diamond clarity scale are available here.
Color
Though colorless diamonds are most familiar, diamonds come in various colors. The GIA grades diamonds from D-Z based on color. Colorless diamonds (D-F) are rare and expensive, while prices decrease as you move down the scale. Near colorless diamonds fall between G-J, and faint color diamonds range from K-M.
Carat
Larger diamonds with better appearance command higher prices, so a 2 carat stone is significantly more costly than a 1 carat diamond.
Ways to Reduce the Cost of a 2 Carat Diamond
If having a 2 carat diamond is a must but a flawless stone is out of your budget, there is good news: compromising on some of the 4 C’s doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty.
Choose a Less Flawless Diamond: Flawless diamonds are much pricier than those with some inclusions, and minor flaws are often unnoticeable. Some inclusions are not visible to the naked eye, and strategic ring settings can hide them. Our expert gemologists can guide you through finding a stunning diamond within your budget, so feel free to reach out.
Lower Your Color Grade: Diamonds lower on the color scale are cheaper than completely colorless ones. Although slight yellow or brown tones can appear in lower-graded stones, they are often hard to detect. Popular G and H diamonds balance minimal color with affordability.
Avoid Round Numbers: High demand exists for round-sized diamonds, like 1 and 2 carats. However, a diamond just under 2 carats, such as 0.97 carat, can appear just as large to most people but costs less than a 2 carat diamond.
Consider a Halo Setting: Achieve the look of a larger diamond for less by using a halo setting, which places a smaller diamond at the center, surrounded by pavé or micro-pavé diamonds.
Stick to Your Budget
Shopping for a 2 carat diamond can be both exciting and challenging, but there’s no need to exceed your budget. Our expert gemologists can help you evaluate your preferences and find a 2 carat diamond that fulfills your dreams and stays within your budget.
