How to Buy a Big Diamond Ring from 2-5 Carat

From our experience when talking to customers who come seeking a big diamond ring—usually as an engagement ring—we’ve observed that many customers happily order big diamond rings as symbols of a full life: one filled with priceless love or significant achievements. They feel that anything under 2 carats simply doesn’t do justice to these milestones.

Even when many customers are ready to order big diamond rings without worrying about costs, it's important not to overlook value, especially when talking about diamond rings between 2 to 5 carats. It’s essential to know how to thoroughly examine the diamond’s qualities to ensure the ring’s brilliance matches its price.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into what you need to know about buying big diamond rings, whether it’s a 2, 3, 4, or 5-carat diamond ring, so you can make a purchase that perfectly meets your sparkling expectations. Let’s explore together.

Big Diamond Rings – How Big Are They?

If we’re talking about the size of big diamond rings in each carat, we can measure their approximate table size as follows:

• 2 Carat Diamond Ring: Approximate table size 8.19×8.19mm, weighing 0.4 grams
• 3 Carat Diamond Ring: Approximate table size 9.37×9.37mm, weighing 0.6 grams
• 4 Carat Diamond Ring: Approximate table size 10.32×10.32mm, weighing 0.8 grams
• 5 Carat Diamond Ring: Approximate table size 11.11×11.11mm, weighing 1 gram

But when we talk about the ‘carat’ of a diamond, we’re primarily referring to its weight—not necessarily its size.

For example, two 5-carat diamonds might look different in size. One could have a wider table and a shallow cut, while the other might have a deeper cut but a narrower table. Despite their different looks, they would both weigh 1 gram.

Assessing the Value of a Big Diamond Ring

Even though diamond prices are calculated per carat, the price per carat increases exponentially as the carat weight rises.

For instance, a 2-carat diamond may have a certain value per carat, but a 3-carat diamond of the same quality will have a significantly higher price per carat. This price jump applies even to diamonds that are close in weight, such as comparing a 5-carat diamond with a 4.90-carat diamond, which can show a price difference of up to 5-15%.

Because of this price jump, many people opt for diamonds just under the desired carat weight—such as a 4.90-4.99 carat diamond ring—to stay within budget.

While this is a common approach, many customers ultimately choose a diamond with the exact carat weight they desire because the carat number itself holds emotional value, making them willing to pay more for that significance.

If you’re considering buying a big diamond ring, we recommend not limiting yourself solely to carat weight as a way to save money. Instead, look at rings both in the carat size you want and those slightly below or above, so you don’t miss out on finding a diamond that’s both beautiful and a good investment.

Where Should You Buy Your Big Diamond Ring?

Most big diamond rings are not off-the-shelf items. They typically require a custom order, and for this, you’ll need to work with a jeweler experienced in sourcing high-quality, large diamonds.

Choosing a large diamond demands expertise, precision, and the right network to access reputable diamond sources. It’s important to consult with a specialist to ensure the diamond meets your specific needs before setting it in your desired ring design.

How to Buy a Big Diamond Ring Like a Pro – The 4Cs

When buying diamond rings of 2 carats or larger, the rarity of such stones, especially ones with excellent brilliance and expert cuts, makes it crucial to examine the 4Cs: Clarity, Color, Cut, and Carat. Here’s how you can select your diamond like a professional by focusing on clarity, color, and cut.

1. Clarity

Clarity measures how free a diamond is from blemishes and inclusions. The fewer the imperfections, the more brilliant the diamond will appear. The clarity scale ranges from best to worst as follows:

• Flawless (FL)
• Internally Flawless (IF)
• Very Very Small Inclusions 1 (VVS1)
• Very Very Small Inclusions 2 (VVS2)
• Very Small Inclusions 1 (VS1)
• Very Small Inclusions 2 (VS2)
• Small Inclusions 1 (SI1)
• Small Inclusions 2 (SI2)

For 2-carat diamond rings, we recommend choosing diamonds with at least VS1 clarity, but for larger rings, VS2 is acceptable if the inclusions are positioned near the edges, where they can be hidden by the setting. If you want top-notch brilliance, diamonds with VVS1 or VVS2 clarity are ideal.

2. Color

Color refers to how "white" or colorless a diamond is. The diamond color scale ranges from D (the highest, completely colorless) to Z (a noticeable yellow tint).

For big diamonds, the color of the ring metal can also influence how white the diamond appears. For instance, a J color diamond may look more colorless when set in a yellow gold band but may show a slight yellow tint in a white gold setting. For the best value, diamonds graded between G and I provide a balance of quality and price, still appearing almost as colorless as D-F graded stones.

3. Cut

The cut of the diamond is the most crucial factor influencing how brilliantly your big diamond ring sparkles. A well-cut diamond will reflect light more efficiently, making it appear even more radiant.

We recommend selecting a ‘Triple Excellent Cut’ diamond, also known as 3EX, which ensures excellent cut grade, excellent polish, and excellent symmetry. This will be clearly stated in the diamond’s certificate.

A Big Diamond Ring and Its Ring Design

When choosing a big diamond ring of 2 carats or more, the design is just as important as the diamond itself. A larger diamond offers a different aesthetic compared to smaller stones, providing a more luxurious and eye-catching appearance.

2 Carat Diamond Rings: A 2-carat diamond ring is a popular choice, offering more impact than a 1-carat ring while maintaining elegance. Halo settings or vintage designs can add a touch of extravagance without overshadowing the diamond.

3 Carat Diamond Rings: A 3-carat diamond is an instant attention-grabber. We recommend simpler designs, such as solitaire or pavé settings, to let the diamond’s natural beauty shine through.

4 and 5 Carat Diamond Rings: These diamonds require a balance between the size of the ring and the wearer’s finger size. For slender fingers, avoiding heavy side stones or three-stone designs will help maintain comfort and proportion. For larger fingers, adding side stones or a double band design can enhance the grandeur of the ring.

Bonus Tips: In custom rings, opt for at least a 6-prong setting made from platinum to ensure security. For ultimate durability, consider a bezel setting.

Bonus: How to Buy a Big Diamond Ring on a Budget

The good news is that you can still get a big diamond ring within your budget using these smart approaches:

1. Buy Fancy Shapes: Fancy-shaped diamonds like emerald, oval, and pear cuts offer excellent value at prices up to 20% lower than round diamonds.

2. Choose Halo Settings: Surround a smaller center diamond with a halo of smaller diamonds for the illusion of a larger diamond.

3. Go for Three-Stone or Cluster Rings: Combine smaller diamonds to reach the total carat weight you desire. This option is often more affordable than a single large diamond.

Read more: 8 tricks to make your diamond engagement ring look bigger

With careful planning and informed decisions, you can achieve your dream of owning a big diamond ring that perfectly represents your success and achievements in life. Use these tips to make a purchase that’s truly worth the wait.

If you’re unsure how to get the best value for your budget, feel free to reach out to our diamond experts at Above Diamond, and we’ll help you find the perfect big diamond ring.