How Many Carats Should an Engagement Ring Be?
If you've decided to pop the question to your loved one, there is a lot to consider when choosing the ring. What style of engagement ring would they prefer? What are the different types of diamond cut? And, perhaps one of the most commonly asked questions: how many carats should an engagement ring be? In this guide, we'll explain exactly what a diamond carat is, the average carat weight for an engagement ring in the UK, and how to decide whether prioritising carat is the right choice for you.
What is a Diamond Carat?
A diamond carat is the unit of weight used to measure a diamond. One carat equals 0.2 grams. It's a common misconception that carat is the same as size, because depending on how the diamond is cut, the overall appearance can vary significantly. Two diamonds of identical carat weight can look quite different depending on their cut.
In the UK, the average engagement ring sits at 0.6 carats for a natural diamond and costs around £2,000. However, at a similar price point, you could choose a larger lab-grown diamond.
What’s the smallest carat size I should go for?
At Shining Diamonds, the smallest carat size we offer is 0.25ct. Below this, a stone can be difficult to see clearly with the naked eye in a solitaire setting. Most classic engagement ring settings are proportioned for stones of 0.25ct and above, and smaller stones can look awkward in standard settings. Smaller diamonds are also difficult to appraise individually and hold limited resale value as a single stone.
How many carats should I get for an engagement ring?
When it comes to choosing the perfect engagement ring for your partner, it's more important to select a carat size that suits your partner's individual style. We've outlined four steps to help you find the perfect fit.
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Check how much your budget can afford
While carat size does affect the price of a diamond, it's not the only deciding factor. A well-cut 0.6-carat diamond will outshine a poorly cut 1.0-carat stone. Before fixating on weight, set a realistic budget and understand that cut, clarity, and colour all affect what your money buys.
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Consider laboratory grown diamonds to get more for your budget
For the same budget, a laboratory-grown diamond gives you a larger, higher-quality stone. Laboratory-grown diamonds have identical physical and optical properties to natural diamonds and cost around 30% less.
Lab Grown Best Sellers
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Consider the hand
Ring size and hand proportions affect how a diamond looks in real life. On smaller hands, a lower carat weight looks more natural, whereas larger hands may need a bigger stone to achieve the same visual impact.
Here at Shining Diamonds, we offer a range of carat weights from 0.25ct to accommodate all styles and budgets, so you can make the best decision for your partner.
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Find a ring that fits their lifestyle
Consider your partner's lifestyle. If they have a labour-intensive job, a large diamond may be impractical. Similarly, if they lead a very active lifestyle, they may want to prioritise comfort over carat size.
Where can you save on cost without losing quality?
If you still want to prioritise carat size, the best place to economise is clarity. Most inclusions in VS2, SI1, or SI2 diamonds are invisible to the naked eye. Choosing white, yellow, or rose gold over platinum also allows you to select a slightly lower colour grade without a visible difference, freeing up budget for size or cut.
If you’re picking the engagement ring for yourself, try on your dream engagement ring with our virtual diamond carat size tool. Alternatively, browse our full selection of engagement rings to find the perfect ring for your partner.
