How to Choose the Perfect Carat Size for Your Engagement Ring

One of the biggest questions about an engagement ring is carat size. This may seem simple or straightforward at first but finding the right one can be more complex than anticipated. After all, the rite of a diamond is more than an object of adornment, it is love, devotion, and a commitment for a lifetime.

In this blog, we will provide a review of how to select the ideal carat size for an engagement ring relative to your partner's personality, personal style, and lifestyle. We also provide a review of how shape impacts carat size, along with the options for customization of rings that can assist in the process of designing unique rings through Friendly Diamonds.

Table of Content

• What is Carat Size?
• How to Select the Proper Carat Size for Your Engagement Ring
• Diamond Shapes and How They Influence Carat Size
• Customization Options for Your Engagement Ring
• Summar

What is Carat Size?

Before you get started on selecting the carat size, you must understand what exactly this term really means. Even though everybody equates the word carat to the diamond size, it actually is a reference to the diamond's weight rather than its measurement.

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In simple terms, a carat is 200 milligrams and helps to determine the weight of the diamond and how large it will appear. It must be known that differently shaped diamonds can appear in varying sizes even when they are the same size. An example would be a round diamond appearing smaller than an oval-shaped diamond of the same weight because light acts differently in each shape.

Having knowledge of carat size in engagement rings will allow you to easily strike a balance between size, quality, and price. Just remember, although the larger diamond will be more spectacular, it's the quality of the cut, clarity, and color that truly determine its overall beauty and worth.

How to Select the Proper Carat Size for Your Engagement Ring

The choice of an appropriate carat size is a personal decision that depends on style, lifestyle, price, and functionality. Make sure to take the following into account when determining the perfect carat size.

Your Partner’s Style and Personality

It is worth taking into account your partner's individual style. Do they like bold, statement pieces of jewelry, or do they like understated and classic styles? For instance, greater carat weight is an excellent means of highlighting bigger statement pieces, but for someone with a more classic, vintage style, smaller or dainty pieces may catch their eye more! 

Lifestyle and Practicality

Take into account the practicality of the ring for everyday wear. If your partner is the working-with-hands type or the busy type, he or she will likely prefer a smaller, heavier diamond that will not interrupt everyday activities. A bigger diamond will need so much more attention and care than a smaller one, and you need to seriously consider whether your partner will be able to provide that. Consider how the diamond will complement their personality and how it will fit their lifestyle.

Budget Implications

When it comes to the cost of a diamond, carat weight is an important consideration. Generally, the bigger your diamond is, the harder it may be to budget for. But don't be disheartened because there are loads of wonderful options for you within your budget. If you are hoping for a bigger diamond but you must be a bit more budget-friendly, you might look at some Lab-created diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are usually cheaper, and this will enable you to obtain a better quality diamond in a bigger size, so you can sacrifice a bit on size without sacrificing much on quality.

Finger Size and Diamond Proportions

It is necessary to consider the proportional relationship between the stone and the hand of the wearer. Therefore, consider your partner's finger size and hand measurements while making the decision. Attempt to strike a balance between the presence of the diamond and the natural features of wear. 

Diamond Shapes and How They Influence Carat Size

In addition, the carat weight of an engagement ring influences the diamond's overall appearance. However, the diamond's shape will have a significant impact on how a carat weight looks. Friendly Diamonds has a variety of diamond shapes available, and each shape may affect the perceived size of the diamond.

Round

Round-cut diamonds are the most popular and will tend to appear the brightest. Due to their symmetry, they will display the most brilliance of a diamond, making them a fantastic choice, especially with larger sizes. However, they also work quite well, appearing beautiful in small sizes.

Oval

An oval diamond cut tends to appear larger than a round diamond of the same weight because it has a longer length. This is ideal for people who want something different or more modern while still having a decent diamond size.

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Pear 

A pear-shaped diamond is a combination of round and marquise diamond cuts. They look larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight, so they are an excellent choice for someone who desires a traditional look but is still dramatic.

Marquise 

Marquise-cut diamonds have sharp tips and present the illusion that they are bigger than equal-carat round diamonds. It is an excellent cut for someone who prefers the dramatic vintage effect.

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Cushion 

Cushion-cut diamonds have a square shape with rounded corners, which gives them a softer, antique appearance. They will seem smaller than round diamonds of the same weight, but they have their own unique charm and personality.

Princess

Diamonds with a princess cut are a great choice for someone looking for a sleek, trendy look. They have a gorgeous sparkle and appear larger than a round-shaped diamond of the same carat weight, which makes them a popular choice.

Radiant 

Radiant diamonds give off a flashing brilliance, which is similar to emerald and round-cut diamond brilliance. Radiant diamonds, on occasion, tend to seem larger than round diamonds, be the diamonds in question big or small.

Emerald

Emerald-cut diamonds have a stylish, traditional appearance with a rectangular and elongated shape. They generally display their size a bit more, so they are perfect for those who prefer a bigger diamond.

Heart

Heart-shaped diamonds are a recent addition to our roster, often selected due to their inherent love charm. These resemble their round-brilliant counterparts in shape and brilliance, which means they can appear larger than a round-cut diamond of the same carat weight, even if the size is slightly reduced in the cut.

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Asscher

With its square shape and cut corners, asscher-cut diamonds have a distinctive classic look. Though they may appear smaller in appearance than a round diamond of the same carat count, their individuality is appealing.

Fiery Round

The Fiery Round shaped diamonds are designed in a way to reflect more light than regular round diamonds. Meaning, that a fiery round diamond with a smaller carat would sparkle more when put next to a round diamond.

Customization Options for Your Engagement Ring

At Friendly Diamonds, we understand that every couple is different and has different designs for their engagement ring. That is why we have plenty of customization options available to help you realize your vision.

Choose Your Diamond

Start by picking your diamond. Whether you want a sparkly round, a classic oval, a modern pear shape, or anything else in our extensive variety, every diamond is beautifully cut and polished.

Choose A Ring Setting

The next step is to find the right ring setting for your chosen diamond. There are different styles to choose from, such as traditional solitaire settings, halo settings, or designs inspired by an era.

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Select Your Metal

For your diamond, select a metal that is durable such as white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold in either 14K or 18K. Each metal has a distinct look and texture for your diamond to sit in.

View Your Ring

Our user-friendly design tool allows you to preview what your diamond will look like within your selected setting. You can play with combinations before you make your decision.

Include Personalization

Add to the meaning of your engagement ring by adding personalization on the band with a personal engraving, initials, special date, or even a special phrase.

Select Ring Size

Be certain of the right fit with access to our ring size options. If you are unable to ascertain the ring size of your fiancé, we provide simple tips for how to get the triggering size.

Complete Your Order

Once you have finalized the design, check out now and have your bespoke engagement ring delivered to your door.

Summary

Selecting the carat size for engagement rings is more than just finding the biggest diamond you can afford. It's all about the exact combination of size, quality, and what will make your loved one feel valued and cherished. At Friendly Diamonds, we will help you every step of the way, with an array of customization options that will help make the experience as easy and personal as possible.

Are you ready to begin creating your ideal engagement ring? Take a look at our beautiful collection of loose lab-grown diamonds, and find the right carat size that is meaningful to your love.