Here’s How to Get a Larger Diamond for Your Engagement Ring

Size is everything – or so it seems when you’re shopping for an engagement ring. Although all diamonds are judged by the 4Cs, most customers often focus on carat size when deciding which ring to pop the question with. Most of us assume that a larger diamond must come at a five or even six-figure price tag. In reality, there are several ways to get a larger diamond for your engagement ring without having to go beyond your budget.

Design choices play just as big a role in determining how big your diamond looks. At Valley Rose, our lab-grown diamond engagement rings are sustainably sourced and offer the perfect way to get a bigger-looking engagement ring within your budget. In this post, we’re sharing our advice on how to get a bigger diamond through clever design choices.

Choose an Elongated Diamond Shape

Elongated shapes are one of the most common ways to make an engagement ring look larger. Oval, marquise, and emerald cut diamond rings carry their carat weight differently than other silhouettes, as they cover a larger surface area on your finger. 

You can create a diamond shape that looks bigger by pairing one of these elongated settings with a slim or tapered band to further enhance the illusion. Styles like our ‘Erica Emerald Cut Engagement Ring’ combine a nature-inspired design with a classic emerald cut that provides a ‘hall of mirrors’ effect to make your diamond appear larger than its carat size.

Consider a Halo Setting for Your Engagement Ring

The halo setting is one of the most popular engagement ring styles, adding a circle of smaller diamonds around the center stone to create the illusion of a larger setting. Our vintage-inspired halo engagement rings are meticulously hand-set to create the perfect balance between delicate craftsmanship and a bold silhouette.

A halo setting naturally draws your eye outward, giving the perception of a larger diamond center stone, while helping to reflect light back towards it for maximum sparkle. Classic styles like our ‘Kristina Oval Cut Halo Engagement Ring’ encircle an ethically sourced center stone with a captivating pave setting to give you sparkle from every angle.

Go for a Bezel or East-West Setting for Your Engagement Ring

One of the most underrated ways to enhance the look of your diamond is to opt for a bezel or east-west setting. A bezel setting will encircle your diamond in a thin metal rim, defining its shape and giving it a bolder visual presence. Meanwhile, an east-west setting, like our ‘Indie East West Bezel Engagement Ring’, places your center stone horizontally instead of vertically, giving you the illusion of a larger stone by covering more of your finger.

Pop the Question with a Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring by Valley Rose

Shopping for lab-grown diamonds is the best way to get a bigger stone for the same budget when searching for an engagement ring. At Valley Rose, our ethical lab-grown diamond engagement rings are available in a variety of styles and settings to maximize their sparkle and appearance. Do you have a vision for your engagement ring? Book a complimentary 30-minute consultation to find your perfect match.