Which Carat Size is Right for Your Engagement Ring?

Does size really matter? When you’re shopping for an engagement ring, carat size is one aspect that can feel overwhelming. For too long, engagement rings have been judged solely on their carat size. It’s one of the ‘4 Cs’ of diamonds, along with cut, clarity, and color.

It’s a common misconception that a bigger carat means a nicer ring, but there’s much more to consider. While 3-carat engagement rings might work with your budget, 2-carat engagement rings may reflect your style better. Finding the right carat size for your engagement ring is all about striking a balance between aesthetics, lifestyle preferences, and budget.

This guide will help you find the ideal carat size, whether you’re planning to pop the question to your partner or if you’re shopping together for an alternative engagement ring.

What Does “Carat” Mean for Engagement Rings?

‘Carat’ is used to measure the weight of a diamond or precious stone but is often mistaken for representing its physical dimensions. 1 carat engagement rings weigh 200 milligrams. Although engagement rings with a bigger carat will typically look larger, there are clever methods that designers use to make smaller diamonds appear larger.

The cut of the stone is just as important. A poorly cut 1-carat ring will look smaller, while a well-cut stone will reflect light more and have extra sparkle. Clarity also impacts the appearance of a diamond as fewer inclusions give the stone a clearer look.

The Visual Impact of Different Carat Sizes

At Valley Rose, our bespoke engagement rings are available in an array of diamond carats, giving you complete freedom over your design. For example, our ‘Chloe’ engagement ring is available in 14 different carat sizes, from a 0.5ct lab-grown diamond to a 2ct natural reclaimed diamond.

If you want the appearance of a larger diamond on a smaller budget, consider 1-carat engagement rings with an elongated silhouette, such as an oval or marquise setting.

Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Carat Size

Lab-grown diamonds are a more affordable alternative to traditional diamonds, allowing you to buy a large carat with the same budget. Our ethical engagement rings come in a variety of carat sizes to suit every aesthetic and budget.

One aspect of engagement ring shopping that is often underappreciated is seeing how different carat sizes look on your finger. If your fingers are smaller, a larger carat size could be too overwhelming. Getting your proportions right is crucial and that’s why we offer 3D-printed versions of our engagement rings to help you choose the best size.

Book a 1-on-1 Jewelry Consultation to Find Your Perfect Carat Size

Choosing a carat size is all about balancing budget, aesthetics, and design. There’s no wrong choice for any couple as every engagement ring is unique and reflects who you are as a couple.

Are you not sure which carat size is right for you? Book a 30-minute jewelry consultation to explore your bespoke engagement ring options and get 1-on-1 advice about finding the best carat size for your budget and style preferences.