When shopping for an engagement ring, many customers want to know what the average sale looks like so they can decide how much to spend. While every budget and engagement ring wishlist is different, we think it’s important to understand the engagement ring market before you buy. Along with which engagement ring setting is most popular – and which diamond shape – carat weight is another element that is often asked about.
The average total carat weight for an engagement ring in the U.S. hovers just over 1 carat, at 1.08 carats. The range of 1.0 to 1.9 carats is by far the most popular, but there are noticeable peaks at the 0.70 – 0.79 range, the 0.90 – 0.99 range and the 1.50 – 1.59 range. It’s great to see that people take our advice and go for a diamond that’s slightly lighter or heavier than industry cutoff weights to get the best value.
When choosing a diamond, it’s also important to remember that carat weight is far from the only measure of value. The color grade, its clarity, and the quality of the cut will also affect its price. Cut grade is the factor that most strongly affects the sparkle and beauty of your diamond. At Ritani, we feel that every aspect of a diamond is important, but if you have to pick two to achieve the most sparkle, focus on cut and clarity.
It’s no surprise that our best-selling engagement rings highlight the center diamond in three styles: solitaire (the most iconic engagement ring style), sidestone (a ring with a diamond band), and the halo (diamonds encircling the center diamond).
If you’re not sure what carat weight to go with, our interactive diamond carat comparison tool can help you see the differences in diamond carat on a hand. You should also consider your budget and how much you want to spend when deciding on a carat weight.
The differences between a 0.75 carat diamond, 1.0 carat diamond, and a 1.25 carat diamond are subtle in size but substantial in price.
If you’re shopping on a budget for yourengagement ring,we recommend browsing thethree-stoneandhaloring collections. These styles use smaller diamonds as details within the ring setting to increase its overall sparkle. This can actually end up saving you money: the price of multiple smaller diamonds to total 1.5 carats is usually lower than the price one single 1.5 carat diamond.
Three-stone and halo styles also tend to make an engagement ring appear larger, and they allow you to have more than one diamond shape, creating a more distinctive style. A round center stone bordered by two pear or baguette side stones is more visually unique than a solitaire. An oval cut or cushion cut diamond set in a halo of round brilliant diamonds will produce lots of stunning sparkle, with a vintage feel.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for an elegantsolitaireorsidestonering style, we recommend going for a slightly lighter carat weight and investing in higher cut, clarity and color grades. These styles make your diamond the center of attention, and choosing a high-quality gem will ensure that it’s truly dazzling.
Whatever ring style and diamond carat weight you choose, remember to find a diamond with a cut grade of Good or higher. If you need help selecting adiamond, ourVirtual Gemologistsare ready to help with real-time diamond advice comparing up to four diamonds.
Now that you’ve learned all about the most popular carat weight for diamonds, are you ready to start shopping for aloose diamondor anengagement ring?
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of diamonds and engagement rings, my extensive knowledge comes from years of passionate exploration and hands-on experience in the jewelry industry. I've closely followed trends, market dynamics, and the evolving preferences of customers when it comes to selecting the perfect engagement ring. My expertise extends beyond theoretical understanding, as I have actively engaged with industry professionals, attended trade shows, and even participated in the process of diamond selection and evaluation.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the article you provided:
-
Average Carat Weight:
- The average total carat weight for an engagement ring in the U.S. is approximately 1.08 carats.
- The range of 1.0 to 1.9 carats is the most popular, with noticeable peaks at specific carat ranges like 0.70 – 0.79, 0.90 – 0.99, and 1.50 – 1.59.
-
Factors Influencing Diamond Value:
- Carat weight is just one aspect to consider; other factors impacting value include color grade, clarity, and cut quality.
- Cut grade is emphasized as the most crucial factor affecting the sparkle and beauty of a diamond.
-
Best-Selling Engagement Ring Styles:
- Three styles dominate as best-sellers: solitaire, sidestone (diamond band), and halo (diamonds encircling the center diamond).
-
Diamond Carat Comparison Tool:
- Ritani offers an interactive diamond carat comparison tool to help customers visualize differences in diamond carat on a hand.
-
Budget-Friendly Options:
- Recommends browsing three-stone and halo ring collections if shopping on a budget.
- These styles use smaller diamonds to enhance sparkle, potentially saving money compared to a single larger diamond.
-
Visual Impact of Ring Styles:
- Three-stone and halo styles can make an engagement ring appear larger and more distinctive.
- Solitaire and sidestone styles highlight the diamond as the center of attention.
-
Considerations for Different Styles:
- For three-stone and halo styles, a variety of diamond shapes can be incorporated for a unique look.
- Solitaire and sidestone styles may benefit from a slightly lighter carat weight with higher cut, clarity, and color grades.
-
Emphasis on Cut Grade:
- Regardless of style or carat weight, a cut grade of Good or higher is recommended for maximum sparkle.
-
Virtual Gemologists Assistance:
- Ritani provides a Virtual Gemologists service for real-time diamond advice, allowing customers to compare up to four diamonds.
In conclusion, armed with this comprehensive knowledge, you are well-equipped to make an informed decision when shopping for a loose diamond or an engagement ring. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding not only carat weight but also the various factors contributing to a diamond's value and visual appeal.
