2-carat diamonds are flashy and valuable. They tend to look larger (depending on the shape) than their carat weight suggests. And, because they are large, to begin with, you likely won't ever feel like you have to upgrade to something bigger. 2-carat diamonds come in many shapes and can be made to fit tons of settings.
Is a 2 carat diamond considered to be big? The average carat weight for a diamond engagement ring is about 0.9 carat, meaning a 2 carat diamond is definitely considered big.
About 2 Carat Diamond Rings
It was once far less common for couples to choose a 2 carat engagement ring, but lab grown diamonds have made larger carat weights more readily available for lower prices. Now, around 8% of engagement rings feature a 2ct diamond.
For two carat diamonds clarity, we recommend a VS2 or above. This grade usually ensures that the diamond is eye-clean and free of obstructive inclusions.
On average, you can expect the cost of a 2 carat diamond to widely vary depending on its shape, cut quality, clarity, color, and whether it's a naturally mined or lab diamond. The varying cost can range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more.
Because a 2 carat diamond is more rare than smaller sizes, it actually is worth more than twice the value of a 1 carat. For example, a 2 carat round brilliant diamond of G color, VS1 clarity, and a “triple excellent” rating for cut is worth up to 4 times more than a 1 carat diamond with the same attributes!
If you're looking for a diamond in your next engagement or wedding ring that is big, bold, and sure to give off some serious shine, consider a 2-carat diamond ring! A round diamond cut at this carat weight will measure right around 8mm in diameter, so it is sure to stand out on any ring setting and make a statement!
2.5-Carat Diamond
"If a stone is shallow, it might appear larger than it is, but often won't look as vibrant, or won't reflect light well," the jeweler says. "If a stone is too deep, it'll appear small."
Due to their rarity in nature, 2-carat diamonds are lower in availability and, therefore, more valuable.
Overall, the main differences you will find between a 1.5 and a 2-carat diamond are: Size: A well-cut 1.5-carat diamond usually measures around 7.4mm in diameter, whereas a 2-carat measures around 8.1mm. Only slightly more than half a millimeter difference.
Well, a round 2 carat diamond averages about 8.1mm in diameter. An oval is about 10.5mm in length x 7mm in width—so it's going to visually look bigger. Meanwhile, a 2 carat Asscher cut diamond will measure approximately 7mm across. Don't even worry about carat weight until you're SET on your dream shape!
A round-cut 2-carat diamond has a width of 8.15mm, which means that it takes up 48.2% or just about half of the finger's width.
"Most women think of two carats as a decent-size diamond, with a typical color clarity ranging from VS1-VS2, F-G color. [D is colorless.] A noticeably big diamond will be three carats and above. These are the ones that turn heads." — Scott Friedman, Gleem & Co.
A good rule of thumb is to stay between 0.25 ctw and 1 ctw for an everyday pair of studs. Then, if you're shopping for a pair of diamond studs that you'll wear on special occasions, you may want to go a bit bigger and opt for diamonds that are over 1 ctw.
2.00 Carats
If you're looking for something big and noticeable, 2.00 cts will certainly make a statement. At this weight, a round diamond is a little over 8 mm in diameter (10 mm = 1 cm). However, finding a well-cut diamond of this size becomes difficult. Make sure you know what you're looking for.
The difference between a 1 Carat and 2 Carat diamond is purely weight – 200 milligrams to be precise. It's important to remember that a diamond of greater Carat weight will not possess more brightness, colour, or clarity than a smaller diamond of the same quality.
Compared to other weight categories, 2-carat stones are found more often, yet they are still rare. While one in a million diamonds are of a 1-carat weight, only 1 in 15 million jewels have two 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.
Round Cut Diamonds Sparkle The Most
The standard round cut diamond comprises 57 facets (58 including one on the bezel). This cut heightens the diamond's sparkle and shine. Because round diamonds have the largest number of facets, they create the most sparkle.
For the average person in the U.S., any diamond at least between 2 and 2.4 carats is considered “big,” i.e., way more than enough.
The average according to The Knot (a research company and website for all things wedding) is 1 to 2 carats. There is no rule. Developing a budget is always a good place to start.
Is 2 carats really that big? While it is definitely above average, it's not all that uncommon, or difficult to make that size work on your finger. If you have thinner fingers, try an elongated shape such as a pear or oval, and maybe some pave diamonds to the band. Too much bling and your finger will get too crowded.
Now that we know all of the factors that can contribute to a diamond's price, let's explore what a two carat diamond ring might cost. We know that there isn't one price that would cover every 2 carat stone in the market. However, the typical range for 2 round carat diamonds is somewhere around $8,000-$50,000.
18-Carat Gold is a better choice of metal for wedding bands, since anything higher (such as 24) is too soft, which will make the ring prone to scratches, bending, and even breaking!