A 2-carat diamond is known as “Statement Diamond”. It is the most remarkable size that will turn heads. Finding a perfect 2-carat diamond engagement ring is more difficult than a 1-carat diamond engagement ring. The sparkling large diamond comes with a bigger price tag.
If you want to spend lavishly on a 2-carat diamond ring, follow the guidelines to ensure that you are spending your money right. A little knowledge is very important before making a significant purchase. Our guide will help you understand all the important features of the 2-carat diamond engagement ring. Let’s get started.
What Is a 2 Carat Diamond Stone?
Carat refers to the weight of the diamond and a 2-carat diamond stone weighs 400miligrams or 0.4 grams.
Weights of diamonds are usually expressed in terms of grains, points, or percentage of carat weight. Let’s get it simple, a 1-carat diamond stone weighs 100 points or 4 grains. Similarly, a 2-carat diamond weighs 200 points or 8 grains.
The average diameter of a round cut 2-carat diamond is 8.10mm. If we compare it with a 1-carat diamond that has a 6.5mm diameter, it is 60% bigger than that. The diameter varies with a cut. The princess cut has 7.55mm, the cushion has 7.60mm, the heart has 8.0mm, and so on.
A carat has nothing to do with the size. It is all about the weight of the stone. No matter what shape of diamond you choose, the rest weight will be hidden beneath like an iceberg.
How Much is a 2 Carat Diamond Ring Cost?
There is no definite price for a 2-carat diamond ring. It ranges from $5000 to $60,000 or more. The price mainly depends on 4 C factors of diamond including Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat.
The cut is the most important feature of a diamond. You can save 60-80% of your money if you choose a poor-cut quality 2-carat diamond in place of a brilliant-cut diamond.
If we start with lower-end quality of a 2-carat diamond like the M color and SI₂ clarity, the cost will fall under the range of $6000-$8000. On the opposite or the higher end, D color or IF clarity grade diamond will cost you around $50,000.
There are some other factors that affect the price of a 2-carat diamond ring including diamond brand, setting, and side diamonds.
Where is the Best Place to Buy 2 Carat Diamond Ring?
Larger diamonds are rare in nature. It will be difficult to find them in physical stores. Insurance policies are another hindrance to keep them at a jewelry store.
Online Shops are the best option to purchase a 2-carat diamond ring at a discounted rate. You will get to see a great variety of trusted and certified products. Here is the list of some authentic online stores.
- James Allen- It is one of the most trusted online diamond shopping stores. It was founded in 2006. Each diamond that is available on their website is displayed in high-quality 360˚ videos.
You can all the tiniest details of the diamond while sitting comfortably in your bed. If you are still confused regarding a diamond, you can contact the customer service representative that will be available 24/7.
James Allen provides you a lifetime warranty of their product. They offer you plenty of options to choose from. You can even customize your ring. Select a setting then the center stone. You can get some inspiration from available videos at the store.
Most of the diamonds available at James Allen are graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS).
If you and your partner are not happy with your purchase, you can return it within 30 days and get your money back.
- Blue Nile- It was first established in the late 1990s and became the first online store for selling authentic diamonds. They offer you a wide variety of ideal cut diamonds.
They make customized engagement rings as well. You can select the metal of your choice like yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, or platinum. They have a huge collection of loose stones.
The Blue Nile is famous for its signature Astor diamonds. You can see movable and high-quality images on the website. A customer service representative is available on the website all the time for your help.
They offer you free cleaning, polishing, tightening, and rhodium plating twice a year. They don’t charge any shipping fee and most importantly, they offer you a lifetime warranty of their product.
And Yes, Blue Nile offers you a 30-day return policy if you are not satisfied with your purchase.
- Whiteflash- They are famous for their super amazing cuts. Precision-cut hearts and arrows diamonds are their specialties.
Whiteflash has won several significant awards for its quality. You can check the designer engagement rings on the website like Danhov, Verragio, Ritani, Tacori, and Simond G.
They provide the freedom to customize your engagement ring. A great variety of loose diamonds are available on the site. You can set the diamond quality within your budget and can compare it with several options.
Whiteflash also offers a 30-day return policy. The 1-year free warranty covers cleaning, polishing, stone tightening, and rhodium plating once a year.
- Brian Gavin- They have a massive reputation in the diamond industry due to their fifth-generation diamond cutter.
Brian Gavin Diamonds are known for their fluorescence and warm color. They have amazing heart-cut, round arrow, princess cut, and cushion-cut diamonds.
You can find the designer collection on the website. There is an easy customization option you can avail according to your budget.
Brian Gavin provides free returns to already available designs. The custom orders cannot be returned. Each piece of their jewelry comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.
- Ritani- It was founded in 1999 and is known for its unique and elegant designs. The company has a vast collection of loose diamonds and incredibly set diamond rings.
In addition to mined diamonds, they have a great collection of lab diamonds which are much cheaper than natural stones but have the same physical and chemical properties.
Most of their products have photos and videos. You can even ask them for an HD picture or video of a specific stone. They will fulfill your demand within 48 hours.
Ritani provides you a lifetime warranty of their rings that covers maintenance like cleaning, polishing, stone tightening, and rhodium plating.
Online buying is an easy and stress-free process. You can spend days choosing your symbol of commitment. Additionally, it can save you money and time. All the authentic online stores have GIA-certified diamonds. You don’t have to deal with aggressive salesmen who try to make money from your purchase.
Understanding the 4 Cs of 2 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
4 Cs of a diamond are 4 main features that define its beauty and its structure. When you try to do a little research on these 4 factors, the information you will find is mostly about 1-carat diamonds. As you increase the size of your diamond, the value of each C factor considerably changes.
If we talk about the shape of the diamond, a round brilliant cut has 58 facets. A lesser carat diamond can easily mask imperfections but as the size increases, the facets number will be the same. But imperfections are easily visible.
- Clarity- It is the most important C factor for a 2-carat diamond because the bigger the diamond, inclusions, and other imperfections are easier to spot. It is very difficult to find a 2-carat diamond with excellent clarity.
You can check the 2-carat diamond clarity by yourself or can take the help of an expert. The Gemological Institute of America suggested a clarity scale that ranges from flawless to full of flaws. The IF clarity grade is considered the best with zero imperfections. On the other hand, the I2 clarity grade is the worst.
There are several other clarity grades including VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, and I1 that fall between finest to poor.
You can find a good-looking 1-carat diamond with I1 clarity grade but that doesn’t work for a 2-carat diamond. The least clarity grade for a 2-carat diamond is VS1.
One more thing you must be aware off that as you upgrade the clarity grade from VS1, the price will increase dramatically.
- Color- Another significant factor that determines the cost of a 2-carat diamond engagement ring is the color grade of the diamond. The Gemological Institute of America has provided a color grading scale that starts from D and ends at Z.
D color grade is of the finest quality without any hue in it whereas Z color grade is yellowish-brown and is of the lowest quality. There are several grading points between the best and the worst.
Setting plays a vital role while choosing a color grade of the diamond. If you choose to rose gold or yellow gold for your diamond engagement ring, the stone of low color grade will still look great. But the platinum or white gold demands a high color grade diamond.
For example, if you select a K-grade diamond and set it in white gold or platinum, the silver color of the metal will make the stone appear more yellow.
There is another important thing you need to consider before choosing a 2-carat diamond engagement ring. What style are you choosing for your ring? Is there is a single diamond in the ring or else has some other stones in it?
When you select a diamond ring with pave setting or halo setting, you must be very careful about the color of your central diamonds and those tiny ones that surround it. If the color grade of all stones doesn’t match with each other, your ring will look uglier than pretty.
- Cut- Cut can make or break your stone. An ideal cut diamond is a symbol of beauty whereas a poor cut diamond looks dull and lifeless. Cut quality is responsible for fire, brilliance, and scintillation.
People confuse the cut with the diamond’s shape. Yes, it refers to the shape but when specifically talk about the cut, it means the symmetrical measurements and angles. GIA suggested cut the quality scale from poor to excellent.
A 2-carat diamond with excellent cut quality is a big-budget. But if you slightly compromise on the cut quality from excellent to good, it will save you money.
Cut quality depends on three chief elements. The cut design of the diamond, The face-up view, and the adroitness of the stone.
The diamond-cut design depends on the weight of the diamond. It determines the strength of the stone. If the weight is less, there is a chance of faster wearing or chipping of the diamond.
The view from the crown gives you an idea about the brilliance, fire, and scintillation of diamonds. Better the cut, greater the glitter.
If there is no symmetry in a dimension of the stone or is not polished properly, it will look dull and ugly.
Pro-Tip
You can determine the better cut quality of diamonds by looking at girdle thickness. The girdle is the boundary that separates the crown of the diamond from the bottom. A medium to thick girdle represents a good cut. A thin girdle tells that the cut quality is poor.
- Carat- It is the fourth C factor of the diamond. We have explained it earlier at the beginning of this article. Each carat is divided into 100 points. A 2-carat diamond is 400 milligrams and 200 points.
The Shapes of 2 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
The shape of stone means the geometry of the diamond. Not all shapes have the same price. The round brilliant cut is the most expensive and the hot-selling shape of the diamond. All the other shapes have a low cost compared to the round cut.
You don’t need to choose a round cut. The shape of a diamond mainly depends on your choice. Let’s discuss some popular shapes of the 2-carat diamond engagement ring.
2 Carat Round Diamond Engagement Ring
The round brilliant cut creates a stable pattern of light return. Nothing can beat the amazing sparkle of an ideal round cut.
A crown angle is responsible for brilliance and dispersion. Always pay attention to cut quality before purchasing a diamond. The pavilion angle of a round cut is between the range of 40.6-40.9 degrees. A good crown angle has a value between 34.3-35 degrees. The brilliance of the round-cut increases when the crown level falls down the 34 degrees.
The marvelous brilliance of the round-cut hides minor inclusions and shadows. You can even select VS2 or SI1 clarity grade for the round cut to save your wallet. The round brilliant cut looks splendid with any setting or style.
2 Carat Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring
2-carat cushion diamond engagement rings are trendy and popular. This is the thirst most loved shape of the diamond after round and princess cut diamond.
The cushion cut is around and rectangular shape with smooth-edged corners. This is one of the most cost-efficient shapes with brilliant fire.
Cushion-cut diamond shine like colors of the rainbow due to varied facets. The consistent facet structure produces more light leakage.
One thing you need to understand is cushion cut is not symmetrical as the round cut diamond. So, there is no consistency in shape or the outline of the stone. But it doesn’t mean it is a poor-quality cut. Both the shapes reflect light differently.
One drawback of cushion cut diamond is it cannot hide color in it. So, you must choose an H color grade or above for your diamond ring. Choosing rose gold or yellow gold can help to cover the low color quality of cushion cut diamond.
Due to the large table of cushion cut diamonds, you cannot compromise on clarity grade. Always stick to SI1 or SI2 clarity grade for your 2-carat cushion diamond engagement ring.
The price of cushion cut diamond is less than the round cut. You can further decrease the price by choosing the less color grade. A 4-prong setting is ideal for the cushion cut.
2 Carat Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring
This is a popular fancy-shaped diamond for years. The emerald cut is defined for perfect symmetry and elegance. It is a lot economical than round or cushion-cut diamonds.
The shape is rectangular with step cuts on the sides. These side cuts reflect the flashes of light. The emerald cut is the celebrity’s favorite. As it has a large table, you cannot compromise on clarity grade. Inclusions are easily visible through this cut. It is compulsory to choose a clarity grade with VVS2 or higher.
The large table and step cuts make it easier to see the color present in the diamond. If you really like the emerald cut diamond choose, I color grade or lesser than that. You can compromise on a color grade by choosing a rose gold or yellow gold setting for your 2-carat diamond engagement ring.
2 Carat Heart Diamond Engagement Ring
A heart-shaped diamond is an eternal symbol of love. This unique shape can be the alternative to other random cuts.
The shape is popular among celebrities and is based on round brilliant cut. A heart-shaped diamond usually has 56-58 facets.
As the shape of a diamond is unique, cut quality plays an important role. You cannot compromise on it. Symmetry is another crucial factor. Always check the lobes of a heart-shaped diamond. They should be identical. The wings of a heart should be even. It is also important to avoid a length to width ratio that is more than 1.05.
A 2-carat heart is ideal for a diamond engagement ring. It is 15-20% less expensive than the ideal 2 carats round cut diamond.
2 Carat Princess Diamond Engagement Ring
Princess cut is one of the most popular diamond shapes. They look so classy and full of sparkle. You cannot get your eyes off from a well-cut princess stone in a halo setting.
The ideal depth of princess cut is 62-74% and the preferable face-up is 58-70. The corners of the princess cut are sharp and are prone to chipping, so it is necessary to secure them with prongs. V prongs are ideal for princess cut stones.
This amazing cut hides inclusions perfectly so you can choose a lower clarity grade like VS1 or SI1 without compromising on brilliance.
Princess cut looks amazing in a bezel or pave setting. Price is less than round brilliant cut but is more than other fancy-shaped diamonds.
2 Carat Radiant Diamond Engagement Ring
This 70 facets diamond has amazing fire and brilliance. The smooth edges make it less susceptible to chipping. The top of the 2-carat radiant diamond is a little less than the 2 carat round brilliant diamond but diagonal measurements of radiant cut make it appear larger.
Gemological Institute of America does not grade radiant cut so you to check it by yourself before purchase. Always see the corners. They shouldn’t be too wide or narrow.
Radiant cut has many facts and angles that make it look like crushed ice. This can be a big advantage for you. You can easily compromise on clarity grade. VVS1 and VVS2 clarity grades will look great to the naked eye.
You can detect hues in radiant cut diamonds easily. So, you cannot choose a low color quality for your 2-carat diamond engagement ring. Choose an H-grade diamond or above.
The setting also plays a vital role. A low color grade diamond can work with yellow gold or rose gold. If you compromise on color grade, then upgrade your cut quality and choose the right metal type to mask the imperfections.
Best Setting & Style for 2 Carat Diamond Ring
Setting and style are important factors in determining the price of a 2-carat diamond engagement ring. Price doesn’t increase much if you choose yellow gold, rose gold, or white gold for your diamond ring but increases significantly with platinum.
The durability of diamonds makes it expensive than other metals. If your wallet doesn’t allow you to choose platinum for an engagement ring, choose only the head made of platinum because it won’t let the prongs wear down faster.
If you want some extra diamonds in addition to your central diamond it will affect the overall price. More the diamonds expansive it is. Let’s talk about some popular shapes for 2-carat diamonds.
2 Carat Solitaire Setting
The solitaire setting is one of the best settings for a 2-carat stone. As it will be the only diamond on the ring, it will draw everybody’s attention to it.
You need to be very careful about the clarity grade and cut quality of your diamond for a solitaire setting. Choose 6 prongs instead of 4 prongs. It will not only secure your stone but point out the boundary of the diamond and makes it appear larger.
2 Carat Halo Setting
A halo setting is the one in which a 2-carat stone is present in the center and tiny little diamonds surround it. It creates an illusion of a bigger central diamond.
You don’t need to choose the best quality little diamonds for the halo setting. Just be careful while choosing the color grade of all the diamonds present on the ring.
If there is a mismatch of color between the central diamond and the little one, the ring will look uglier than pretty. You can compromise on clarity and cut quality of surrounding diamonds.
2 Carat 3 Stones Setting
This is another amazing setting that makes the central 2-carat diamond appear larger. You don’t need to choose the same shape for all three diamonds.
Choose smaller-sized side stones to flatter the central diamond. If you choose the same size for all three stones, the central diamond will appear smaller due to the blended look.
2 Carat Pave Setting
In the pave setting a central carat stone is adjusted with prongs just like the solitaire setting. But the whole band is covered with smaller diamonds. This setting makes the central stone appear bigger.
Always match the color of smaller diamonds with the central diamond. Compromise on clarity and cut quality of band diamonds to save your wallet.
2 Carat Bezel Setting
A ring of metal surrounds the diamond in a bezel setting. It highlights the boundary of stones and gives an illusion of a bigger size.
The metal ring doesn’t only enhance the look of a diamond but protects it. There is no chance of chipping or damage. It works great with round brilliant cut diamonds.
2 Carat Diamond Ring VS 1.5 Carat Diamond Ring
There is no great difference in size between a 2-carat diamond and a 1.50-carat diamond. The diameter of a 2 carat round brilliant cut is 8.1mm whereas the diameter of a 1.50 carat round brilliant cut diamond is 7.33mm.
There is a great difference in prices for both. 2-carat diamond is almost 79% more expansive than a 1.50-carat diamond. If you are low budget doesn’t allow you to choose a 2-carat stone for your diamond ring, choose halo or pave setting with a 1.50-carat diamond. Both styles will give an impression of a bigger look.
2 Carat Diamond Ring VS 2.5 Carat Diamond Ring
The size of a 2.5-carat diamond is around 8.8×8.8×5.3mm or 8.99mm whereas the size of a 2-carat diamond is 8.2×8.2×4.94mm or 8.1mm.
A 2.50-carat diamond is a lot expensive than a 2-carat diamond. As you upgrade the weight of your diamond, you limit the choices available for a diamond ring.
Physical face-up size greatly depends on the diamond’s shape. For example, the face-up size of a princess cut diamond is the smallest as compared to other shapes of the diamond. If you choose it for your 2-carat diamond ring, the appearance of the stone will not be as big as you expect. The setting of your diamond ring matters a lot as well.
Due to limited availability, it will be harder for you to find an ideal 2.50-carat diamond engagement ring.
2 Carat Diamond Ring VS 3 Carat Diamond Ring
A typical 2-carat diamond is 8mm wide and 5mm deep. Cut plays an important role. A poor cut 2-carat diamond appears smaller than the actual size.
A 3-carat diamond is about 9.0mm wide. As the table size is quite larger, inclusions or imperfections can easily be visible through it. Secondly, you cannot choose a low color grade for your 3-carat diamond. All these factors make the perfect 3 carat stone a lot expansive than the 2-carat stone.
You can save money by looking for an almost 3-carat diamond or a good setting 2 carat stone to save your money.
Certification; The fifth C of the Diamond
As you are spending a significant amount of money, it is your right to know that you are getting exactly what are you paying for. Always accept the certificate from a trustworthy lab for your diamond. You can consider the certification as the fifth C of the diamond.
Every jeweler can provide you a diamond report depending on 4 C factors, but you cannot trust every random report. The most trusted labs are the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS). These two labs have accurate and reliable grading methods and that’s the reasons diamonds certified by them are expansive.
Conclusion
If you want something big and eye-catching, a 2-carat diamond ring is perfect for you. Get ready for a heavy blow to your wallet for an eye-clean diamond. But if you play something smart with 4 Cs of the diamond, you can save your money.
Online jewelry stores offer you a wide variety of their products with discounts and promotions. Don’t forget to see the certifications. The shapes and settings of diamonds play an important role in enhancing the beauty of your 2-carat diamond engagement ring. If you are low budget but still want a bigger diamond, choose an almost 2-carat diamond with a good setting.