There are many people who confuse the term diamond carat for diamond size, although there is a big difference. The diamond carat refers to the gem’s weight – meaning a larger carat doesn’t necessarily mean a larger size.
With that said, you might be wondering: Is a 2 carat diamond big?
A 2-carat diamond can appear larger if you consider the fact that the average carat weight of engagement rings is 0.9 carats. But bigger isn’t always better as there are some factors you need to be aware of when purchasing a 2-carat diamond.
In this article, we’ve covered everything you need to know about 2-carat diamonds. So, without further ado, let’s jump in!
What Is A 2-Carat Diamond?
A 2-carat diamond refers to the weight of the diamond. Here’s the math – 2 carats equals 0.4 grams or 400 milligrams. To put that in perspective, a half of a raisin weighs roughly the same as a 2-carat diamond.
And while we’re on the subject, a round, 2-carat diamond is around 8.1 millimeters in diameter. It’s important to note that due to their scarcity, 2-carat diamonds are very rarely found in local stores.
And even if you’re lucky enough to find one, it’s likely to be of a poor quality cut.
How Much Is A 2-Carat Diamond?
The price of 2-carat diamonds can vary depending on different factors such as shape, cut quality, color, and clarity. On average, expect to pay anywhere from $5000 up to $60,000 – or even more – for a 2-carat diamond.
You can easily find a dull and poorly cut 2-carat diamond for 70-80% less than the cost of an exceptionally brilliant and well-cut 2-carat diamond. It comes down to whether you’re ready to settle for a gem of lower quality or not.
Since no two diamonds are the same, be sure to evaluate the 4Cs of diamond quality for each gemstone you look at, though. Focus on quality over specific carat weight; it’ll get you the best deal for your budget – especially for a bigger stone, like a 2-carat diamond.
Related Read: Diamond Price List: How Much Is A 0.1 To 40 Carat Diamond Worth?
The Difference Between Diamond Size And Diamond Carat
As we mentioned already, many people confuse the terms “diamond size” and “diamond carat.” However, there’s a difference between these two.
Diamond carat clearly refers to the weight of the diamond. As such, carat weight doesn’t affect table surface area, depth, or any other feature. And a larger carat weight doesn’t mean the diamond is more prominent in size, either.
On the other hand, size has to do with the visual appearance of a diamond. For instance, an oval-shaped diamond is likely to appear larger than a round brilliant cut of the same carat weight. Why? Because of its elongated shape.
Various factors, such as depth and surface area, play into the diamond’s size. Two diamonds of the same carat weight often appear different in size depending on their shape, design, and cut quality.
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2-Carat Diamonds: Cuts, Shapes, And Sizes
A magnificent 2-carat diamond with a beautiful setting will look extraordinary in any diamond shape. As such, a diamond shape should be chosen based on personal preference and the style of the person wearing the ring.
How 2-Carat Diamonds Are Sized
Diamonds aren’t cut by size but rather by carat weight. Still, there’s a surface area difference among all diamond shapes, which can affect how large a diamond looks. Depending on the table size, 2-carat diamonds could even appear bigger in specific shapes. The chart below gives you the surface area sizes for 2-carat diamond shapes.
| Diamond Shape | Table Surface For 2 Carat Diamond |
|---|---|
| Round Brilliant Cut | 8.19*8.19 millimeters |
| Emerald Cut | 8.42*6.24 millimeters |
| Princess Cut | 6.94*6.94 millimeters |
| Radiant Cut | 7.28*7.28 millimeters |
| Asscher Cut | 7.07*7.07 millimeters |
| Cushion Cut | 7.34*7.34 millimeters |
| Oval Cut | 10.23*6.28 millimeters |
| Pear Shaped Diamond | 11.4*6.87 millimeters |
| Heart Shaped Diamond | 8.27*8.27 millimeters |
| Marquise Diamond | 13.08*6.54 millimeters |
| Trillion Diamond | 9.75*9.75 millimeters |
How Engagement Rings Are Sized
When purchasing an engagement ring, it’s crucial to know the right ring size for the person who will wear the ring. For a surprise proposal, you can try matching the size of an existing ring – or have a friend attempt to get that information for you.
Rings are sized based on the diameter in millimeters. The sizes for women are often 5, 6, and 7. A size 5 equals 14.3 millimeters in diameter. Size 6 equals 14.7 millimeters, and size 7 equals 14.9 millimeters.
Make sure you find the ideal size to avoid resizing and need to send back the ring after the proposal.
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2-Carat Diamonds: Clarity
Assessing for clarity is crucial in all diamonds. On a side note, 2-carat diamonds generally have a larger table than 1 carat diamond of the same shape. As for the clarity of a diamond, it determines how many inclusions, blemishes, and extra facets are present.
We recommend reviewing the clarity of a diamond yourself or asking for the assistance of an expert. Usually, what you see with the naked eye is more important than what a lab report says.
For instance, a low clarity eye-clean diamond looks identical to a flawless diamond assuming everything else is equal. Eye-clean 2-carat diamonds can be found – although it will be much harder than finding eye-clean diamonds of a lesser carat weight.
The GIA clarity grades range from best to worst:
- Internally flawless (IF)
- Very very small inclusions 1 (VVS1)
- Very very small inclusions 2 (VVS2)
- Very small inclusions 1 (VS1)
- Very small inclusions 2 (VS2)
- Small inclusions 1 (SI1)
- Small inclusions 2 (SI2)
- Inclusions 1 (I1)
- Inclusions 2 (I2)
For 2-carat diamond rings, we recommend a minimum of VS1 grade because inclusions and blemishes are visible to the naked eye. You can even find a VS2 with inclusions near the edges of the diamond. Depending on the shape, these inclusions can be covered by the setting prongs, though.
The maximum clarity grade will usually be a VVS2 – within a reasonable budget. Diamonds with this clarity grade provide no inclusions and/or blemishes that can be seen by the naked eye.
In our opinion, a customer’s goal should be to find the cheapest eye-clean diamond with the best clarity – and other factors, of course. We use the term “eye-clean” to describe diamonds that have inclusions that can’t be seen to the naked eye of the typical wearer but rather with magnifying equipment.
2-Carat Diamonds: Color
Another factor to consider when buying a 2-carat diamond is color.
Selecting the color of your 2-carat diamond requires extra attention. Even though it’s almost impossible for the typical person to tell the difference between color grades, the difference in price is significant.
Diamond colors are rated on a scale from D to Z, according to GIA. The D grade represents the clearest or colorless diamond, while grade Z represents a diamond that has an easily noticeable yellow or brown tint.
But because it’s extremely difficult for the naked eye to differentiate between color grades, we recommend you have an expert examine the diamond for you.
The grading of the GIA reports is essential. However, it’s even more important to decide how the color looks to you and your loved one.
Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that the diamond looks white in relation to its setting. You can find engagement rings in 14k or 18k white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum settings.
A diamond with a K color grade may appear vibrant in a yellow gold setting. On the other hand, that same diamond could appear tinted in a white gold setting. If you’re selecting a diamond in a slightly lower color grade, make sure it’s contrasted by a setting that’s a bit darker.
For 2-carat diamond rings, we recommend choosing within the nearly colorless range of grades G to I. Diamonds in this color range will look as colorless as the diamonds in the D to F range – but will cost way less.
Cut affects a diamond’s beauty and brilliance much more than diamond color. When you have an excellent cut grade, color is harder to identify.
Learn More: Diamond Cut Grade: All You Need To Know About Diamond Cut
How To Get The Best Value For A 2-Carat Diamond Ring
If you’re in a position to buy a diamond of sizeable carat weight, quality would be your priority over anything else – even if you need to reduce carat weight a bit to stay within your budget.
The increased brilliance and overall radiance of a high-quality diamond in a lesser carat weight will outshine – and outweigh – any money spent on a poorly cut 2-carat diamond.
If you want to be sure that your diamond is precisely what the diamond dealer is advertising to be, make sure the diamond comes with a GIA or AGS certificate. These two are well-respected diamond grading entities that provide accurate and consistent reports for diamonds.
Despite the fact that certification isn’t one of the 4Cs of diamonds, it’s essential, nonetheless.
If a diamond dealer is trying to persuade you into buying a diamond with any other lab grading entity, politely reject their invitation. The quality of those diamonds is, in most cases, much less than what they’re trying to portray it to be.
To choose a magnificent 2-carat diamond ring at a good value, follow these tips:
- A diamond shape is selected first and foremost based on personal preference as well as style. Match your diamond shape with a setting that is commendatory and offers stability. For instance, be sure the prongs are protecting the corners of a princess cut diamonds.
- A diamond cut is the most important factor of the 4Cs. It determines how much brilliance and fire a diamond has. You should select an excellent or ideal cut for 2-carat diamond rings.
- Inclusions and blemishes can’t be seen by the naked eye with a VS1 clarity grade. Even though you might pay more for a slightly higher clarity grade, the difference is usually unnoticeable.
- A diamond in the G to I color range typically appears colorless to the naked eye, and it costs much less than diamonds in the D to F color range.
- Be sure to select a well-respected diamond dealer with years of experience and high-quality certificates.
Read More: Is IGI As Good As GIA?
1-Carat Vs. 2-Carat Diamond
As we already covered, the price of a diamond increases exponentially as the diamond’s carat weight increases. The price per carat for a stone will increase abruptly as you enter the higher carat weight categories.
There are several factors that impact the diamonds price. The biggest reason for 2-carat diamonds being more expensive than 1-carat diamonds is the fact that larger diamonds are rarer than smaller diamonds.
So, when it comes to choosing your ring, it all boils down to personal taste, need, and budget. And that means that a 2-carat diamond ring might be the best choice for some, and the 1-carat diamond ring might be better for others.
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Conclusion
When talking about diamonds, a lot of people like big stones. So, is a 2 carat diamond big?
Well, given that the average carat weight for a diamond ring is around 0.9 carat, yes, a 2-carat diamond is most certainly considered big. With 2-carat diamond rings, the gemstone is much more noticeable and eye-catching than rings with 1-carat diamond.
In the end, you should always choose a diamond based on the wearer’s taste and style. But you should also consider factors such as cut, clarity, and color when choosing a 2-carat diamond ring. These things matter regardless of the gem’s carat weight.
Read Also: How Many Carat Diamond Should You Wear?