Large Diamond Rings: How to Buy Big Engagement Rings I VRAI (2024)

Why Do We Marvel at Large Diamonds?

Genetically, we are attracted to things that sparkle because it signaled to our ancestors the presence of a body of water. However, we are also fascinated by large diamonds because they’re rare.

“Whether the diamond is mined or created, it simply is harder to produce a large diamond than it is a smaller diamond,” says Grace Taylor, VRAI’s Chief of Sales and Customer Experience. “Rarity factors (color, clarity) are compounded by larger diamonds as well, as the larger the diamond is, the more likely it is to be exposed to conditions that increase apparent color or visible inclusions.”

The Mystique of Historical Large Diamonds

Royal houses, industrial dynasties, and Hollywood stars have turned large diamonds into subjects of endless fascination. These diamonds symbolize opulence, power, and give the illusion of a fairy-tale life. Many storied large diamonds have become famous in diamond history.

The Cullinan Diamond

At 3,106 carats, the Cullinan is the largest gem-quality diamond ever found. The discovery took place in 1905 in the Cullinan mine in South Africa. The Asscher family was tasked with cutting it in 1907. It produced nine major stones, and the Cullinan I and II are part of the British Crown Jewels. Cullinan I is a Pear shaped diamond and weighs 530 carats and is set on top of the Sovereign Sceptre. Cullinan II is an Elongated Cushion and weighs 317.4 carat and is set in the front of the Imperial State Crown.

The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond

The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond is a fancy deep grayish blue diamond that comes from the Kollur mine, and it originally weighed 35.56 carats. It now measures 31.06 carats because it had to be recut to enhance its color, clarity, and remove the damage to its girdle.The Wittelsbach-Graff was a heirloom belonging to Austrian royalty until it was sold at auction in 2008 to Laurence Graff.

The Krupp Diamond (or Elizabeth Taylor Diamond)

The Krupp diamond is an Asscher diamond weighing 33.19 carats, which Richard Burton gifted to Elizabeth Taylor in 1968. Taylor wore it as a ring, and referred to it as her favorite piece of jewelry. After her death, the Krupp was rechristened “The Elizabeth Taylor diamond.”

The Taylor Burton Diamond

The Taylor Burton comes from South Africa and was mined in 1966. It is a Pear diamond weighing 69.42 carats. In its original rough state, it weighed 241 carats. Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor purchased it in 1969. At the time of the Burton-Taylor purchase, it was set on a platinum ring, but it was then mounted on a $80,000 diamond necklace.

Large Diamond Rings: How to Buy Big Engagement Rings I VRAI (2024)

FAQs

What is considered a big diamond for an engagement ring? ›

What Is Considered a Big Diamond For an Engagement Ring? A big diamond is any diamond with a carat weight of 3 carats and above. A 4 carat diamond, 5 carat diamond ring, or beyond are all considered large diamond rings.

How big of a diamond is too big for a ring? ›

Too big is relative. While a 1.5 carat diamond is larger than the average, what is considered “too big” is personal. If you prefer a more petite diamond of around 0.5 to 1 carat, then yes, it would be too big. However, if you are looking for a larger stone of 2 carats and up, then a 1.5 carat would be too small.

How many carats is a $10000 engagement ring? ›

If you're looking for an engagement ring under $10,000 then I would recommend that you go with something around 0.90-1-carat and 1.5-carat stones depending on your budget and what quality of diamond suits it best! A 2-carat diamond or slightly bigger diamond may be possible if the grade isn't too high.

Are diamonds from VRAI real? ›

That's where VRAI comes in. When you choose VRAI created diamonds, you're buying lab-grown diamonds that are both sustainably and ethically produced. All VRAI created diamonds are grown in our zero-emission foundry, with no human or environmental toll.

Which size diamond looks biggest? ›

The marquise diamond shape has the largest appearance of any shape. It has a similar elongated look as the oval and pear shapes, but both ends form tapered points. The marquise shape will always look the largest because those tapered points create the largest surface area of all the shapes.

Is a 2-carat diamond considered to be big? ›

A 2-carat diamond is considered large compared to the average size of diamonds used for engagement rings. The average diamond size for engagement rings is around 1.0 to 1.5 carats. Therefore, a 2-carat diamond stands out significantly and offers a more pronounced appearance on the finger.

Does a bigger diamond cost more? ›

As one might expect, as the carats, or weight, of a diamond increases, so does the price. The larger the carat size, the more dramatically the price can increase.

Do large diamonds sparkle less? ›

It's Not All About Size. It's a common misconception that the larger a diamond is, the more it will sparkle. Although the bigger stone might have space for more facets, two diamonds cut the same will sparkle the same, regardless of carat size. As you shop around, consider cut over the diamond's weight and measurements.

How much should I expect to pay for a 3 carat diamond? ›

A good quality 3 carat diamond will cost you between $28,000 and $44,000 depending on the shape. 3 ct diamond prices on the high or low end of the quality spectrum can vary from $20,000 to $125,000.

How many carats is a $5000 ring? ›

The sweet spot for diamond carat weight in this price range falls between 1.00 and 2.00 carats.

Is $20000 a lot for an engagement ring? ›

The answer to whether $20,000 is a lot for an engagement ring depends on your personal financial situation, preferences, and what you believe the ring represents. It's a significant amount of money for many people, but it's essential to find a balance that aligns with your values and budget.

How many carats can you get for $5000? ›

A $5,000 can get you a beautiful, high-quality diamond and setting. You can easily buy a 2-carat lab diamond or in some cases even a 2.5-carat lab-grown diamond ring with this budget.

Is VRAI a luxury brand? ›

VRAI is a fine jewellery brand specialising in ethical, man-made diamonds. Using recycled gold and utilising unusual diamond shapes, their modern take on luxury jewellery makes for timeless heirlooms.

Can a jeweler tell a lab created diamond from a real diamond? ›

A jeweler can only tell the difference between a natural diamond and a lab diamond if they use a diamond tester. With magnification, they can sometimes tell the difference by looking at the presence of specific types of inclusions when comparing the two stones side by side.

Do lab grown diamonds look fake? ›

Lab-grown diamonds look the same as natural diamonds. The only difference is their origin. Since lab-grown diamonds are essentially the same as natural diamonds, they have the same properties, such as hardness. Both lab-grown and natural diamonds rank as a 10 on Mohs scale.

Is 2 carats big for engagement ring? ›

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!

Is a 3 carat diamond considered big? ›

Is a 3-Carat Diamond Considered Big? According to most diamond experts, anything over 2 carats is considered significantly big. So yes, 3-carat diamonds fit into the category of 'huge' diamonds.

Is a 1 carat diamond considered big? ›

A "big" diamond is anything three carats or larger for most consumers.

Is a 4 carat diamond considered big? ›

In terms of national and international averages, a four-carat diamond is considered a 'big' diamond. In the right setting, it is an excellent carat weight for engagement rings and every day jewelry, but is also impressive enough to be reserved for evenings and occasions.

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