How Many Carats Should an Engagement Ring Be?

If you’ve decided to pop the question to your loved one, there is a lot you need to consider when choosing the ring. What style of engagement ring would they prefer? What are the different types of diamond cut? And, perhaps one of the most commonly asked questions – how many carats should an engagement ring be?

From what a diamond carat is to a detailed diamond size chart covering the average carat size per country, learn everything you need to know about diamond carat size.

What is a Diamond Carat?

The term ‘carat’ refers to the unit of measurement, or the weight, of precious stones such as sapphires, rubies and diamonds. For example, one carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams (200 milligrams) and weighs roughly the same as a quarter of a raisin. Learn more about the diamond carat from our informative guide.

The heaviest rough diamond found was the ‘Cullinan Diamond’ (also known as ‘Star of Africa’) in 1905 in South Africa, which weighed 3,106.75 carats, and was cut down into 105 smaller stones.

However, the typical carat for an engagement ring in the UK will weigh much lighter than this. Browse our full range of diamond engagement rings online to find the perfect carat size for your partner.

 

 

Halo Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold

What is the average diamond carat size for an engagement ring in the UK?

Typically, the average carat size for an engagement ring in the UK is 0.6 carats – which costs around £2,000. For comparison, see the average diamond carat sizes around the world and how they differ:

 

Country	Average Diamond Carat Size	Average Cost
USA	1.0 carat	£4,567
Europe	0.5 carat	£1,100
China	0.5 carat	£1,500
UK	0.6 carat	£2,000

This prompts the question: how many carats should an engagement ring be? The above table suggests around 0.6 carats for an engagement ring in the UK. However, there are no set rules – as long as the diamond is a high-quality, certified diamond that suits your partner’s preferred style, the carat size can differ based on your personal preference and budget.

Often, you can find 0.6 carat engagement rings for under £2,000 – however, in these instances, it’s likely that the diamond is of poor quality. Learn more about how much money you should spend on an engagement ring from our helpful guide.

 

 

 

Round Diamond Engagement in 18K white gold

How many carats should I get for an engagement ring?

When it comes to choosing the perfect engagement ring for your partner, bigger isn’t always better. It’s more important that you select a carat size that suits your partner’s individual style and hand size. So, we’ve outlined three steps to help you find the perfect fit for your future fiancée.

1. Set your budget

Here at Shining Diamonds, we are proud to offer a wide variety of engagement rings to accommodate all budgets. With prices starting at £500 for a classic solitaire ring and ranging upwards of £11,850 for our rare gemstone engagement rings – we’re confident we can find the perfect ring to suit your unique requirements.

For those looking for an affordable and environmentally friendly ring, we also offer an eclectic range of lab grown diamond engagement rings. With all the same properties as a natural diamond, they are equally as beautiful but are – on average- 30% cheaper despite being the exact same size and quality.

2. Identify their ring size

This second step is slightly trickier – especially if your proposal is a secret. However, it’s not impossible. You could:

• Bring one of their rings in-store
• Trace it onto a piece of paper
• Ask their family and friends

It doesn’t have to be exact – it’s simply a guide to help you choose the perfect ring size for your partner’s hand.

If your partner has small hands, you can safely opt for a smaller carat size because the diamond will stand out against their dainty fingers. However, if your budget allows, you can always opt for a larger carat to make a sparkling statement.

Here at Shining Diamonds, we offer a range of carat weights from 0.25ct to 1.00ct to accommodate all styles and budgets so you can make the best decision for your partner (instead of basing your decision off the UK’s average carat size for an engagement ring).

If your proposal is not a surprise, why not order a ring sizer from us – this will give you an accurate measurement when choosing your beloved’s ring.

3. Find a ring that fits their lifestyle

Finally, you want to consider your partner’s lifestyle. For example, if they have a labour-intensive job, purchasing a diamond that exceeds the average carat size for an engagement ring in the UK may be impractical. Similarly, if they lead a very active lifestyle, your partner may prefer a smaller diamond they can comfortably wear while going about their usual routine. As we said before – bigger isn’t always better.

Engagement Rings – How to Get Value for Money

When choosing the perfect engagement ring for your loved one, it’s important to never compromise quality for an extra 0.1 or 0.2 carats. To ensure you receive value for money when purchasing your diamond engagement rings, ensure you consider the below:

1. Diamond cut

The cut of the diamond determines the brilliance of the diamond. So, even the highest quality diamond will not sparkle if it is cut poorly. Therefore, you should prioritise cut when a purchasing an engagement ring because a quality diamond cut will help you save money on the colour and clarity.

2. Diamond clarity

If you’re looking to save some cash on your diamond engagement ring, diamond clarity is one of the best ways to do so. Diamond clarity refers to the blemishes and inclusions within the stone – in other words, the flaws. However, most flaws in a diamond are almost impossible to see with the naked eye. So choosing a VS2 diamond, SI1, SI2, or even I1 diamond, could help you save money and stay well within your budget without compromising on appearance.

3. Diamond metal

White gold, yellow gold and rose gold are less expensive alternatives to the metal platinum. This is because you can select a slightly tinted diamond without it being noticeable, ultimately saving you a lot of money on the colour of your diamond. However, it’s important to note that platinum is a stronger and more durable metal – it also provides the ‘truly white’ aesthetic for your ring, as platinum will always stay white.

Here at Shining Diamonds, we stock all of the above metals in order to help you find the perfect engagement ring for your loved one.

Are you still unsure which diamond carat size to choose? If you’re picking the engagement ring for yourself, try on your dream engagement ring with our virtual diamond carat size tool. Alternatively, browse our full selection of engagement rings to find the perfect ring for your partner.