If you’re in the market for an engagement ring, the entire process can be a little overwhelming at times. Realistically, most of us are not gemologists. You want your future betrothed to be dazzled when you open the jewelry box during your magic proposal, but you’re worried that if you don’t pick a large enough diamond, her eyes won’t sparkle quite as much. Knowing this to be the case, your first question is probably, “What’s the average carat weight of a diamond engagement ring?”.
ENGAGEMENT RING BASICS: DIAMOND CARAT WEIGHT
Well to be honest, the answer is quite tricky and not necessarily black and white. Let’s start with what the basics.
A carat (often abbreviated as “ct.”) is a standard unit of measure for diamonds and other gemstones. One carat is equal to a 1/5th of a gram. The total carat weight (TCW) is used for multi-stone jewelry pieces.
The carat weight of a diamond isn’t necessarily indicative of its size, and is just one of many factors that affect the value of your diamond.
NATIONAL AVERAGE WEIGHT OF A DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING
Over the last five years, the average carat weight of an engagement ring in the U.S. has been 1.18. However, this weight varies depending on the engagement ring style. For some, the total weight is the center stone. For others, it’s the accumulation of the center stone and surrounding accent diamonds.
International Gem Society’s Carat Weight and Size Chart.
CONSIDER YOUR LOCATION
Taking into account that 1.18 is the national average, the average weight of your diamond engagement ring will probably be different based on your location. If you live in New York City, the average engagement ring will probably be much larger than that in Des Moines, Iowa. Talk to your jeweler to get the right perspective on your diamond’s carat weight.
THE BEST CARAT WEIGHT
So—which carat weight is right for you? Well, there really isn’t a right answer for this. But, the main thing to remember is that, although you want to pick a ring that won’t disappoint, it’s most important to pick a ring that represents who you and your future fiancé are. And remember, you can always get a bigger stone in the future; it’s very common to mark milestones of your marriage by upgrading your ring.
To learn more about diamonds, including common diamond terms and the 4 C’s, visit our diamond education page: http://shafteldiamonds.com/education
