1ct vs 2ct Diamond Rings: What’s The Difference?
Choosing the right size diamond can be difficult for those who are unfamiliar with diamond education. It's difficult to figure out which one represents the better value. Even then, will you be able to discern the difference in physical size if you’re not sure what you’re looking for? One thing is clear; there is a huge difference in cost between a
1ct diamond ring and a
2ct diamond ring.
Simon G. MR1394 Fabled Diamond Engagement Ring
Don’t worry, either way, both can be impressive and fantastic value. It all comes down to personal taste and budget. While some prefer larger, dazzling diamonds, others prefer something more subtle that blends into everyday life.
Diamonds of both carats can make a statement when cut and set professionally to enhance them and this guide will help you to understand the ins and outs of quality in a diamond of these weights.
How Much Bigger is a 2-Carat vs 1 Carat Diamond?
Despite the common misconception that carats refer to diamond size,
carats refer explicitly to their weight. One carat is equivalent to 200mg (5 carats in a gram), so a 2-carat diamond will be equivalent to 400mg.
When it comes to the appearance of a diamond, the shape and quality of the cut play an important role. For example, diamonds in elongated shapes such as pear and oval may be perceived as bigger than diamonds in round brilliant shapes even when they are the same carat weight.
In a similar way,
a beautifully cut diamond will have the right proportions to maximize light return, whereas a poorly cut diamond will lose its brilliance and look smaller. Consequently, buying a 2ct diamond does not mean it will appear twice as large as a 1ct diamond.
It is possible to maximize your diamond's size regardless of carat, however. It all starts with keeping the important diamond principles in mind,
the Four C’s. Feeling lost when it comes to the basics? Find out more about the Four C's by visiting our Education pages or chat with one of our diamond experts via live chat.
Maximize Your Diamond Using The Four C’s
In choosing any diamond, no matter the carat, there are some key considerations that must be taken into account, and the Four C's are a great place to start.
Having worked closely with our customers, we understand that each individual has their own unique set of criteria and budget.
For this reason, 1 or 2-carat diamonds can be chosen with some leniency. However, there are some 'rules' to follow when choosing a diamond of quality.
Color
In our experience,
color is the most subjective of all the Four C's, and is where customers demonstrate the greatest amount of flexibility. We carry diamonds ranging from
D to
K in color and would be comfortable recommending any grade within this range for 1 and 2-carat stones.
Some customers prefer the warm color of diamonds in J and lower grades, which can complement yellow and rose gold settings and present opportunities for cost-savings. Generally, the bigger the diamond the more irregularities can be visible. In order to achieve a guaranteed, icy white sparkle, you should go with any color between D and H, depending on your budget.
Clarity
VS2 or above is a recommended
clarity for two carat diamonds. This grade ensures that the diamond is eye-clean and free of obstructive inclusions. We provide
high-res diamond images and 360 videos for all of our in-house diamonds so you can thoroughly observe your diamond.
For one carat diamonds, you can potentially get away with a lower clarity grade as there is less. It is physically impossible for any human being to see an inclusion in a VVS diamond with the naked eye, especially for a carat of that size.
In order to make it easier for you to examine our diamonds, we utilize high-resolution
imaging and 360-degree videos. It provides a complete view of your diamond from every angle without the hassle of using a jeweler's loupe. You can refine your choice and find the perfect diamond for your budget by using the images and videos.
Cut
In terms of both beauty and price, the cut of your diamond is the most important factor. Depending on percentages, proportions, and angles, a diamond's cut can have a dramatic effect on its appearance.
With any of our diamonds, the hard work has been done for you. A variety of advanced light performance reports and images are provided to prove it. Diamond engagement rings with fancy-shaped cuts such as hearts, marquises, and pear cuts are less noticeable due to their weight being spread evenly over the whole surface. Fire and brilliance can only be unleashed with an exceptional cut. It optimizes carat weight for performance and beauty in light.
There is no room for compromise in this area of diamond quality - get the best cut your budget allows. Ideal cut quality brings out the full potential of the diamond. It optimizes the fire, brilliance, sparkle and overall beauty of the gem. In cutting a diamond to ideal specifications, the costs are higher but the results are fantastic.
We created our A CUT ABOVE® super-ideal cut diamonds to offer buyers the best of the best. As part of our rigorous quality control process, our
A CUT ABOVE® diamonds are examined for inclusions that could adversely affect sparkle, light performance, or the diamond's structural strength. Only diamonds that perform in all four C's will receive the A CUT ABOVE® brand, meaning the exceptional cut will not go to waste on any carat size.
The Fifth C – Certification
You should only consider diamonds that carry
GIA or AGS certifications. Those laboratories are top-tier international laboratories known for providing consistent and accurate results.
With our in-house diamonds and
Virtual Selection category, which consists of the inventories of dozens of our vendor partners, all the hard work has been done for you.
They have been graded by only top-tier laboratories, and additional evaluation can be conducted to ensure your peace of mind.
Best 1-Carat Diamond Setting Inspiration
The one carat diamond is so popular that almost any setting will accommodate one. The possibilities are endless when it comes to choosing the right setting. To showcase your sentiment and enhance your 1 carat diamond, here are just a few suggestions.
Ritani 1RZ7241 Cathedral Tapered Solitaire Engagement Ring
The simplicity of a solitaire will highlight the beauty of the diamond. The Ritani Cathedral solitaire features a tapered band and platinum prongs for a secure hold on your diamond.
Diamonds of a smaller carat weight require proportionate prongs, so as not to overwhelm them. In this setting, your diamond can shine brilliantly while expressing your personality and sentiment eloquently. And most importantly, securely.
Danhov LE112 Per Lei Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
With a row of small accent diamonds surrounding the center diamond, halo rings create a dramatic statement that can make the diamond appear larger than it actually is. The center stone's value is enhanced and amplified in this way.
For a style that is truly divine, consider
a halo design for your 1ct engagement ring! Our portfolio of
designer engagement rings features a myriad of imaginative and expertly crafted settings suitable for a one carat diamond.
1 CARAT DIAMONDS
1.155 J VVS1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$5,695
|
|
| Light Perf. |
|
| Polish |
|
| Symmetry |
|
| Depth % |
|
| Table % |
|
| Crown Angle |
|
| Star |
|
| Pavilion Angle |
|
| Crown % |
|
| Lower Girdle |
|
| Measurements |
|
| Fluorescence |
|
| Eye Clean |
|
|
View Details
|
|
1.150 G VS1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$9,450
|
|
| Light Perf. |
|
| Polish |
|
| Symmetry |
|
| Depth % |
|
| Table % |
|
| Crown Angle |
|
| Star |
|
| Pavilion Angle |
|
| Crown % |
|
| Lower Girdle |
|
| Measurements |
|
| Fluorescence |
|
| Eye Clean |
|
|
View Details
|
|
1.130 J VVS2 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$5,175
|
|
| Light Perf. |
|
| Polish |
|
| Symmetry |
|
| Depth % |
|
| Table % |
|
| Crown Angle |
|
| Star |
|
| Pavilion Angle |
|
| Crown % |
|
| Lower Girdle |
|
| Measurements |
|
| Fluorescence |
|
| Eye Clean |
|
|
View Details
|
|
1.015 J VVS1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$4,995
|
|
| Light Perf. |
|
| Polish |
|
| Symmetry |
|
| Depth % |
|
| Table % |
|
| Crown Angle |
|
| Star |
|
| Pavilion Angle |
|
| Crown % |
|
| Lower Girdle |
|
| Measurements |
|
| Fluorescence |
|
| Eye Clean |
|
|
View Details
|
|
Best 2-Carat Diamond Setting Inspiration
Similarly, a 2-carat diamond is a significant size that can comfortably stand up to even the most ornate settings.
Classic 6 Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring
For 2-carat diamonds, solitaire engagement rings are the perfect choice for truly showing off the size and beauty of the diamond you’ve chosen.
Quality is key in keeping your diamond secure. Classic solitaire like this
Vatche Charis setting offer sleek lines and a simple backdrop, allowing the diamond to take center stage. It’s a fantastic example of just how impressive a diamond can be when paired with the right setting. The bigger the diamond,
the more durable the setting needs to be. This is where six and eight prong settings become a fantastic choice.
Tacori 2638RD P Dantela Crescent Motif Pave Diamond Engagement
The exquisite delicate twist design on the band accented with round brilliant melee is truly a showstopper for your 2-carat center stone. Paired with platinum, it really sets itself alight with glorious brilliance and sparkle from every angle.
A well-made setting in a precious metal will hold your 2ct diamond securely for years to come, and our portfolio of experienced designers includes something to suit every style.
2 CARAT DIAMONDS
2.662 I SI1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$29,500
|
|
| Light Perf. |
|
| Polish |
|
| Symmetry |
|
| Depth % |
|
| Table % |
|
| Crown Angle |
|
| Star |
|
| Pavilion Angle |
|
| Crown % |
|
| Lower Girdle |
|
| Measurements |
|
| Fluorescence |
|
| Eye Clean |
|
|
View Details
|
|
2.358 J VS1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$24,750
|
|
| Light Perf. |
|
| Polish |
|
| Symmetry |
|
| Depth % |
|
| Table % |
|
| Crown Angle |
|
| Star |
|
| Pavilion Angle |
|
| Crown % |
|
| Lower Girdle |
|
| Measurements |
|
| Fluorescence |
|
| Eye Clean |
|
|
View Details
|
|
2.551 F VS1 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$55,000
|
|
| Light Perf. |
|
| Polish |
|
| Symmetry |
|
| Depth % |
|
| Table % |
|
| Crown Angle |
|
| Star |
|
| Pavilion Angle |
|
| Crown % |
|
| Lower Girdle |
|
| Measurements |
|
| Fluorescence |
|
| Eye Clean |
|
|
View Details
|
|
2.113 K VS2 Round Ideal
A CUT ABOVE®
$16,750
|
|
| Light Perf. |
|
| Polish |
|
| Symmetry |
|
| Depth % |
|
| Table % |
|
| Crown Angle |
|
| Star |
|
| Pavilion Angle |
|
| Crown % |
|
| Lower Girdle |
|
| Measurements |
|
| Fluorescence |
|
| Eye Clean |
|
|
View Details
|
|
1-Carat Diamond Rings Vs. 2-Carat Diamond Rings: Which Is Better?
First of all, it is important to note that diamond carat isn’t the be-all and end-all when it comes to purchasing diamonds. Which one your budget allows for is the most important consideration.
There is a noticeable difference in size between a 1-carat diamond and a 2-carat diamond, which is often what you might focus on. While both stones are impressive in size, a 2-carat stone can cost up to three times as much as a 1-carat stone.
And carat is only one of the factors that influence diamond prices, as those who have done some learning through
diamond education will be familiar with. In addition to the price difference, the other quality factors of the diamonds also differ - a diamond at either end of the price spectrum would look and perform entirely different.
If your budget permits, you might consider purchasing the larger 2-carat diamond. You can even opt for a 1.9ct, which is just perfect for buyers trying to manage the high prices of 2 carat diamonds without sacrificing much at all in visual impact.
A diamond that hits all the Four C’s perfectly with high-quality attributes is extremely rare, and is certainly impressive. They are, however, expensive, and we would never recommend stretching your budget beyond your means and implore you to prioritize what’s important to you.
Buying diamonds online is the most effective way to get high-quality diamonds at a reasonable price. Moreover, it means you can choose diamonds from a much larger selection than you could find in your local jeweler.
To summarize, buying a diamond engagement ring requires some research, determination, and education. With that said - it can be made easier. Here at
Whiteflash, we have an incredible selection of the finest quality diamonds on the market today. Diamonds in our
A CUT ABOVE®,
Expert Selection, and
Premium Select categories are in-stock, ready for immediate purchase, and can be found exclusively at Whiteflash.
We also have access to an impressive
Virtual Selection category, which consists of the inventories of a number of our vendor partners. With this, there is a diamond for everybody and an expert member of our team happy to support you in making any informed decisions.