Big Dreams, Bigger Diamonds: The Rise of the Large Carat Engagement Ring
For decades, the dream of a large carat diamond felt unattainable for many. In the world of natural diamonds, a 1.00ct stone was likely the largest you would see on a finger, with a more common size being around 0.35ct. A diamond's price increased exponentially with its carat weight, putting truly dramatic sizes out of reach for most couples.
But the jewellery world has changed forever. Thanks to the accessibility of lab grown diamonds, the trend for stunning, large carat engagement rings is now a reality.
A Glimpse into the Past: Creating the Illusion of Size
Historically, a large carat diamond was a luxury very few could afford. For this reason, many vintage and antique engagement ring styles were created to give the illusion of a bigger centre stone without the heavy price tag. Styles like the halo and cluster ring were incredibly popular, particularly in Georgian and Victorian era jewellery, as they used a collection of smaller diamonds to surround a modest-sized central stone. This clever design trick made the main diamond appear much larger and created a dazzling overall effect for a fraction of the cost. These styles were a beautiful and practical solution to a budget-driven problem.
The New Reality: Carat Weights 1.50ct and Above
Today’s couples are no longer confined by the high prices of the traditional diamond market. With lab grown diamonds, the opportunity for large carat rings is being embraced, with many people choosing stones of 1.50ct and above. A 2.00ct lab grown diamond, for example, can be a fraction of the cost of a similar natural diamond, opening up a world of possibilities for your dream ring.
This newfound affordability allows you to select a diamond that truly makes a statement, and many cuts work beautifully in these larger sizes. Oval, emerald, radiant, and elongated cushion cuts, for instance, all look spectacular in carat weights of 2.00ct and above. Their elongated shape allows them to show off their sparkle and brilliance on a much grander scale. It is worth noting that the larger the carat, the higher the setting will be to accommodate a deeper stone.
Modern Icons: The Statement-Making Ring
The shift towards larger carats is also reflected in the rings of today’s most influential style icons, whose rings are no longer just about classic design, but about making a bold, personal statement. Hailey Bieber is a major trendsetter in the world of engagement rings. Her initial ring featured a stunning oval-cut diamond, estimated to be between 6 and 10 carats, on a simple gold band. This clean, minimalist style allowed the large stone to take centre stage and has inspired a global trend for elongated oval diamonds. She has since debuted an even larger ring, confirming the ongoing trend for bigger and more dramatic carat weights.
Similarly, Zendaya’s ring from Tom Holland features a 5.02-carat elongated cushion-cut diamond set horizontally on the band in an "east-west" orientation. This unique setting is a perfect example of a modern twist on a classic shape. The horizontal placement makes the already large diamond look even more substantial and adds a fresh, contemporary feel to the piece. Another iconic example is Blake Lively's ring from Ryan Reynolds, a breathtaking 12-carat oval-cut pink diamond set in a rose gold pavé band. Her ring not only showcases a dramatic carat weight but also highlights the unique and romantic allure of a fancy-coloured diamond, cementing it as a piece that is both spectacular in size and profoundly personal.
The Versatility of Carat Weights
While larger carats are a popular trend, there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to diamond size. It is entirely a matter of personal preference. A classic and timeless round brilliant cut, for example, looks absolutely perfect in the 1.25ct to 1.75ct range, where its fire and sparkle are perfectly balanced.
On the other hand, marquise and pear cuts, with their unique and elegant shapes, carry themselves beautifully in both large and small carat weights. Their distinct form makes them shine regardless of size, offering a versatile choice for any style.
The affordability of lab grown diamonds means you no longer have to compromise on size to stay within budget. You can now choose a diamond that truly captures your vision, whether that's a beautifully balanced 1.25ct or a dramatic 3.00ct statement piece.
Explore our collection of ethical and sustainable lab grown diamond engagement rings and find the perfect carat weight for you.
