01.05.24

Everything You Need to Know About 2 Carat Diamonds: Double the Trouble or Double the Fun?

Size matters, as they say, but it doesn’t matter to everyone. So when it comes to choosing a diamond for your dream engagement ring, the question is “what size do you want?” And if that size happens to be a 2 carat diamond, then you’ve come to the right place. When it comes to making a sparkling statement with your love, few things do it quite as well as a diamond of (at least) two carats. Luxury item? For sure. But there are ways to cash in on size without giving up your shirt. So let’s dive into all the details of why you want 2 carat diamonds, what makes them special, how to choose the perfect diamond, and so much more.

Understanding 2 Carat Diamonds

First of all, it’s important to understand diamond carat weight. This knowledge will help you determine if a 2 carat diamond is big, small, or just right, my darling Goldilocks. And the biggest thing here (besides your diamond) is to know that carat weight isn’t a measure of a diamond’s size. It’s actually a measure of a diamond’s physical weight, instead – one carat is equal to 200 milligrams. That means the diamond could be any shape and size, with its weight distributed differently from stone to stone, and still weigh 2 carats. This is why it’s important to understand the rest of the 4Cs and how they all play together to make a beautiful diamond.

Our yellow gold Plutch style with a radiant cut 2-carat diamond — A 2-carat diamonds can lend themselves to excellent finger coverage, especially in diamonds that have elongated cuts.

Four round brilliant diamonds are held in between two fingers pressed together to demonstrate size graduation. — Remember that size doesn’t always matter, unless, you know, it does to you. Love your 1-carat diamond as equally as a 2 carat? Fantastic!

How Do 2 Carats Compare to Other Diamond Carat Weights?

While 2 carat diamonds undoubtedly command attention, they exist within a spectrum. As many are aware, every size diamond has its own unique charm and appeal. Some folks prefer a smaller, more subtle diamond. Some like their center diamond to be more integrated into a cluster setting, opting for a smaller stone. And others want one huge gobstopper of a diamond standing brightly at attention. Ultimately, the visual size difference from 1 to 2 carats, or from 2 to 3 carats, isn’t really even or exponential. This is because a diamond’s weight is distributed throughout the stone, not just in its visual spread.

For example: a round, 1-carat diamond measures approximately 6.4mm in diameter. Meanwhile, a round 2-carat diamond measures approximately 8.1mm. That’s just a 1.7mm difference. When looking at the diamond from above, it won’t appear as double the size of the 1-carat diamond. A 3-carat diamond measures approximately 9.3mm across, which is only 1.2mm larger than a 2-carat. And a 4-carat diamond is approximately 10.2mm, only .9mm larger than a 3-carat. So, you see, the jump in visual size gets smaller as the weight goes up.

The 4Cs of 2 Carat Diamonds

In choosing the perfect 2-carat diamond, use the 4Cs—cut, color, clarity, and carat—as your guide. Each aspect, from cut to color to clarity and carat weight, plays a unique role. And together, they reveal the secret of a captivating, dazzling diamond.

When it comes to diamonds, cut matters

While size is a thing, the cut of a diamond is actually the most important of the 4Cs. Why? Diamond cut plays a massive role in maximizing a diamond’s brilliance and fire. From the classic round brilliant to princess to emerald, the right cut and elevate a 2 carat diamond from just stunning to truly extraordinary. It can also make a diamond appear larger than its carat weight, kind of tricking the eye through massive sparkle. Otherwise, a poorly cut diamond will just look like a big, dull rock.

A rose cut bezel set engagement ring in yellow gold. — Even diamonds that are cut with faceting styles not meant to highlight brilliance (hello, rose cut) can benefit from a high cut grade!

A fancy yellow radiant cut diamomnd is set east west with compass claw prongs — Why not go all in with a big diamond by focusing on big color? We love the pale yellow of fancy diamonds, particularly in deeper cut stones where the color will be even more pronounced.

2 carat diamonds can also show color more

Diamonds also come in a spectrum of colors, from icy white to warm hues like champagne or cognac. This is the second most noticeable of the 4Cs to the naked eye. But it also ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some folks prefer a very white diamond, while others like a warmer, glowing stone, or even a fancy colored diamond. Consider that with higher carat weight, a diamond typically showcases a deeper body color. This is especially true in certain deeper-cut shapes such as radiants, Asschers, and cushion cut diamonds.

Get clear about the clarity grade you want

Clarity refers to the presence of internal and external flaws, known as inclusions and blemishes, respectively. Flawless diamonds are rare, but clarity grades standardize purity and brilliance assessment. More so even in step cut diamonds: emerald and Asscher cuts. Brilliant cut diamonds tend to better hide inclusions, but the larger you go, the more surface area is exposed.

An emerald cut diamond engagement ring in our Plutch setting — Sure deeper cut 2-carat diamonds can show more color, but did you also know that they tend to show inclusions more?

A kite set Asscher diamond in a split shank engagement ring with two side stones — Think of your diamond’s certificate like a diploma. Just without the cap and gown.

Do You Need a Diamond Certificate?

We recommend getting a diamond certificate, although it’s not mandatory. This certificate helps prove the diamond’s real quality and authenticity. It’s like having a guide to help you understand what you’re buying and to compare different diamonds fairly. When you’re buying a big diamond like a 2 carat, having a certificate from a well-known lab gives you peace of mind. It also makes it easier to get your engagement ring appraised and insured, which is definitely a good idea.

The Price of a 2 Carat Diamond

Choosing the right 2 carat diamond can often come down to budgets, and there are ways to help save a few pennies. Here are our favorites:

Consider a 1.9 carat diamond

Diamond prices jump significantly at the full carat mark, meaning 1 carat, 2 carat, 3 carat, etc. But if you shop just under the weight you’re eyeing, in this case in the 1.9 carat range, you can save on your budget without sacrificing a visual difference in size. Get the look for less, really.

An oval cut 2 carat diamond engagement ring with oval eternity wedding band — Is this oval cut diamond 1.9 or 2 carats? Honestly, from looking at it alone, we can’t tell. And neither will your frenemies.

A pear shaped diamond glitters alongside other diamonds. — Not only are fancy cut diamonds more affordable than round brilliants, they can also offer a wider spread -creating a jaw-dropping look for a fraction of the cost. Pinkie up indeed!

Save money by shopping fancy cut diamonds

Round diamonds are the most expensive diamond shape because they’re the most popular by a long shot. If you’re open to other shaped diamonds, you can save some cash. For instance, an oval cut diamond of comparable 4Cs can save you up to 25% on cost and still give you lots of size and sparkle.

Shop smarter and survey lab created diamonds

And by science, we mean lab created diamonds. And yes, they are in fact real diamonds: same chemical, physical, and optical properties of natural mined diamonds, only at about half the price. Literally the same thing at half the price, folks!

An oval cut diamond is claw prong set in a yellow gold band — Exactly the same as natural diamonds but *much* cheaper, lab diamonds will have you singing bling it on.

The Pros and Cons of 2 Carat Diamonds

Choosing a 2 carat diamond comes with pros and cons for discerning buyers. Its size makes a bold statement and could be a prized possession for generations. Remember, a larger diamond rises more off your finger and might snag on sweaters. So also consider your lifestyle and how your diamond is set into your ring. A smooth bezel and low-profile engagement ring can help alleviate some of these concerns for those who are super active with their hands but still want some size to their sparkle.

2 Carat Engagement Rings: Solitaire, Halo, or Pave?

Speaking of setting styles, a 2 carat diamond is a super versatile size that can be set into nearly any style of ring that you like. Want something super simple and timeless? Go with a solitaire engagement ring that keeps the focus on your stone. Want even more sparkle and detail? Set your diamond with a pave halo, a circle of tiny diamonds that surrounds your center stone in brilliance. Want a modern marvel? Go with an east-west half bezel style ring that highlights the shape of your diamond with sculptural details for something that stands out from the crowd.

Shop our entire collection of signature engagement rings, or try our dream ring quiz to get some inspiration, answering simple questions about the ring you’re looking for, to get a free sketch and then work with our design team on custom creating the engagement ring of your dreams.

A cushion cut diamond is framed in a glittering halo of micro diamonds — Take your 2-carat engagement ring to the next level with an additional row of bling.

Double Up Your Dream Ring

With a good understanding of what goes into a 2 carat diamond, and how to pick just the right one for you, you should be all set to get to shopping for your dream ring today. In the end, whether a 2 carat diamond is “double the trouble or double the fun” ultimately comes down to personal preferences and individual circumstances. But two things remain true: the beauty of a 2 carat diamond is undeniable. And we’re here to help you find one.

Check out our diamond search where you can view 360-degree images of more than 10,000 diamonds and don’t forget to zoom out (because size can be deceiving), or book a virtual or offline appointment at our New York or San Francisco studio to view certified lab-grown and natural diamonds in person.