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Choosing the perfect engagement ring is a deeply personal journey, and while there's no definitive average size, a 2.00ct diamond stands out as an impressive choice. Its substantial weight that makes it a popular option for those looking to make a statement.

This guide aims to help you navigate purchasing a 2-carat diamond ring, ensuring you find a diamond that combines exceptional quality with the best possible value.

How Big is 2 Carat Diamond?

Carat describes the weight of the diamond, not its size. A 2-carat diamond weighs 400mg. For a round cut, a 2-carat diamond typically measures around 8.1mm in diameter. The perceived size can vary based on the diamond's shape, cut quality, and the setting it is placed in.

Image courtesy Blue Nile

As carat weight increases, finding a high-quality diamond becomes rarer. An eye-clean, sparkling white 2-carat diamond, perfectly cut, is a rare find. With a solid understanding of the 4C's and expert guidance, you can confidently shop for your ideal 2-carat diamond.

Using the Four C’s to Buy a 2 Carat Diamond

A thorough knowledge of the Four C’s is essential, regardless of the carat weight you are buying. As you move into the upper carat weights for engagement jewelry (2.00ct and above) there is a shift in grade requirements. Larger diamonds can be less forgiving when it comes to inclusions and color presence.

Even so, it is possible to find flexibility in some areas and suit the diamond to your budget. Paying above and beyond for the top-quality grades will translate into large price hikes with little optical trade-off.

Cut

Cut quality determines the light performance of the diamond and this translates into fire, brilliance and scintillation. Without a fantastic cut, even a diamond with top clarity and color specs will appear dull and lack lustre.

The GIA and AGS both give accurate and consistent cut grades. I would recommend only considering top tier diamonds that receive an ‘Excellent’ (GIA) or a 0 (AGS Ideal) cut grade.

I would also advise going beyond this. Though reliable, the AGS and GIA cut grades encompass diamonds which ‘just’ make the grade. There can be a significant difference between the light performance of two diamonds with Excellent cut grades. Super-ideal cut diamonds are round brilliant stones that have been cut and polished to exacting standards. These incredibly rare diamonds give a stunning light performance and perfect optical symmetry.

For the best of the best, take a look at the A CUT ABOVE® super-ideal cut diamonds by Whiteflash. As well as being some of the best performing diamonds on the market, Whiteflash also provide advanced light performance reports and HD Video so you can see exactly how the diamond is working and where your money is going. If you need a fancy shaped diamond try Blue Nile and for colored diamonds head to Leibish and Co.

Color

Some cuts conceal color more effectively than others. For example, brilliant cuts mask color more deftly than step cuts. This make step cuts fantastic for fancy colored diamonds as they give a wonderful intensity, but it means a higher color grade is necessary for colorless diamonds. 

For a brilliant cut, 2.00ct diamond, I would suggest an H-I in color. For step cuts, a G would be more suitable.

Remember that color is subjective and that the color of the setting will also alter the appearance of color. Warmer settings such as rose and yellow gold will help enhance the white of a diamond.

Clarity

Eye-clean is key for 2.00ct diamonds. The larger the diamond, the more obvious inclusions will appear. Again, brilliant cuts are better at concealing inclusions, and settings can be used to hide inclusions that sit around the edge of a diamond.

High-res imaging and 360 videos are a must when analysing clarity. Giving a detailed view of a diamond, they will help you determine whether or not there are any unsightly or problematic inclusions.

Using this technology will also help you make the most of your budget. This G-SI1 round brilliant on James Allen is “eye-clean” and an “excellent cut”. By contrast, this G-VS2 round brilliant has several problematic inclusions, some of which are in the table of the diamond. Both diamonds are an excellent cut grade.

Two james allen diamonds side by side

Two "Excellent" Cut Diamonds from James Allen

Despite the higher clarity grade, I wouldn’t recommend the VS2 diamond – it is also $880 more expensive than the eye-clean diamond.

How Expensive is a 2 Carat Diamond?

This 2.068ct I-SI1 is part of the A CUT ABOVE® range of super-ideal cut diamonds by Whiteflash. It is eye-clean and the I color is a great grade for a round brilliant diamond. It ticks all the boxes for me in terms of balancing budget with qualities that can be appreciated by eye. At $18,627, I would suggest this is a great price for a 2.00ct diamond of this quality.

Image courtesy Whiteflash

The price differences between 2 carat diamonds can be tens of thousands of dollars. Ensuring a reasonable spend is all about knowing what you’re looking at and prioritizing cut quality and certification.

2-Carat Lab Diamond Pricing

The price of a 2-carat lab diamond can vary significantly based on several factors, including the growth method, clarity, color, and cut quality. For example, you might find a great 2.07-carat G-color VS1 clarity round ideal cut lab diamond grown using Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) for around $800, while a 2.03-carat D-color VVS2 clarity round ideal cut lab diamond produced using High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) might be priced closer to $4,000.

This price difference is partly due to the growth methods. CVD diamonds are generally cheaper to produce but can have transparency issues, so it's crucial to purchase from a trusted vendor like Whiteflash. HPHT diamonds, on the other hand, typically offer better light performance, sparkle, and edge-to-edge light return, justifying their higher price.

Choosing the right 2-carat lab diamond involves considering these factors to ensure you get the best combination of quality and value.

2-Carat Diamond Settings

When choosing a setting for a 2-carat diamond, consider the following options:

  1. Metals: Popular choices include platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold. Each offers a distinct look and complements different skin tones.

  2. Prongs: Four or six prongs are common. Four prongs show more of the diamond but offer less security, while six prongs provide better security and a slightly different aesthetic.

  3. Styles: Solitaire settings highlight the diamond's size and brilliance, while halo settings add extra sparkle and can make the diamond appear larger.

Select a setting that enhances the diamond's beauty and matches your personal style.

Where to buy a 2 Carat Diamond Ring?

Certification, the four c’s and reliable online vendors are a must when shopping for a 2.00ct diamond. Begin your search with the industry leaders; Blue Nile, James Allen and Whiteflash. This will give you a starting point for trusted price comparisons. If you’re looking for the best quality cut diamonds then consider the A CUT ABOVE® Diamonds from Whiteflash or their Precision Lab Diamond range. James Allen and Blue Nile are more suitable for smaller budgets but they have a great selection of diamonds.

I am always on hand to offer personalized guidance through the diamond buying process to guarantee a beautiful diamond without being ripped off. Please contact me for free advice.