The allure of a three carat diamond ring is undeniable. There’s plenty of expectations when it comes to diamond carat weight and if size on the finger is important to you, you’re in for an exciting ride.
Three carat diamonds exhibit an impressive presence on the finger–sure to command attention. And an engagement ring set with a three carat diamond is more than just jewellery; they’re statements of devotion, commitment, and celebration.
From the classic allure of the round brilliant cut to the angular points of a princess cut, there are diamond shapes to suit all tastes and designs. And if you’re considering a three carat option, any shape possesses its own beauty–it’s just up to you to decide which one is your favourite.
A three carat diamond of any shape will allow for a remarkable display of brilliance and fire, capturing light and reflecting it with unparalleled splendour. Three carat diamonds will likely have a large surface area that will appear substantial when worn on the finger, sure to command attention.
Carat weight refers to just that–weight. But the increase in carat weight does often correlate to an increase in surface area covered. Below we detail rough millimetre coverage of each of the shapes:
3 carat Round Brilliant: 9.4 mm x 9.4mm
3 carat Princess Cut: 8.6 mm x 8.6 mm
3 carat Emerald Cut: 10 mm x 7 mm
3 carat Asscher Cut: 8 mm x 8 mm
3 carat Oval Cut: 11 mm x 8 mm
3 carat Marquise Cut: 14 mm x 7 mm
3 carat Pear Shape: 12 mm x 8 mm
3 carat Heart Shape: 10 mm x 10 mm
3 carat Cushion Cut: 9.5 mm x 9.5 mm
It’s important to note that these measurements are approximate and can vary based on the diamond’s depth and the specific cut proportions. When choosing a diamond shape, it’s also important to consider how the dimensions and proportions affect the stone’s appearance, as well as your personal preferences in terms of aesthetics and style. If you prefer a more elongated silhouette, you’ll want to explore different ratios to the typical ratios of more ‘squared’ shapes like Asscher or cushion cuts.
Three carat diamonds are extremely desirable for diamond engagement rings because of their size, which is noticeably large, but not overbearing on the hand if you don’t have exceptionally small hands.
As a general guideline, a three carat natural diamond of good value tends to fall within the range of $40,000 to $50,000. Opting for a lab grown diamond can lower the range to approximately $7,000 to $11,000.
It’s important to note that the price per carat increases exponentially. A three carat diamond isn’t merely three times the price of a one carat diamond; it’s more akin to being about 10 times the price. This steep increase is due to the rarity of finding high-quality rough material suitable for cutting a three carat diamond–it’s more likely to cut several good quality diamonds from a rough diamond than cutting just one as it’s so dependent on being exceptional quality. When deciding between a two carat and a three carat stone, our guide for two carat diamond rings might offer helpful insights.
As with all diamonds, the cost can have such a wide range depending on the quality characteristics. The cost of a three carat natural diamond spans from $20,000 to $240,000, contingent on the stone’s quality. A flawless, colourless three carat diamond could well surpass $200,000, while a stone with flaws that are visible under 10x magnification and a lower colour quality grade would fall toward the lower end of the spectrum. For optimal value, we recommend choosing a clarity grade of SI and above to appear clean to the naked eye and a colour grade of G and above to ensure your diamond will look icy white against all metals. This combination strikes a balance between affordability and aesthetics.
Here are approximate price points for popular natural diamond shapes:
Round: Starting at £40,000
Princess: Starting at £34,000
Emerald: Starting at £39,000
Oval: Starting at £40,000
Cushion: Starting at around £35,000
Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle over millions of years, undergoing immense pressure and heat. Lab grown diamonds, on the other hand, are cultivated in controlled environments using advanced technological processes that mimic the natural growth conditions.
Both share identical physical and chemical properties, making them visually indistinguishable. While natural diamonds hold the allure of geological rarity, lab grown diamonds are often more affordable. The choice between the two depends on personal values: natural diamonds carry the romance of nature’s craftsmanship, while lab grown diamonds align with affordability and modern innovation. As the diamond market evolves, consumers consider factors such as origin, environmental impact, and budget when deciding between these options–read our guide on considering both diamond types here.
Selecting a diamond is a process that must take into account a range of factors to match your desires and budget. Here’s our guide to help you navigate your decision-making journey:
Set Your Budget: Begin by figuring out how much you’re comfortable spending on your diamond. Remember, diamonds with higher carat weight usually come with higher price tags, so having a budget in mind will help streamline your choices and determine whether a three carat diamond is attainable or not.
Pick Your Favourite Shape: Choose a diamond shape that speaks to you. There’s an option for everyone–from round brilliant, princess and emerald to cushion or oval shaped diamonds, think about what appeals to the wearer’s taste and sense of style.
Focus on the 4Cs: Get familiar with the 4Cs of diamond quality: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. These elements determine a diamond’s appearance, quality and therefore, value. While a three carat diamond is impressive, finding the right balance among the 4Cs is key.
Cut: A diamond cut grade is only applicable to round shaped diamonds and affects how the diamond catches light and sparkles. Look for Excellent or Ideal cut grades for maximum brilliance.
Colour: Opt for a colour grade between D (colourless) and G (near-colourless) for a mesmerising icy white diamond without unnecessary cost.
Clarity: Aim for clarity grades like VS1 or VS2 (Very Slightly Included) for diamonds with minimal visible flaws to the naked eye. Lower clarity grades will not necessarily display inclusions, or clarity characteristics, that are visible to the naked eye, but may possibly be placed somewhere more visible. All of our diamonds are twice-inspected by our skilled team of Diamond Experts to ensure they look wonderful to the naked eye.
Carat Weight: Since you’re considering a three carat diamond, remember to strike a balance with the other factors for overall quality. Bigger isn’t always better.
Check the Certification: Always go for a diamond with a reliable grading certificate from well-known gemological labs like GIA, IGI or GCAL. This ensures transparency and helps you understand the diamond’s quality.
Choose the Right Setting: Decide on a setting that complements the diamond’s shape and emphasises its beauty. The setting can impact how the diamond looks and how comfortable the ring is to wear.
Source Matters: When buying, opt for a trusted jeweller or online store with a solid reputation. Research customer feedback, warranties, return policies, and certifications before making a decision.
Follow your heart: Above all, select a diamond that resonates with you or the recipient personally. It’s often said that you don’t choose the diamond, the diamond chooses you. Sometimes upon first glance, there’s a feeling that it’s meant to be and technical specifications don’t matter as much.
Keep in mind that discovering the perfect three carat diamond involves finding harmony between your preferences, budget, and the diamond’s quality. Take your time, ask questions, and lean on expert advice to ensure you choose a diamond that brings lasting happiness.
