An Expert Guide to 2 Carat Diamond Rings

If you’re looking for a 2 Carat Diamond Ring, several key components must be examined. Well cut diamonds of this carat are hard to come by, and require extra attention during the search process. Selection of a diamond, ring and seller should be considerably detailed. To get the best value for your money, you’ll need to know how to evaluate the 4cs of diamonds. These basics will help you choose a diamond that is exceptionally brilliant and full of life.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:

How much does a 2 carat diamond ring cost?
Where should I buy a 2 carat diamond engagement ring from?
How large is a 2 carat diamond?
What quality to look for in a 2 carat diamond?
What style ring should I get for a 2 carat diamond?

What is a 2 Carat Diamond Ring?

A 2 Carat (or Two Carat) Diamond simply refers to the weight of the diamond. 2 carat equals 400 milligrams, or 0.4 grams. To put it in perspective, a 2 Carat Diamond weighs roughly the same as half of a raisin.

It’s important to note that because of their scarcity, 2 Carat Diamonds are rarely found in local stores–and if they are, they are likely to be of a poor quality cut.

How Large is a 2 Carat Diamond?

A round 2 carat diamond should be around 8.10mm diameter. For scale, here are all the diamond shapes compared to a quarter.

Several online diamond dealers offer a range of exquisite 2 Carat Diamond engagement rings. Significant differences in beauty exist among these diamonds, along with significant differences in price. And a higher price doesn’t always mean a better diamond.

In terms of pricing, diamonds are all priced per carat. For example, a 0.50 carat diamond may have a price of $1,400 per carat. The diamond’s price for the stone would be $1,400 x 0.50, equaling $700.

Recently we have been seeing interest for 2 carat diamonds from readers considering Lab-Created Diamonds. This observation is backed up with data as reported in this March 2022 article on diamonds.net which quoted Beryl Raff as saying “The 2-carat lab-grown diamond has become the new 1-carat mined diamond”. While we are not the biggest fans of LCDs, we do have an article discuss this topic and how it pertains specifically to lab created diamonds. In this article, we discuss the issues we have with LCDs as well as advice on how to get the best LCD diamond if you decide to go that route. 

In addition, diamond prices per carat increase as you reach higher weight categories. Diamond prices increase exponentially with weight because of the diamond’s higher weight value and the higher price per carat for the increased weight category.  For example, a 2 Carat Diamond like this one might be $10,750 per carat, while a similar 3 Carat Diamond such as this one from Blue Nile might be priced at $22,610 per carat.

We stress categories, as prices per carat do not continually increase as weight is increased. Diamonds are retail products driven by emotion more than reason.

It may seem advantageous to look for a diamond that’s just below a new weight category, such as a 1.90-1.99 Carat Diamond. That really isn’t the case, though. Diamond cutters have become more efficient at their job, and the search for an “almost” 2 Carat Diamond has become increasingly popular.  This influx props up the price for those particular diamonds—making the cost savings minimal.

While ultimately you can search for a 1.90ct+ diamond, we suggest not trying to find one specifically. You’ll severely limit your search potential without really saving anything.

Remember that diamond pricing is often subjective, because it’s all about the feelings. These “feelings” within the diamond industry are the sole reason there are many poor cut diamonds on the market.

We’re here to help you avoid purchasing one of those diamonds.

How Much does a 2 Carat Diamond Ring Cost?

A 2 carat diamond’s price can vary depending on its shape, cut quality, clarity, color and a range of other factors. On average, you can expect to find a 2 carat ring for sale for anywhere from $5,000 to $60,000 or more.

For example, you can find a stunning stone like this 2.02 carat Princess Cut Diamond from James Allen for a price of $15,540. This 2 carat diamond price tag gives you an ideal cut, a near-colorless G color grade and a great overall appearance. (Click here for more 15k engagement ring inspiration.)

You can also easily find a poorly cut, dull 2 Carat Diamond for 60-80% less than the cost of an Excellent cut, exceptionally brilliant diamond. 

For instance, this Princess Cut in 14K white gold from James Allen is listed for $8,040. Its cut grade is “Very Good” and it’s slightly included. While it may seem like a good deal, this diamond lacks beauty and brilliance.

Because no two diamonds are exactly the same, we recommend evaluating the 4cs of diamond quality for each stone you look at. Focusing on quality over specific carat weight will get you the most beauty for your budget, especially for a larger stone like a 2 carat diamond.

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Where To Buy a 2 Carat Diamond Ring

With a 2 Carat Diamond Ring, you have increased flexibility and options because of a larger budget and carat weight. While Blue Nile and James Allen still have amazing advantages built into their business model, other factors come into play with the increased budget.

By looking online, you have a great chance of finding an extraordinary 2 Carat Diamond at an excellent price point. We have an article discussing the best place to buy an engagement ring online.

Through our many years of experience, we’ve vetted several diamond dealers and have a consistent pulse on the companies you can trust.

For the best diamond cuts at an exceptional value, we recommend:

Blue Nile: 17+ years of experience, maintains the largest online inventory of diamonds and settings, emphasizes remarkable diamond quality, offers high-quality jewelry settings, and all diamonds come with high quality certification (GIA & AGS).

James Allen: Focuses on customer experience and appealing prices. Provides incredible diamond imagery for assessing the 4cs of diamonds. High quality certification (GIA & AGS) comes with all diamonds.

Abe Mor Diamonds: If you live near New York City or have the opportunity to travel there, Abe Mor is a unique option. Specializing in larger diamonds, Abe Mor is an actual wholesaler who works with boutique jewelry designers in the city. He has provided unique diamond and jewelry options for many of our readers.

For examples of 2 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings, contact Abe Mor.

Brian Gavin Diamonds: Presents super-ideal cuts with the “Brian Gavin Signature” Hearts & Arrows collection, offers only the best cut diamonds and provides high-quality certification (GIA & AGS) on all diamonds. As the size of the diamond increases, the added brilliance of a Brian Gavin Black or Signature diamond really comes into play.

Bespoke Diamonds by Brian Gavin: Brian Gavin Diamonds’ distinct advantage is that he is one of the premier diamond cutters in the world. If you’re looking for something rare, Brian will custom cut a diamond to your exact preferences. Pairing the diamond with one of their custom engagement rings will result in an exclusive experience.

For examples of Bespoke 2 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings, contact Brian Gavin.

When buying a diamond, be sure to keep the following in mind:

• Select a 2 Carat Diamond with an ideal cut or GIA grade of Excellent. Cut is the aspect that most greatly impacts beauty, brilliance and fire. You can reduce the grading in the other 4cs of diamonds such as Color or Clarity, but don’t sacrifice in the area of Diamond Cut.
• Compare price, brilliance and cut quality to other similar diamond engagement rings before completing a purchase.
• Only consider 2 Carat Diamonds that carry a GIA or AGS certificate. These two grading entities are the most trusted and reliable in the industry.

Ask a diamond expert for help in evaluating the 4cs of diamonds. A professional opinion can save you from making a poor purchase. And we can assist you in finding the most beautiful, radiant diamond.

The Difference Between Diamond Carat and Diamond Size

Many people confuse the terms “Diamond Carat” and “Diamond Size.” But there’s a big difference.

Diamond Carat specifically refers to the weight of the diamond. Carat weight doesn’t impact table surface area, depth or any other shape feature. A larger carat does not mean a larger size.

Size, on the other hand, has to do with the visual appearance of the diamond. For example, an Oval Shaped Diamond will likely appear larger than a Round Brilliant Cut in the same carat only because of its elongated shape. Take a look at our comparison image below:

Various components, such as surface area and depth play into the diamond’s size. Two diamonds of the same carat usually appear different in size depending on their shape design and cut quality.

2 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings: Cuts, Shapes, and Sizes

An exquisite 2 Carat Diamond with a gorgeous setting will be remarkable in any Diamond Shape. As such, Diamond Shape should be selected based on personal preference and style of the wearer.

How 2 Carat Diamonds Are Sized

Diamonds are cut by carat weight, not by size. However, there is a surface area difference among diamond shapes — which can impact how big a diamond looks. Depending on the table size (the top leveled surface of a diamond), 2 Carat Diamonds can appear larger in certain shapes.

Our chart below gives you the surface area sizes for 2 Carat Diamond Shapes. The sizes are measured in millimeters, not inches.

For some people, a 2 carat diamond is huge and for others, it’s not big enough. It’s all supbjective. However, choosing the right setting can do a lot. As shown on Jodie Sweetin’s engagement ring, a halo style setting can make a 2ct diamond look MUCH bigger than you would think.

How Engagement Rings are Sized

When buying engagement rings, it’s important to know the right ring size for the wearer. For a surprise proposal, match the size of an existing ring or have a friend try to get that information for you. For the most accurate measurement, we suggest ordering a complimentary plastic ring sizer from James Allen or Blue Nile.  

Rings are sized based on how many millimeters (mm) the diameter is. The most popular sizes for women are 5, 6 and 7. A size 5 is equal to a 14.3mm diameter. Size 6 equals 14.7mm and size 7 equals 14.9mm. Find the ideal size to help prevent resizing and needing to send back the ring after the proposal.

2 Carat Diamond Rings: Clarity

Consider the 4cs of diamonds (Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight) to ensure you spend your budget on elements that matter – and avoid spending in areas that won’t provide additional benefit or beauty.

Evaluating for Clarity is essential in all diamonds, but especially 2 Carat Diamonds. When compared with 1 Carat Diamonds of the same shape, 2 Carat Diamonds will generally have a larger table (the top, flat leveled surface of a diamond). The Clarity of the diamond will dictate how many inclusions, surface defects (or blemishes) and extra facets are present.

We suggest reviewing the Clarity of a diamond yourself or asking for the assistance of an expert. What you see with the naked eye is more important than what a diamond’s lab report says.

For example, a low clarity eye-clean diamond will look identical to a flawless diamond assuming all else is equal (yet will cost far, far less). Eye-clean 2 Carat diamonds can be found but not as easily as eye-clean diamonds of a lesser Carat weight.

James Allen is the only vendor offering sufficiently high-quality images on all of their diamonds for reviewing Clarity. With their technology, you can determine by sight which diamonds are more attractive and clear. Even if a diamond’s official Clarity grade is lower, it may offer more beauty and clarity to the naked eye than another diamond of a higher grade.

The GIA diamond clarity chart ranges from best to worst: Internally Flawless (IF), Very Very Small Inclusions 1 (VVS1), Very Very Small Inclusions 2 (VVS2), Very Small Inclusions 1 (VS1), Very Small Inclusions 2 (VS2), Small Inclusions 1 (SI1), Small Inclusions 2 (SI2), Inclusions 1 (I1), Inclusions 2 (I2).

For 2 Carat Diamond engagement rings, we generally recommend a minimum of a VS1 grade, as inclusions and blemishes will be invisible to the naked eye. You may be able to find a VS2 with inclusions near the edges of the diamond–that, depending on shape, may be covered by the setting prongs.

The maximum Clarity rating, within a reasonable budget, will usually be a VVS2, which provides no inclusions or blemishes to the naked eye.

Eye-Cleanliness is Paramount

In our opinion, a consumer’s goal should be to find the cheapest (in regards to clarity; other factors matter as well) eye-clean diamond you can find. We use “eye-clean” to describe diamonds that may have inclusions if you look at them with a magnifying glass (or microscope or loupe), but the typical person can’t see the inclusion with their naked eye.

We have recently developed Ringo, a patented artificial intelligence model, that can examine videos of diamonds and determine if they are eye-clean. Ringo will also filter for other parameters like making sure the diamond is well-cut, doesn’t have fluorescence issues and will match the style setting you choose. 

Ringo™ Approved Eye Clean Diamonds

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  Carat Weight 2.20

  Color H

  Clarity SI2

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  Carat Weight 2.11

  Color K

  Clarity VS1

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  Carat Weight 2.01

  Color J

  Clarity SI2

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If you’re not sure, have an expert assist you.

2 Carat Diamond Rings: Color

Another one of the 4cs is Diamond Color. Selecting the Color of your 2 Carat Diamond requires a bit of extra attention.

While it’s nearly impossible for the naked eye to tell the difference between color grades, the price difference is significant.

Color is graded on a scale from D to Z by the GIA. The D grade represents the most clear or colorless a diamond can be. Z represents a diamond that contains easily noticed yellow or brown tint.

Because it’s incredibly difficult for the naked eye to notice the differences between Color grades, we recommend reviewing diamond engagement rings closely or having an expert assist you.

While the grading on the GIA certificate is important, it’s more important to determine how the Color appears to you and your loved one.

In addition, you’ll want to make sure the diamond appears white in relation to its setting. Engagement rings are available in 18k or 14K white gold, rose gold, yellow gold, and platinum settings. A K color diamond may look vibrant in a yellow gold setting, but may appear tinted in a white gold setting. If you’re choosing a diamond in a slightly lower Color grade, just ensure it’s contrasted by a setting that’s darker.

For 2 Carat Diamond engagement rings, we generally recommend selecting within the nearly colorless range of G to I. Diamonds in this range will look just as colorless as those in the D to F range but will cost much less.

Cut impacts a diamond’s beauty and brilliance more significantly than Diamond Color. When you have a Cut grade of Excellent or ideal, Color is harder to discern.

How To Get The Best Value For a 2 Carat Engagement Ring

If you’re in the market to purchase a diamond of considerable carat weight, quality should be more important than anything else–even if you need to slightly reduce your carat weight to stay within your ring budget. The increased brilliance, fire and overall radiance of a high quality diamond in a lesser Carat will outweigh and outshine any money spent on a poorly cut 2 Carat Diamond.

To ensure your diamond is exactly what the diamond dealer is stating, ensure the diamond comes with either a GIA or AGS certificate. The GIA and AGS are the two renowned and well-respected diamond grading entities that issue accurate and consistent reports for diamonds. Although certification isn’t one of the 4cs of diamonds, it is extremely important.

If a diamond seller is trying to convince you to purchase a diamond with any other lab grading entity, politely decline their invitation. The actual quality of those diamonds are much less than what they’re portraying to be “true.”

To select exquisite 2 Carat Diamond rings at an exceptional value, follow our expert recommendations:

• Diamond Shape: Diamond Shape is selected primarily on personal preference and style. Match your Shape with a setting that is complementary and offers stability. For example, ensure the corners of a Princess Cut Diamond are protected with prongs.
• Diamond Cut: Diamond Cut is the most important of the 4cs of diamonds. It dictates how much brilliance and sparkle a diamond has. Choose only an Excellent or ideal cut for 2 Carat Diamond engagement rings.
• Diamond Clarity: Blemishes and inclusions cannot be seen at the naked eye with a VS1 Clarity grade. While you can pay more for a higher Clarity grade, the difference won’t be noticeable.
• Diamond Color: To the naked eye, a diamond in the G to I range will appear colorless and will cost much less than those in the D to F range.
• Online Diamond Engagement Rings Seller: Select only a well-respected diamond dealer with high quality certificates and years of experience. We recommend choosing from the James Allen, Brian Gavin Diamonds, or Blue Nile inventories.

Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Carat Diamond Rings

We get asked a lot of questions about 2 carat diamond engagement rings. Here our experts answer top questions from our readers.

How much is a 2 Carat Diamond?

The average price of a well-cut 2 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond ring is around $20,000. Various factors impact the price of diamond engagement rings, including Diamond Shape, type of setting, and Clarity grade. You can find 2 carat diamond for under 15k, but they will be incredibly poor quality. On the flip side, you can easily spend 50k on a 2 carat diamond ring, but you’d be overpaying for qualities you will never notice.

To find the best value, compare several 2 Carat engagement rings before making a final decision. You can also check our guide to a 20K Diamond Ring to find inspiration.

Is a 2 Carat Diamond Considered to be Big?

The average carat weight for a diamond engagement ring is about 0.9 carat, meaning a 2 Carat Diamond is definitely considered big. With 2 carat engagement rings, the diamond is noticeable and eye-catching. If you select a stunning stone that’s well-cut, your ring will definitely attract attention.

1 Carat vs. 2 Carat: Which Size Diamond Engagement Ring Should You Buy?

This is a difficult question to answer, at least for everyone. Every person’s needs, tastes and budget are different, meaning that while a 1 carat diamond ring might be the best choice for some, a 2 carat diamond might be a better choice for others. 

Let’s start by looking at the advantages of buying a 1 carat diamond ring. First, you’ll spend a significant amount less for a diamond of this carat weight than you would for a 2 carat stone. 

This 2.04 carat diamond from James Allen of the same cut quality, color and clarity is $20,380, making it more than three times as expensive. While it will certainly stand out more and attract more attention for its size, its higher cost makes the 1 carat stone a better choice if you’re on a budget. 

Now, let’s look at the advantages of the 2 carat diamond. First, it’s a bigger stone, with a larger surface area than the 1 carat stone. This means that it will attract much more attention on your fiancé-to-be’s finger and have a far stronger wow factor. 

Second, the extra size can make the beauty of the diamond easier to appreciate, although this is a subjective factor. 

Ultimately, it’s best to choose the diamond that best suits you and your fiancé-to-be’s budget, tastes and preferences. If you’re not sure how much you can afford to spend, we recommend reading our guide to setting your budget for an engagement ring. 

Why Are 2 Carat Diamonds So Much More Expensive Than 1 Carat Diamonds?

As we’ve covered before, the price of a diamond increases exponentially as the carat weight of the stone increases. As you get into the higher carat weight categories, the price per carat for a diamond increases suddenly. 2 Carat diamonds are certainly impressive, and this adds a premium to the price.

We’ve explained how this phenomenon works more in our guide to diamond pricing. This is due to several factors, the biggest of which is that larger diamonds are rarer than smaller diamonds and, as such, are priced at a premium per carat.

What is the Price of a 2 Carat Oval Diamond?

You should expect to pay around $23,000 for a 2ct oval cut engagement ring if the diamond is well cut and bright. Just like with other diamond shapes, the price of a 2 carat oval cut diamond can vary depending on its cut quality, color and clarity.

What is the Price of a 2 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond?

As with other shapes, pricing for 2 carat emerald cut diamonds can vary. In general, prices for emerald cut diamonds of any size are less than those for round diamonds. We’ve covered the relationship between shape and prices more in our guide to diamond shapes and pricing. You can find a nice diamond for under $18,000

How Much Does a 2 Carat Princess Cut Diamond Cost?

You can find a nice 2.00 carat princess cut diamond for less than $16,000. Like the emerald cut, princess cut diamonds are typically more affordable than diamonds cut in the round brilliant shape.

2 Carat vs. 2.50 Carat: What’s the Difference?

The difference in size between a 2 carat diamond ring and a 2.50 carat diamond ring is quite subtle. On average, a 2 carat round brilliant cut diamond will measure approximately 8.1mm across, while a 2.50 carat round brilliant cut diamond will measure approximately 8.9mm.

Despite this relatively modest increase in size, there’s quite a significant increase in price from a 2 carat diamond to a 2.50 carat stone.

2 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Rings

A 2 carat diamond can look absolutely stunning when it’s set in a solitaire engagement ring. The simplicity of the setting combined with the large size of the diamond give an engagement ring of this type a subtle, elegant look that really showcases the beauty of the diamond.

The solitaire setting is the most popular type of setting for a 2 carat diamond. Because it’s such a simple setting, a solitaire ring can look absolutely fantastic with a range of diamond shapes.

Below, we’ve provided our expert tips and recommendations for purchasing a 2 carat diamond solitaire engagement ring, from optimal diamond shapes to metals and more.

Choose a Shape That Suits You

In short, if you’re looking for a 2 carat engagement ring, don’t feel limited to the most common shapes. Due to the large size of a 2 carat ring, the outline of a fancy shape diamond can be more visible than with a smaller stone, emphasizing its unique appearance.

Match the Diamond Color to the Setting

2 carat diamonds can look great when set in all metals, from white metals such as platinum and white gold to colored ones such as yellow and rose gold. 

Like with any diamond, it’s important to choose a diamond with a color grade that ensures it will look colorless in relation to its setting. This is particularly important with a 2 carat diamond set in a solitaire ring, as the large size of the diamond can make its color quite visible.

As we mentioned above, we recommend the G to I color range for 2 carat diamonds. This color grade range offers a diamond that will appear colorless to the naked eye at a lower cost than a diamond graded in the colorless range.

2 Carat Solitaire Diamond Ring Pricing

The major components that affect the cost of a 2ct diamond ring are the quality of the center diamond and the style of the setting. 

Because of their simple design and lack of extra diamonds, a solitaire setting will almost always be the most affordable type of engagement ring setting. In general, you should expect to spend an extra $200 to $2,000 for the setting, on top of the cost of the diamond. 

We’re Here To Help, Contact Our Experts

Finding a remarkable 2 Carat Diamond Ring is done best by focusing on the elements that offer maximum beauty and value–along with buying from a well-respected online dealer. If you want to step up the carat weight, we also have a 3 carat engagement ring guide ready for you. Or you can go the opposite way and get a 1.5 carat diamond engagement ring that is just a tad smaller but still impressive.

Keep this guide handy during your diamond search and feel free to reach out to us with any questions.

We’re happy to help you navigate the rocky waters of diamond buying. Contact us today and we’ll help you review and search for high quality diamond engagement rings.

Here are more carat size topics to browse:

• How to read a diamond carat/size chart
• What does the average engagement ring cost in 2022?
• What is the price of a ½ carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of a ¾ carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of a 1 carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of a 1.5 carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of a 2.5 carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of a 3 carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of a 4 carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of a 5 carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of a 6 carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of a 7 carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of an 8 carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of a 9 carat diamond ring?
• What is the price of a 10 carat diamond ring?

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab created diamonds online. For a limited time Save 25% during James Allen Holiday Sale!

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What we love about them:

• No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
• Lifetime Warranty
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• Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
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About the author

Michael Fried Mike Fried has over 25 years experience in the diamond industry working with Leo Schachter Diamonds, Moshe Namdar Diamonds, and joining The Diamond Pro in 2007. He is recognized as an industry expert and has been quoted in publications such as Us, People, Page Six, The Next Web and more.