This Is the Average Carat Size for a Diamond Engagement Ring (2024)

There's nothing quite like being engaged, but the phase before you or your partner pops the question is just as special. You've decided that this is the person you want to spend your life with—and that feeling of big love and impending commitment is probably something you haven't quite experienced before. It's no wonder that we mark these emotions in a major way: with an engagement ring that's both a token of our affection and a promise that the best is yet to come.

If you've had this epiphany and started shopping for an engagement ring, you've probably experienced a whole new roster of feelings. Sure, this process is fun and exciting (who doesn't love looking at rows of sparkling jewelry?), but it's also daunting. How do you know which size diamond to get? If you're shopping for a partner (instead of with them), how do you know they'll like what you pick out? The questions don't stop there: You might also be wondering about the average diamond size for an engagement ring—and what is ultimately considered too big or too small. Not to mention, you'll want to know what looks best on your (or your partner's hand) and if it'll be comfortable to wear every day. It's a lot to think about, so you want to do your due diligence with an item so important. (You're supposed to wear this forever, after all!)

To answer all your questions and more, we consulted diamond expert Anna Jay. Ahead, discover the average carat size for engagement rings and what to know when choosing yours (or your future fiancé(e)'s)

What Is the Average Carat Size for a Diamond Engagement Ring?

The average diamond carat weight for an engagement ring in the United States is about one carat—but that's looking at just one country. In actuality, the average diamond size for an engagement ring "changes dramatically based on location and demographics," shares Jay. In the United Kingdom, it's 0.6 carats, and in Europe it's even smaller, hovering around 0.5 carats.

Age also matters. Jay's younger clients, including people in their twenties or early thirties, typically choose diamonds that are one to two carats. "The older my clients get, the larger the diamonds typically become," she says. That is most likely because older people have had more time to save and are farther along in their careers, giving them more money to spend on jewelry.

What Is Considered a "Big" Engagement Ring?

A "big" diamond is anything three carats or larger for most consumers. But before you start shooting down anything smaller (or panicking if you can't afford something on that level), remember that size shouldn't be the only barometer you use when selecting a diamond. There is this skewed notion that bigger is better—something that social media has exacerbated, explains Jay. "Due to social media, I am seeing a desire to have larger carat weight diamonds," she says.

Ultimately, the idea of a "big" engagement ring is subjective. "A 'big' diamond is really relative to each person's hand," Jay reveals. "A one-carat diamond on a size-four finger can look very large, while a one-carat diamond on a size-eight finger could look smaller." That's not the only factor that determines how big a ring looks, however. "Shape is also a contributing factor in how large a diamond looks. A one-carat elongated diamond, think oval or pear, will face up to the human eye larger than a square shape would like Asscher or princess cut," Jay adds.

Because of this reality, she encourages her clients not to focus on a carat number or what others might think is a "big" engagement ring diamond. "Rather than being hung up on what the number is, I suggest focusing on what you like, what looks best on your hand, and working with a jeweler that can help you find a beautifully cut diamond," says Jay.

How to Find the Right Carat Size for You

First things first: Think about what you can reasonably spend. "The most important thing to consider when purchasing a diamond is your budget," she says. "There is an old adage that your partner should spend three months of their salary to buy your engagement ring, but in reality, the number should be what your partner and you are comfortable spending." Think of it this way: If you go into debt over your engagement ring, you might feel so much anxiety every time you look at it, instead of joy.

Once you've decided on a budget, you can get to the fun part: choosing your diamond shape. "Each diamond shows its carat weight slightly differently, so the shape is an important factor to consider," adds Jay. "Some people love the classic elegance of a round brilliant, while others admire the hall of mirrors effect of a step-cut diamond like an emerald cut."

How to Change Your Diamond's Carat Size

If you get your ring and you don't like the diamond size, don't panic. There are ways to make change it—now or down the line.

Consider Stacking Your Rings

Some people think their diamond is too small. "If it's not the size you originally imagined, there are a few things that you can do to enhance it," offers Jay. She's seen clients add fun, stackable rings that can be layered to make the ring stand out more and look bigger.

Reset the Diamond Now (or Upgrade It Later)

Jewelers can also reset your ring to add side stones or swap the center stone for something larger. "The wonderful thing about diamonds, gemstones, and jewelry is that it can be repurposed and reset to give it new life." Many people also upgrade the diamond on their engagement rings later in life, sometimes to mark a special occasion like an anniversary or the birth of a child.

Give It Some Time

Others might get their ring and think the diamond looks too big or clunky. "If you feel that your diamond is too big initially I would encourage you to give it time," she says. "As you wear your ring, and jewelry in general, you tend to get used to it, and it 'shrinks' over time. Not actually, but in your mind."

No matter what size carat you go with, the most important part is what it symbolizes: true love and partnership. As Jay puts it, "it's important to remember the meaning behind it and why you received it."