Are you ready to show off your big rock and really make a statement?

Shopping for a 2-carat diamond is a great choice. It’s the best of both worlds. 2-carat diamonds provide maximum impact and wow factor without the eye-watering prices of ultra-large or ultra-high quality stones.

The thing is, though… not all 2-carat diamonds are created equal. A lot of stones fall well below the benchmark you want to hit. You could end up with something average that just doesn’t excite and exceeds your budget.

Luckily, we are here to help.

It is a fact that you have to spend a lot of money to get the real stunners. For us, that’s worth it, but we believe it is also very important to know where to look and what to look for when shopping for 2-carat diamonds.

What you’ll learn in this post:

Why 2 Carat Diamonds Are Becoming So Popular
A Breakdown of the 4Cs at this Size
How to Get the Most Brilliance Possible
Smart Shopping Tips to Save You Thousands

2 Carat Diamonds are Becoming So Popular

Diamond prices for larger stones are going up.

In fact, in just the past 12 months, the popularity of 2-carat diamonds has increased by 18% and now accounts for 10% of all diamond sales. Customers are craving those statement centre stones.

The reasons for the spike are few but all obvious.

First of all, the pricing has become more reasonable. The average per-carat price has evened out, making this size more attainable for engaged couples and shoppers.

Secondly, the size difference is noticeable. An average 2-carat diamond measures about 8.2mm in diameter for a round brilliant cut. That extra mass makes a presence that smaller diamonds can’t match.

Before you head over to a retailer like Leon Diamond to browse beautifully designed eternity diamond rings, it’s crucial to understand the quality factors that set the good apart from the great and overpriced.

4C Diamond Quality Breakdown at 2 Carats

Here’s a fact most buyers don’t realise…

The 4Cs matter more to larger diamonds. This has nothing to do with the diamond’s innate qualities but how the 4Cs combine to deliver on appearance and value.

For example, a lower colour grade works great on a 0.5 carat stone. At 2 carats, it looks cheap. Size in diamond terms is actually a number of factors working together.

Cut: This is Where to Start

Cut quality matters more to bigger diamonds.

A well-cut 2-carat diamond will outshine an inferiorly cut 3-carat stone every time. The angles and proportions are what control how light enters, disperses, and exits.

When shopping for 2-carat diamonds, cut is first.

Look for excellent or ideal grades. Anything below and the stone will not sparkle to its full potential no matter what the other 3Cs look like.

Excellent or Ideal cut grades
Excellent symmetry ratings
Excellent polish grades

Cut is where to start and never skimp on quality to get a bigger diamond. A smaller stone with a better cut will look bigger than a larger one with a poor cut.

Colour: More Visible At 2 Carats

Colour is more visible in larger diamonds.

Slight yellows that are hard to see in smaller diamonds become obvious at 2 carats. The larger the surface area the more like a magnifying glass it acts.

The rules are easy. White metals like gold and platinum expose colour, and yellow gold can hide warm tints.

Here are our recommendations:

G or H colour grade is best for white gold and platinum settings
I or J colour can work well with yellow gold settings

Clarity: Spot the Sweet Spot

Clarity is measured in terms of internal inclusions.

Inclusions become more visible at 2 carats with the naked eye. The goal is to find a diamond with an “eye-clean” appearance.

For this reason, VS clarity is best.

VS1 or VS2 provide a guarantee of eye-clean appearance. SI1 may work but careful inspection is needed to avoid noticeable inclusions.

Carat Weight: The Biggest Price Jumper

Buyer Tip… If you’re on a budget, 2.00 carats is a “round” number.

Prices jump at whole carat numbers. A 2.00 carat diamond will cost you far more than a 1.95 carat stone even though they look virtually identical.

Look at diamonds in the 1.90 to 1.99 carat range and save a lot on price for what is essentially the same appearance.

Choosing the Best Shape for 2 Carat Diamonds

Round brilliant is the most popular and accounts for 82% of all centre stone sales.

It makes sense as they provide maximum sparkle and fire due to the faceting.

Popular choices and styles to consider:

Round. Max sparkles and fires. It’s the standard for a reason.
Oval. Looks larger than round because the cut elongates the stone.
Cushion. Combines vintage style with modern brilliance.
Emerald. The king of the step-cut styles.

Fancy cuts often produce larger surface areas per carat weight than round brilliant. An oval cut 2-carat diamond will often “look” larger than a round diamond of equal carats.

Certificate: This is Non-Negotiable

Buyer Tip… Don’t purchase a 2-carat diamond without third-party certification.

You must have a certificate. Period. This is how unbiased grading reports are created by independent labs. Without a certificate, it is impossible to know what you are buying with total accuracy.

GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
IGI (International Gemological Institute)

All reputable retailers provide these along with each diamond purchase.
Setting Choice and Tips for 2 Carat Diamonds
The setting makes all the difference.

Buying a 2-carat diamond is one thing, but a poor setting choice can lose you in the full appearance of the piece.

Popular choices with important considerations:

Solitaire. Simple setting that lets the stone shine.
Halo. Provides contrast and makes the diamond appear larger.
Three-stone. Very balanced and a very elegant look.

Prong counts for 2 carats are important. Six-prong settings are more secure. Four-prong settings allow more of the diamond surface to be visible.

Wrap Up

Buying a 2-carat diamond doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, it can be one of the easiest sizes to work with.

We think this is why their popularity is shooting up. They are hard to ignore for anyone looking for a big statement piece but have budgets that don’t stretch to three or four carats.

Here’s a quick recap of the major takeaways:

Cut quality is first and must be excellent
Go for G-H colour for white metal settings
Aim for VS clarity to ensure eye-clean quality
Aim for just under 2.00 carats for value
Always buy with a certificate from a reputable lab

What separates a good 2-carat diamond from a truly spectacular one is knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 2-carat diamond cost?

A 2-carat diamond can cost from $8,000 to $50,000. Quality is the factor that will influence the final price.

How big is a 2-carat diamond?

For a round diamond cut in the American standard, it will measure 8.1-8.2mm in diameter. All the fancy cuts vary in shape so sizes will be different.

What clarity should a 2-carat diamond be?

VS1 or VS2 clarity is recommended to ensure the stone is eye-clean. Large stones have no problem revealing inclusions to the naked eye.

Which diamond shape looks biggest at 2 carats?

Popular shapes that give the appearance of being larger at 2 carats are oval, marquise, and pear.