When you decide to take the momentous step of proposing to your partner, a world of choices opens up before you, particularly when it comes to selecting the perfect engagement ring. In Australia, where trends and preferences can vary, understanding what constitutes the average diamond size and the most popular engagement ring size can be crucial.
This guide is here to help you navigate these choices, focusing on what's considered the best carat size for an engagement ring in Australia. In embarking on this journey, it's important to consider the average engagement ring size and diamond carat that resonates most with Australian preferences.
However, more than just following trends, the choice you make should reflect a deeper understanding of your partner's unique style and personality. This thoughtful approach in selecting the ideal engagement ring, be it in carat size or design, is a true testament to the love and dedication you share with your partner.
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Diamond size is determined by carat. A diamond’s carat is the measurement of the diamond’s weight. There can actually be a surprising visual difference between carat sizes. For example, a 1.5 carat diamond is noticeably bigger than a 1-carat diamond.
There are a few factors to consider when deciding on a diamond size for your partner’s engagement ring. You have to factor in both your budget and your partner’s wants. Knowing these two things will make choosing a diamond size a much simpler decision.
| On average, Australians spend about $5000 on an engagement ring. This may sound like a scary number but knowing what you and your partner are looking for in a ring can make budgeting easier. Choosing a diamond size that’s within your budget and matches your partner’s preference is key to choosing the perfect ring. |
Read more at The Beginner's Guide To Buying Diamonds
Whether the proposal is going to be a surprise or not, it’s a good idea to have a discussion about engagement rings with your partner at least once before choosing a ring. This will help you get a better idea of what your partner wants. Finding out what cut and colour your partner prefers for the diamond will make it easier to choose a size.
If you don’t want to ruin the surprise, a simple way to determine your partner’s taste in rings is to look at what other jewellery they own. Does your partner wear extravagant, eye-catching jewellery? This could indicate that a bigger diamond, like a 1.5 carat size, could be a good choice. If your partner tends to wear understated, simple jewellery, a smaller sized diamond, say a .5 carat diamond, might be more suitable.
At the end of the day, your partner’s preference is the most important factor in choosing a diamond. She will wear this ring for the rest of her life -- you want her to love it.
What happens when your partner’s engagement ring preference doesn’t fit into your budget? The good news is that diamond size isn’t the only factor that affects ring price.
There are four elements to every diamond:
Knowing this, is it possible to sacrifice either cut, colour or clarity so that you can get the carat you want? The short answer is yes.
Round brilliant cut rings are the most popular, also making them the most expensive. Round rings can cost up to 25% more than other cuts such as heart or princess. Round cut diamonds tend to get the more expensive at 1 carat, so if your partner has her heart set on the classic round cut, choosing a size under 1 carat might help keep the price down.
Additionally, oval and pear cut rings are the next two most popular and expensive rings. Opting for a radiant, princess or emerald cut ring could be the answer to getting your partner the carat size she wants while still staying within budget.
The colour of the diamond is a key aspect that impacts its visual appeal. Diamonds are graded from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown), with colourless being the most valuable. If size is a priority for your partner, choosing a diamond in the near-colourless range (G-J) can be a cost-effective option. These diamonds appear almost colourless, especially when not compared side-by-side with higher grades.
The setting of the ring also affects the perception of the diamond's colour. For instance, yellow gold settings can make slightly yellow diamonds look more colourless, whereas white gold or platinum may highlight the diamond's natural hue. This means that a well-chosen setting can enhance the appearance of a lower colour grade diamond, balancing beauty and budget effectively.
Clarity is a “…measurement that notes the number and severity of a diamond’s imperfections, ranging from flawless (FL) to severely included (I3).” Choosing a diamond with a few more imperfections is another way you can cut costs.
When selecting the best carat size for your partner's engagement ring, it's useful to consider the preferences and trends in Australia. The average diamond size for engagement rings in Australia is around 1.0 carat, with the most frequently purchased sizes being 0.5, 1.0, 1.25, and 1.5 carats. A one-carat diamond ring is often viewed as a classic and desirable choice in Australia.
In Australia, there is a focus on quality over size, with many opting for a smaller, higher-quality diamond rather than a larger stone with visible flaws. This preference is reflected in the average spending on engagement rings, which ranges between $5,000 and $12,000, often resulting in diamond sizes between 3/4 carat to 1 carat.
Ultimately, the best carat size for your partner's engagement ring should align with their preferences, your budget, and the ring's symbolism in your relationship, rather than solely focusing on the average or most popular sizes in Australia.
The truth is, there is no “best” diamond size. It’s all about your partner’s taste and preference. She’s going to wear that ring for the rest of her life, so it should be a size she’s comfortable having on her hand every day. If you know your partner’s preference and you know your budget, it’s time to go engagement ring shopping.
Now that you’re ready to pick out your partner’s engagement ring, don’t forget to get it insured. Your partner’s special engagement ring deserves the best protection. Contact us for an instant quote and find out why thousands of Australians trust Q Report to insure their engagement rings.