High quality 2.00 carat diamond rings dazzle, shine and show off their brilliance. When purchasing such a large diamond, even the smallest issues can lead to big problems. Well cut diamonds of this carat are hard to come by, and require extra attention during the search process. When a purchase is this large, selection of a diamond, ring and seller should be considerably detailed.
If you're looking for a 2.00 carat diamond ring, several key components must be examined. To get the best value for your money, you'll need to know the basics of choosing a diamond that is exceptionally brilliant and full of life. A 2.00 carat diamond simply refers to the weight of the diamond. 2.00 carat equals 400 milligrams, or 0.4 grams.
Round cut diamond dizes (Diamond images are for reference only).
It's important to note that because of their scarcity, 2.00 carat diamonds are rarely found in shops and if they are, they are likely to be of a poor quality cut. Several online diamond dealers offer a range of exquisite 2.00 carat diamonds. 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.
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 2.00 carat diamond might be $8,400 per carat, while a similar 3.00 carat diamond might be priced at $10,900 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" 2.00 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 1.90 ct+ 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.
With a 2.00 carat diamond ring, you have increased flexibility and options because of a larger budget and carat weight.
By looking online you have a tremendous chance of finding an extraordinary 2.00 carat diamond at an excellent price point.
When using these diamond dealers or any others, be sure to keep the following in mind:
Select a 2.00 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 other areas such as color or clarity, but don't sacrifice in the area of diamond cut.
Compare price, brilliance and cut quality to other similar diamonds before completing a purchase.
Only consider 2.00 carat diamonds that carry a GIA & AGS certificate. These two grading entities are the most trusted and reliable in the industry.
Ask a diamond expert for help in searching and reviewing diamonds. They can save you from making a poor purchase and can assist you in finding the most beautiful, radiant diamonds.
While it's easy to mistake diamond carat for diamond size, it's a pitfall that can just as easily be avoided. Diamond carat specifically refers to the weight of the diamond. It does not 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. 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.
Consider all of the 4Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat) to ensure you spend on elements that matter and avoid spending in areas that won't provide additional benefit or beauty.
Reviewing for clarity is essential in all diamonds, but especially 2.00 carat diamonds. When compared with 1.00 carat diamonds of the same shape, 2.00 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 the naked eye sees is more important than a GIA grade rating.
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). 2.00 carat eye-clean diamonds can be found but are not as easily located as eye-clean diamonds of a lesser carat.
Some reputable jewellers currently offer sufficiently high quality images on all of their diamonds online 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 grades clarity on the following clarity chart from best to worst:
| Clarity | Clarity Description |
|---|---|
| FL | Flawless: No inclusions under 10x. A stone that is completely flawless. This is an extremely rare find. |
| IF | Internally Flawless: No internal imperfections. A stone that has no internal flaws at all but does have surface flaws. Also, an extremely rare find. |
| VVS1-VVS2 | Very Very Slightly Included: A stone with very minute internal inclusions that are extremely difficult to see under a 10X magnification. |
| VS1-VS2 | Very Slightly Included: A stone with very minor internal inclusions that range from difficult to somehwat easy see under a 10X magnification. |
| SI1-SI2 | Slightly Included: A stone that has imperfections visible under X10 magnification and may be visible with the unaided eye. |
| I1-I3 | Included: A stone that has significant inclusions most often visible with the naked eye. Inclusions of this level drastically bring down the diamonds value. |
The GIA clarity chart.
For a 2.00 carat diamond, 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. Remember though that an eye-clean diamond is most important when it comes to clarity, so be sure to review it yourself or have an expert assist you.
An exquisite 2.00 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.
For those concerned with the size appearance of the diamond, there is a surface area difference among 2.00 carat diamond shapes. Depending on their differing table sizes (the top, flat leveled surface of a diamond), the 2.00 carat may appear larger in some diamond shapes.
Our chart below gives you insight into surface area differences among diamond shapes for 2.00 carat diamonds:
| Diamond Shape | Approximate Table Surface For 2.00 Carat |
|---|---|
| Round Brilliant Cut | 8.2 x 8.2mm |
| Princess Cut | 6.94 x 6.94mm |
| Emerald Cut | 8.42 x 6.24mm |
| Asscher Cut | 7.07 x 7.07mm |
| Radiant Cut | 7.28 x 7.28mm |
| Cushion Cut | 7.34 x 7.34mm |
| Oval Cut | 10.23 x 6.82mm |
| Pear Cut | 11.4 x 6.87mm |
| Heart Cut | 8.27 x 8.27mm |
| Marquise Cut | 13.08 x 6.54mm |
2.00 carat surface area differences among diamond shapes.
Selecting the color of your 2.00 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 the diamond 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. 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 a 2.00 carat diamond, 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.
While it's natural to ask the question, "How much is a 2.00 carat diamond ring?", it's more important to focus on the quality of the diamond. The price range for a 2.00 carat diamond ring could be anywhere from $5,000 to $60,000. You can easily find a Poorly cut, dull 2.00 carat diamond for 80% less than the cost of an Excellent cut, exceptionally brilliant diamond.
If you are 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 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 2.00 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. 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 theyre portraying to be "true."
To select an exquisite 2.00 carat diamond 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 factor when it comes to a diamond's brilliance and sparkle. Choose only an Excellent or ideal cut for a 2.00 carat diamond.
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, it will go unnoticed by those not equipped with magnification tools.
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.
Diamond Seller: Select only a well respected diamond dealer with high quality certificates and years of experience.
You can see how different diamond carat sizes look on a hand below. When shopping, consider her hand size as well as her finger size. Keep in mind that most fancy diamond shapes like emerald, oval and pear will look larger on the hand than a round diamond of the same carat weight. Consider that once set within a ring, the diamond carat weight can look even larger, depending on ring style.
Below are round diamonds that measure 0.25 ct, 0.50 ct, 0.75 ct, 1.00 ct, 2.00 ct, 3.00 ct, 4.00 ct and 5.00 ct respectively.
0.25 ct
0.50 ct
0.75 ct
1.00 ct
2.00 ct
3.00 ct
4.00 ct
5.00 ct
Select Carat Weight
Diamond carat sizes on hand. (Diamond images are for reference only.)
The process of finding a remarkable 2.00 carat diamond ring is greatly improved and simplified by focusing on the elements that offer maximum beauty and value along with buying from a well respected dealer. Make the search for a 2.00 carat diamond ring easier and less stressful by using our guide above.
