The typical carat size for an engagement ring varies by region, personal preferences, and budget, but here are the key points:
- In the United States, the average engagement ring carat size is around 1 to 1.2 carats, with some studies showing an average total carat weight (including accent stones) up to about 1.7 to 1.8 carats. Lab-grown diamonds, which are more affordable, often allow buyers to choose larger stones, averaging around 2 carats for lab-grown center stones
- In the United Kingdom, the average carat size tends to be smaller, around 0.5 to 0.8 carats, with London buyers sometimes opting for about 1.25 carats. Across Europe, averages are even lower, near 0.5 to 0.7 carats
- Age and income influence size choices: younger buyers often select smaller stones due to budget or lifestyle, while older buyers with higher earnings tend to purchase larger carat sizes
- Diamonds over 3 carats are generally considered large and above average in size, with 1 to 2 carats being typical for many buyers, especially in places like Los Angeles where the average may be closer to 2 carats
- Carat weight measures diamond weight, not just size, and different shapes and cuts can affect how large a diamond appears visually
In summary, the "right" carat size depends on personal taste, budget, and cultural factors, but the average engagement ring carat size in the U.S. is about 1 to 1.2 carats, while in the UK and Europe it is generally smaller, around 0.5 to 0.8 carats. Larger stones, such as 2 carats or more, are chosen for greater impact and luxury appearance
