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The Best 2-Carat Natural Diamond Engagement Rings for Every Budget
If you think a 2-carat natural diamond engagement is out of your budget, think again. You can size up your diamond without compromising on style or quality, and in your budget.
The fact is more women want larger diamonds today: One in three natural diamond engagement rings sold in the U.S. are over two carats in total, according to The Knot’s survey of over 5,000 recently engaged or married couples. And the average diamond engagement ring sold in the U.S. is 1.7 carats.
Why the growing desire for larger diamonds? Well, bigger is always better but there are social movements, too. “It is related to general style trend and also that couples are waiting longer to get engaged than former generations and can afford to invest in a larger heirloom diamond,” said Ann Grimmett, Vice President, Merchandising at Jared Jewelers, which with more than 200 stores is a good barometer for trends.
There are several smart ways to get a 2-carat ring in your budget. While couples say they will consider varying color and clarity grades to get the size they want, but overwhelming, they won’t negotiate on the authenticity. They want a natural diamond.
“My ring represents our love story, our commitment, and I plan to pass it down one day to my children,” said Claire Rich from Westport, CT. “I want the real thing.” She recently got engaged with a 2.2-carat oval-shaped diamond ring.
Here are more than 30 rings in the 2-carat range in every style and budget.
Two-Carat Engagement Rings Under $10,000
To get the best value, Grimmett says consider a 2-carat diamond ring composed of smaller stones to create the illusion of a single diamond. Jared’s 2-carat composite diamond rings range from $4,000 to $6,000. Also, look for vintage stones, black, brown and salt and pepper diamonds.
Ashley Zhang Roma, 1.62-ct Old Mine-Cut, $10,000, ashleyzhangjewelry.com
Akaila Reid Triple Gypset Ring, $9,140, akailareid.com
Hamilton Jewelers, 18K Rose Gold and Platinum Silhouette Ring Setting with Hidden Halo starting at $2,295, hamiltonjewelers.com
Jared Princess and Round Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, 2.5-ct, $6,000, jared.com
Jared, Brilliant Moments Marquise, Round & Princess-Cut Multi-Diamond Bypass Engagement Ring, $4,600, jared.com.
Lauren DeYoung Vintage Toi-et-Moi, 1.4-ct, $3k, laurendeyoungjewelry.com
Two-Carat Engagement Rings Between $10,000 to $20,000
You can also amplify a center stone with side stones or a halo setting. A three-stone ring (with a total of 2 carats of diamonds) can deliver a big look often for less than a large single stone. Two-carat total weight diamond rings from Hearts on Fire, Greenwich St. Jewelers and Anna Sheffield uses diamonds in stylish designs with a wow factor.
Ashley Zhang 1.54-ct Old Mine Arlo Ring, $14,800, ashleyzhangjewelry.com
Melissa Kaye Remi Ring 1.5-ct, $11,350, melissakayejewelry.com
Wempe 1.8-ct Ring, $12,675, wempe.com
Grace Lee Hex Step Cut on 3mm Square Band, $18,880, gracelee.com
GraceLee Oval Brilliant Half-Bezel, $17,880, gracelee.com
Grace Lee Round Brilliant On Wave-Band, $15,880, gracelee.com
Greenwich St Jewelers Petite Elizabeth Three-Stone Ring, 1.81-ct, $19,800, greenwichjewelers.com
Hearts On Fire VELA French-Cut Pavé Diamond Ring, 2.75-ct, $17,700, heartsonfire.com
Lizzie Mandler, 1.53-ct, $19,935, lizziemandler.com
The One I Love Athena Ring, 1.55-ct, $17,000, theoneilovenyc.com
Wempe, 1.45-ct_$17,775, wempe.com
Two-Carat Engagement Rings Between $20,000 and $32,000
For the contemporary bride, designers Jade Trau, Jenna Blake, and Akaila put a modern spin on the classics. If your style leans more romantic, Single Stone features vintage stones in both finely detailed rings and more minimalist designs that spotlight the diamond’s character.
Akaila Reid Ridge Edge Solitaire Ring, $32,920, akailareid.com
Greenwich St. Jewelers Essex Ring, 1.80-ct, $21,500, greenwichjewelers.com
Hearts on Fire Vela Twisted Cocktail Ring, 3-ct, $31,000, heartsonfire.com
Jade Trau Selma Solitaire Ring, 2.05-ct, $22,300, jadetrau.com
Jenna Blake Large Pear Diamond Ring, 2-ct, $22,000, jennablake.com
Single Stone Lila Ring, 2.01-ct, $30,000, singlestone.com
