2 Carat Diamond Ring Cost and Prices: Actual Examples

Sharif Khan
Sharif Khan
Last Updated    EST 
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Two-carat diamonds are often the favorites of people who have some room to buy a decent-sized stone for their loved ones. Depending on how much you are willing to sacrifice for the quality of a two-carat diamond, it could cost as low as $2,000 or as high as $30,000. In short, here is how buyers should budget when buying a two-carat diamond:

  • For people with budget constraints, a good-quality two-carat round diamond should cost around $14,000 to $17,000, and $11,000 to $15,000 for a fancy-shaped stone, such as a cushion-cut diamond.
  • If budget is not an issue, we recommend spending around $22,000 to $25,000 on a two-carat round brilliant-cut diamond and $16,000 to $22,000 on a fancy-shaped diamond. Aim for a D-G color, VS1 or above clarity, Excellent cut with a 60-62 depth, 54-59 table, and no fluorescence.

A GIA-graded stone must be bought. Overall, seven factors are essential when determining the price of a diamond, as described in our article on diamond price factors.

Check this HD 40X Magnified video technology for assessing two carat diamonds. Also, check our diamond prices chart for thorough insights.

2 Carat Diamonds Prices

As previously highlighted, larger diamonds tend to cost more. For many of us, this might seem like a leap. However, jewelry stores will offer special payment plans to allow buyers to cover the cost of the ring over a period. Additionally, lab-grown diamonds are a good option for individuals working with a tight budget.

Here are two examples of good quality two carat diamonds with average prices (watch high-resolution videos belo):


Watch Video.

Watch Video.

Two Carat Diamond Prices Chart

Clarity

D Color



Wholesale

Retail

SI1

$ 21,544

$ 26,353

VS2

$ 24,077

$ 28,892

VS1

$ 26,146

$ 31,375

VVS2

$ 31,075

$ 37,290

VVS1

$ 33,888

$ 40,666

IF

$ 37,440

$ 44,928

FL

$ 49,920

$ 59,904

Clarity

E Color



Wholesale

Retail

SI1

$ 20,885

$ 25,448

VS2

$ 24,720

$ 29,664

VS1

$ 25,920

$ 31,104

VVS2

$ 28,800

$ 34,560

VVS1

$ 33,142

$ 39,770

IF

$ 36,072

$ 43,286

FL

$ 45,090

$ 54,108

Clarity

F Color



Wholesale

Retail

SI1

$ 19,145

$ 23,855

VS2

$ 23,304

$ 27,965

VS1

$ 24,840

$ 29,808

VVS2

$ 27,696

$ 33,235

VVS1

$ 30,264

$ 36,317

IF

$ 31,680

$ 38,016

FL

$ 36,960

$ 44,352

Clarity

G Color



Wholesale

Retail

SI1

$ 18,765

$ 22,435

VS2

$ 21,118

$ 25,552

VS1

$ 22,289

$ 26,969

VVS2

$ 24,240

$ 29,330

VVS1

$ 25,224

$ 30,521

IF

$ 26,880

$ 32,525

FL

$ 30,240

$ 36,590

Clarity

H Color



Wholesale

Retail

SI1

$ 17,500

$ 21,132

VS2

$ 18,480

$ 22,915

VS1

$ 19,656

$ 24,373

VVS2

$ 21,576

$ 26,754

VVS1

$ 22,990

$ 28,507

IF

$ 23,136

$ 28,689

FL

$ 25,450

$ 31,558

Determineing Diamond Prices

Firstly, understand that it would be impossible to set an arbitrary figure for all diamonds no matter how precisely we try to access the factors that could affect its cost since no two diamonds can ever be identical. The prices are also affected by demand, seasons, and quality.

In other words, if you find a diamond that costs $3,000 in a trusted jewelry store, that does not necessarily mean that all diamonds of similar size will come at the same price. Many factors could affect the cost of a diamond, often referred to as the 4Cs. Besides, fluorescence, shape, and certification also affect the price of a diamond.

The price of diamonds increases as the carat weight increases because carat weight or size indicates a diamond's rarity. Larger diamonds are much harder to locate than those used to make 2-carat diamond rings and are thus considered rare. However, many experienced diamond experts will state that the size of a diamond has the most negligible impact on the price.

The cut refers to the angles at which the diamond is cut and how it is proportioned. Some cuts are more expensive because they enhance the appearance of the diamond. If the stone is cut at the right angles, it will reflect light better and sparkle more. Well-cut 2 carat diamonds seem to be very hard to find these days. But it would be best not to worry since the cut is not the only measure of diamond quality.

2 diamond carat diamond ring

The clarity of the stone also affects the quality of the diamond. Experts often apply this term to the number of imperfections on the diamond. Diamonds with more flaws tend to cost less. Some diamonds tend to have a hint of yellow or brown color. Colored diamonds are less valuable than clear diamonds.

Market conditions also significantly affect the cost of diamonds. In their 2017 report on the price of diamonds, industry experts Bain and Company stated that they were optimistic that demand for diamonds would continue to increase between 1 to 4 percent until 2030.

The supply rate of diamonds will continue to increase at a much slower rate of less than 1 percent, resulting in a sustained price increase. Diamond mines owners have been cleverly restricting the supply of diamonds for years to drive up the cost of acquiring these precious stones.

Assessing the Quality of a Diamond

Purchasing a 2 carat ring should be seen as an investment in your future. Your wife will continue wearing her ring proudly for as long as you live. With time, you will pass the ring down to one of your children. Remember that this ring will become a family heirloom, and your children will continue to pass the ring on to future generations forever.

Making such a weighty decision can become very stressful. You can be tempted to follow the sales representatives' lead at the jewelry store, but you might regret this decision because they are paid to sell.

This implies they will always be willing to tell you precisely what you need to hear to make a sale and get their commission. Therefore, you must know the basics of assessing a diamond’s quality. Here are three simple tips for determining the quality of a diamond:

  • Spend some time researching the characteristics of the type of diamond you are interested in purchasing and learn more about the 4Cs. For example, if you want to buy a 2 carat (VVS1) diamond ring, you would expect to see only minute blemishes on the diamond even when viewing it under a microscope.
  • View the diamond in both natural and fluorescent light. Diamonds do not produce their light. Take your time to examine how each of the diamonds presented reflects the light shining on it. Many jewelers often display their diamonds in poorly lit rooms to disguise the quality of the diamonds.
  • When in doubt, ask to see the diamond certification. An independent third party usually does this assessment and often proves reliable.

Save Money When Buying a 2 Carat Diamond Ring

If your partner already has her heart set on a 2 carat ring, telling her you cannot afford that option might be challenging. After all, getting her the best diamond ring could cost you almost $30,000, which is much money in this economy.

Thankfully, numerous options will help you find an affordable 2-carat ring and save some money, though you must be willing to compromise a little on the 4Cs.

  • The first option is choosing a diamond that has a hint of color. Diamonds that reflect purely white light are costly. Chocolate diamonds with a distinct yellow-to-brown tint can be as exquisite as crystal-clear diamonds. You will be surprised to see how the color can significantly impact the ring’s price.
  • The second option is to choose a 2-carat diamond ring that is slightly lower on the clarity grade. Diamonds that appear flawless to the naked eye or under a 10x microscope are rated FL or flawless. These will attract a higher cost. Being willing to purchase a stunning diamond with a few more imperfections could save you thousands.
  • It is not advised that you compromise too much on the cut of the diamond. Choosing a cut that does not highlight the diamond's true beauty might leave you with a ring that does not sparkle in the light. This differs from the ring you want to be passed down by future generations. While there is room for compromise, it would be best not to choose a ring that falls below the category of Very Good.
  • The fourth option requires choosing the most affordable shape, such as a halo diamond ring that requires a smaller center stone than its counterparts. Doing so will cost the ring much less than you typically pay for traditional shapes like the princess cut, round, or marquise.

Emerald cut diamonds are also quite reasonably priced. Choosing one of these shapes will allow you to select a flawless diamond in clarity and color without breaking the bank.

Once you have identified the type of ring you wish to purchase, you could inquire about special discounts and wait until the discount becomes available. It is also best to avoid making this kind of purchase during the holiday season.

Finally, be sure to shop around. Instead of simply buying the first option presented to you, take some time to explore other options on the market. Surprisingly, the location of the jewelry store also affects the cost of the ring. Remember that these store owners will have to factor the cost of rent or lease the store into the price for their rings.

Some wise husbands make purchases online to get better value for their money. Admittedly, this involves some risk since you cannot physically see the product. In any case, examine the return policy and the diamond certification before purchasing.

What to do if You Cannot Afford a 2 Carat Diamond

Buying an engagement ring is not the only expense of getting married. Besides a wedding band, the wedding itself, the honeymoon, and the cost of moving into a new place, among other necessities, should also be considered. In addition to these added expenses, saving money to cover incidental medical and day-to-day expenses is essential.

It would be unwise not to spend all your savings on the engagement ring. Starting a marriage with debt can put a severe strain on your relationship. Although it might disappoint your partner if you cannot get her a 2 carat ring, it will be easier to explain why you chose another ring than why the family is in financial ruin.

Why not consider a few more affordable options together? Your partner would appreciate an affordable 1 carat ring with excellent cut, clarity, and color. These kinds of open, frank discussions are always encouraged before the wedding. It will give you a good idea of how to gauge whether you are both on the same page when making financial decisions.

In conclusion, getting your partner the 2 carat diamond she has always wanted is a significant step in your relationship. These kinds of rings can cost as much as $30,000. Thankfully, there is so much that you can do to lessen the expense of this purchase. However, you must be careful when avoiding paying an arm and a leg for a poor-quality ring. Also, remember that a carefully selected 1 carat option can be just as beautiful and far less expensive.