The Ultimate 2.5 Carat Diamond Ring Buying Guide

​Deemed by many brides as the perfect size diamond for engagement rings—not too flashy, but definitely not shy— the 2.5-carat diamond ring is a smart option.

Plus, there are always tricks you can resort to if you want your stone to appear bigger. Opting for white gold or platinum prongs, selecting a halo setting, or going for an elongated diamond cut like the emerald or the oval, are all ways to improve the perceived size of your gem.

READ MORE ON:

•       Why Buy a 2.5ct Diamond Ring

•       How Much Is a 2.5 Carat Diamond?

•       Ring Inspiration: Exploring Diamond Shapes

3 Reasons to Buy a 2.5 Carat Diamond Ring

1. They Tend to Look Bigger Than They Are

A 2.5 carat round diamond has a diameter of 8.9mm, this makes it look visibly larger than the 2 carat round diamond, which is 8.1mm in diameter. When compared to a 3 carat round diamond, however, the difference is barely noticeable; as the 3ct has a 9.3mm diameter. Only 0.4mm smaller than the 3 carat, the 2.5-carat diamond is an excellent option if you’re looking to get the look of a higher carat weight.

2. They Are More Economical Than 3 Carat Diamonds

As you now know, the 2.5 carat round diamond doesn’t look that different in size from a 3 carat for the untrained eye, yet price-wise they are thousands of dollars apart. If we compare two diamonds from our inventory with excellent cut, D color, and Flawless clarity, the 2.5-carat option would cost around $100,000 while the 3 carat would have a price tag closer to $170,000. That’s a big price increase for an extra 0.4mm.

3. Your Ring Will Be Unique

The average engagement ring is about 1-carat. A 2.5-carat diamond ring is much larger than average and will stand out from the crowd.

How Much is a 2.5 Carat Diamond?

You can expect to pay at least $10,000 for a lower quality 2.5-carat diamond, and as high as $100,000 depending on the color, clarity, and cut grades.

The round cut is the most expensive diamond shape because it’s the most popular. Other shapes are also gorgeous and cost less. If you select a cut that’s in less demand, you can invest in better color and clarity without sacrificing carat weight.

Consider a 2.5 Carat Lab-Grown Diamond

If you are unable to find the diamond with the 4Cs that you want, don’t get discouraged, there’s still a way to have the ring you’ve always wanted: lab-grown diamonds.

Manmade diamonds are grown in high-tech laboratories by scientists who recreate the extreme heat and pressure conditions under which diamonds were formed in nature. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds; they have the same attributes and chemical composition as Earth-mined diamonds. And you will get more with your budget.

Discover Ritani’s Lab-Grown Diamonds

Beyond The Round Cut: Explore Other 2.5 Carat Diamond Shapes

Round cut diamonds are revered by their superior brilliance and have become the shape of choice for engagement rings in modern times. But that doesn’t mean other cuts are not as stunning or dazzling as the round. Get inspired with the following selection of jaw-dropping settings and build your own 2.5-carat diamond ring at Ritani.com.

2.5 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Vintage-Style Engagement Ring

This platinum setting takes you back to the glamour of the 1920s. Exquisite milgrain detailing goes around the diamond halo and the embellished shoulders of the comfort-fit band. Under the emerald cut stone, lies a shimmery surprise; four bezel-set, round cut diamonds shine in every direction.

Cathedral 18k Yellow Gold Setting With Platinum Prongs And Hidden Diamonds

If you are interested in a 2.5 carat princess cut diamond, and you love the rich warmth of 18k yellow gold, this ring is an excellent option. The cathedral-style shoulders, elevate the princess cut diamond making it look more prominent. The prongs are made in platinum for more strength and to create the illusion of a bigger stone—you’ll love the elegant claw finish! And for the element of surprise, two round cut diamonds are set under the princess cut diamond.

Find The Princess Cut 2.5 Carat Diamond Of Your Dreams

14k White Gold Band With Diamond Split Shoulders and a Cushion Cut Diamond

A fantastic setting to showcase your 2.5 carat cushion cut diamond, this split shank band is embellished with rows of diamonds that add even more fire and scintillation to the already impressive cushion cut center stone. Two round cut surprise diamonds connect the the head with the band.

Knife-Edge 18k Rose Gold Band With Pavé Diamonds and Heart Details

The soft oval shape will look unbelievable in this romantic setting in 18k rose gold. Your 2.5 carat oval cut diamond will be held in a 4-prong setting with heart-shaped details that connects to a knife-edged band with rows of sparkling round cut diamonds.

18k Yellow Gold Bamboo Band with Center Row of Pavé Diamonds

The dramatic, angular form of this diamond pavé band makes the perfect couple for a 2.5 carat princess diamond. With its modern style and straight lines, this setting has a unique appeal that will please brides who look for novel designs.

Vintage-inspired Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold With Petal Details​

This floral, Art Nouveau-inspired band is the perfect match for a 2.5 carat cushion cut diamond. The round diamond side stones are arranged by size set in petal form. This dreamy ring style features an open gallery with nature-inspired motifs.

Explore Our 2.5 Carat Cushion Cut Natural Diamond Inventory

18k Yellow Gold Band with French Set Diamonds and an Emerald Cut Diamond

Fall in love with the subtle flashing of an elegant 2.5 carat emerald cut diamond and add the brilliant touch of round cut diamonds set in a masterful French setting that allows more light to enter the petite diamonds.