How to Maximize Your Dollar-to-Carat Ratio When Shopping for an Engagement Ring

While the 4Cs (Cut, Carat, Clarity, and Color) are among the most important points to consider when choosing a diamond engagement ring, when push comes to shove your budget is at the top of your list. There are many ways you can maximize your dollar-to-carat ratio. Here we offer a number of different ways to make your diamond appear larger than its actual carat size. One is to choose diamonds of specific cuts which enhance the sparkle and shine of a smaller diamond. Experts agree that fancy cuts, such as the marquise, oval, or pear cuts, appear larger than round brilliants of the same carat weight. Since diamonds cut in these shapes reflect almost as much light as round brilliants, they appear nearly as sparkly as a larger round brilliant. To further enhance the sparkle and shine of a smaller diamond, choose a four-prong cathedral-style setting, which lifts the diamond above the band and allows light to enter from nearly every angle, as opposed to a bezel-type setting which sinks the stone into the band, hiding all the but the top from reflective light. Another approach is to choose a halo setting, where a more diminutive diamond is surrounded by a ring of even smaller round brilliants. Even though these diamonds may be relatively small, with so many of them clustered together they're sure to emit a sparkle that will turn any head. If you'd prefer vintage rings, you can choose a beautiful illusion-type setting. With an illusion setting, a demure diamond is surrounded by a series of architectural facets carved directly into the metal surrounding the stone. These metal plates capture the light reflected from the diamond and throw it around some more, giving the illusion of greater sparkle. One more way to increase a small diamond's visual impact is to choose a band with pavé or accent stones on the shoulders. As with the halo setting, the extra bling is certain to emit more sparkle, making your smaller diamond appear larger to the naked eye. When choosing a smaller diamond, you often increase the potential to acquire a diamond of higher Cut, Clarity, and Color. A diamond of higher quality in these areas will outshine a lower-quality diamond of larger size, sometimes without special settings. However, by going the extra mile with one of these options for enhancing a smaller stone, your sweetheart is sure to be dazzled and you'll be able to afford to splurge on your proposal!