3 Carat Diamonds NZ: All you need to know

With lab grown diamonds driving down the price of diamonds (in both lab and mined), we are seeing larger diamond sizes become more popular. It is no surprise then that we are seeing customers ask us about diamond sizes from 3 carat and up. This article will look into if a 3 carat ring is too big, design recommendations, and price.

But First: Total Carat Weight vs Carat Weight

Before we get started, we need to clear the air. There is a huge difference between total carat weight and carat weight.

Total carat weight is the weight of adding up all diamonds in a piece of jewellery.

For example, if your diamond engagement ring band contains ten 0.1 carat diamonds, and you have a solitaire diamond centre stone weighing 1 carat, the total carat weight would be 2 carats.

However, this does not mean that you have a 2 carat diamond.

A single stone with a larger carat size has more sparkle than lots of smaller stones. However, lots of smaller diamonds are typically more affordable than larger individual stones.

At Four Words, we will inform you of each diamond’s carat size and the total carat weight.

Is a 3 carat diamond engagement ring too big?

A 3 carat diamond engagement ring can absolutely be too big especially if you:

• Are petite.

• Love dainty engagement rings.

• Get a design that maximises surface area which compromises on the structural integrity of the ring.

But a 3 carat diamond engagement ring is perfect if you are:

• Looking to make a statement.

• Bold and adventurous

• Tasteful.

If you are petite or love dainty engagement rings, then we would recommend you choose smaller diamond or gemstone sizes. Instead of a 3 carat diamond engagement ring, we would encourage you to explore toi et moi’s, 3 stone engagement rings or multi-stone engagement rings. This will compliment your physique and style better than a 3 carat diamond engagement ring.

For example, this multi-stone diamond engagement ring is a perfect example of how you can lean into something bold without a single 3 carat diamond.

A 3 carat diamond engagement ring is perfect for those looking to make a statement. But at the same time, you need to have good taste. We have seen some pretty tacky looking 3 carat diamond engagement rings.

So if you are thinking of getting a 3 carat engagement ring, make sure you have the freedom to design it in the way that you want. You shouldn’t settle to need to buy something off the shelf. We also highly recommend working with a designer who has great taste and will design you something that is perfect for you. And at Four Words, we have a custom bespoke design process at no extra cost. We have done well over 3,000 designs with our clients creating engagement rings meaningful to them.

When you move into larger sizes, proportions and structural integrity become a lot more important. The practicalities of the ring also need to be considered. For example, if you were intending to wear your 3 carat diamond engagement ring every day, a high setting may not be that practical.

So when you design your engagement ring at Four Words, you will work with our designers to create a brief, and then we will present you a range of designs. And we only go to production after you are fully comfortable with the sketches and high resolution designs. You can also learn more about our process if you are interested.

How Much Does A 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring Cost?

A simple solitaire 3 carat lab grown diamond engagement ring (DEF colour, VVS and ideal cut (the best that the eye can see)) in 18K yellow gold starts from around $10,000

It’s equivalent in natural diamond also in 18K gold starts from around $173,000

If you want to add any accenting diamonds or gemstones, a hidden halo or any flourishes, then you can expect to pay anywhere between an additional $250 - $900.

And before you say it, yes, we know. You can find cheaper 3 carat diamond engagement rings. But it is important to compare apple with apples.

Diamond prices are based on two things: size and quality. And at Four Words, we only work with the top 2% of diamonds in the world. So while we won’t be the cheapest, you will get:

• To design your 3 carat diamond engagement ring exactly the way you want it with a designer at no extra cost in our cosy studio.

• Jewellers who collectively have decades of experience in choosing the best diamonds — and not by just looking at the 4Cs.

• The opportunity to get a custom cut diamond if we can’t find you exactly what you are looking for — something no other jeweller in New Zealand offers.

• Free independent jewellery valuation

• Free annual jewellery cleaning

Cool Girl 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring Designs

When choosing a 3 carat engagement rind design, the most important thing you need to consider is the overall composition of your engagement ring. Because of the size of a 3 carat diamond, it is important to get the proportions right.

This means ensuring that your ring is robust enough to hold your diamond in the first place. Also the diamond is held in place with the appropriate number of prongs, or bezels.

This 3 stone engagement ring is a perfect example of how to lean into a bold design. It features a 3 carat champagne diamond with two accenting white diamonds in a yellow gold band.

The design above is a prime example of the ring and prongs supporting the diamonds. However, the ring doesn’t always need to be so chunky.

The ring below features a solitaire pear engagement ring in a platinum band. The diamond is also well protected with 4 claw prongs and a bezel at the pointy part of the diamond.

If you would like to see more designs, you can visit our Instagram or TikTok where we give advice on each diamond stone and how to think about your diamond ring’s composition.

And if you are looking to design your own 3 carat diamond engagement ring, you can book an appointment with our team here.