Buying Guide for 2.50-Carat Diamond Ring

If you don’t know much about diamonds, you may think a 2.50 -carat diamond ring is small. However, this isn’t the case. Numerous sources say the average size of an engagement ring in the U.S. is around 1.00 carat, so a 2.50 -carat diamond is more than double the average size.

This buying guide for 2.50 -carat diamond rings will discuss their features, shapes, and prices and offer tips on finding the perfect one.

• How Much Does a 2.50-Carat Diamond Ring Cost?
• Tips for Finding the Perfect 2.50-Carat Diamond Ring
• Shop 2.50 Carat Diamond Rings
• Pros and Cons for a Vintage 2.50-Carat Ring
• Talk to an Expert

How Big Is a 2.50-Carat Diamond Engagement Ring?

Before discussing how big a 2.50-carat diamond engagement ring is, we need to explain what the number of carats tells us. Namely, many people believe that carats represent a diamond’s size. While this is true in a way, carats actually mark a diamond’s weight. Every carat equals 200 grams.

So, a 2.5-carat diamond weighs half a gram. The more carats, the heavier the diamond.

Pro Tip: The size of a diamond represents the measurements of its width and height in millimeters. The size of a 2.50-carat diamond largely depends on its cut (shape).

Here’s a chart of the most popular shapes and the typical dimensions of a 2.5-carat diamond: 

Shape (Cut)	Dimensions (Length x Width)
Round	8.65 mm
Princess	7.55 mm
Cushion	8.00 mm
Oval	10.50 x 7.65 mm
Pear	11.65 x 7.55 mm
Emerald	9.10 x 6.55 mm
Asscher	7.65 mm
Radiant	7.65 mm
Marquise	14.00 x 6.80 mm

Determining the cost of a 2.50-Carat Diamond Ring

Carat weight plays an important role in determining a diamond’s price. However, it’s not the only factor to consider. How much a 2.50-carat diamond costs depends on the four Cs, i.e., a diamond’s four main characteristics. The four Cs are carat weight, cut, color, and clarity. We’ve already explained carat weight, so let’s discuss what the other three Cs represent.

Cut

A diamond cut represents its ability to transmit light and sparkle. Simply put, a diamond cut is a style used to emphasize its brilliance. Analyzing a diamond’s cut is technically challenging since there are many factors one needs to consider.

Diamond experts evaluate how a diamond looks when viewed face-up, how well it was designed to ensure durability, and the quality of craftsmanship in terms of polish and symmetry. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has established a five-point scale for evaluating a diamond’s cut: poor, fair, good, very good, and excellent.

Color

A diamond’s color evaluation is, in fact, based on the absence of color. Structurally perfect and chemically pure diamonds don’t contain a hue and are quite rare (and more expensive). The slightest coloring, even that invisible to the naked eye, can represent a significant price difference.

A diamond’s color is evaluated by comparing it to a master stone of an established color value under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions. GIA’s color-grading system ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light). Every letter grade has a clearly defined range of color appearance.

Keep in mind that some diamonds feature colors outside the normal range. These diamonds are called fancy-color diamonds, and their color is evaluated based on a different scale.

Clarity

Diamond clarity represents the absence of blemishes and inclusions, i.e., internal and external characteristics that appear during the creation of diamonds. While no diamond is perfectly pure, the closer it comes to purity, the better its clarity. Many blemishes and inclusions are invisible to the naked eye and can only be identified by experts.

GIA has established a diamond clarity scale with 11 grades.

The best clarity grade is flawless (FL). Diamonds with no blemishes and inclusions under 10x magnification receive this grade. Included diamonds (I1, I2, and I3) are on the other end of the scale and have obvious inclusions under 10x magnification. These inclusions affect the diamonds’ brilliance and transparency.

How Much Does a 2.50-Carat Diamond Ring Cost?

Now that we’ve established how a diamond’s price is determined, let’s take a look at the average costs of 2.50-carat round diamonds depending on their color and clarity: 

	VVS2 (very very slightly included)	VS2 (very slightly included)	SI2 (slightly included)
D (colorless)	$68,993	$50,973	$36,660
E (colorless)	$61,455	$48,896	$33,858
F (colorless)	$57,369	$46,419	$29,615
G (near colorless)	$49,903	$42,587	$28,364
H (near colorless)	$43,187	$36,217	$27,763
I (near colorless)	$34,938	$31,021	$24,728
J (near colorless)	$30,007	$26,516	$22,346
K (faint)	$24,828	$21,025	$18,366

Keep in mind that a diamond’s price doesn’t increase proportionally to the carat weight. For example, a very slightly included 2.50ct diamond ring with an F color grade costs $46,419. However, a 5.00-carat diamond ring of the same qualities doesn’t cost twice as much. It costs around $143,665.

Tips for Finding the Perfect 2.50-Carat Diamond Ring

Finding the perfect 2.50 ct diamond ring isn’t easy. Here are a few tips that could help:

1. Choosing a Color Grade

When choosing the color, don’t consider only a diamond’s official grade. Select one that looks clean when you look at it. In most cases, near colorless diamonds look just as good as colorless ones and are much more affordable.

2. Consider a Slightly Included Diamond

Very slightly included diamonds look great to the naked eye. Unless you specifically want a very very slightly included diamond, VS1 and VS2 clarity grades are excellent choices.

3. Choose the right Cut

Pay attention to the cut because the cut’s quality has the biggest impact on a diamond’s appearance. Choose a diamond with an excellent or ideal cut grade.

4. Get a Certificate

Every diamond should have a certificate that confirms its characteristics. This certificate should be issued by reputable institutions like GIA or the American Gem Society (AGS). Don’t purchase diamonds with no certification.

5. Shop Around

Take your time to find the perfect 2.50-carat diamond engagement ring. Visit several jewelry stores and browse online shops to explore your options.

6. Do Your Research

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, especially if you’ve never purchased a 2.50 ct diamond ring. A professional, knowledgeable jeweler should clarify your uncertainties.

7. Find a Reputable Jeweler

Buy diamonds only from reputable, experienced jewelers. They usually have impressive diamond collections and can help you find the one that matches your preferences and budget.

Shop 2.50 Carat Diamond Rings

2.50-Carat Weight (CW) Vs. 2.50-Total Carat Weight (TCW)

Both the carat weight and total carat weight represent the weight of diamonds expressed in carats.

As mentioned, one carat measures 200 grams. So, what is the difference between carat weight and total carat weight? Carat weight represents the weight of one central diamond, regardless of whether other diamonds are featured on a ring. Total carat weight means the weight of all diamonds on a ring.

Knowing the difference is essential to reduce the risk of scams. Some unreputable jewelers may not highlight this difference and try to sell you an engagement ring with a total weight of 2.50 carats even though you want the central stone to weigh that much. Pay attention to the certification, ask questions, and ensure you’re getting your money’s worth.

2.50-Carat Diamond Shape and Cuts

Diamonds come in many shapes and cuts. Since we’re used to seeing the final product, we don’t often think of diamonds as rough stones with no particular brilliance or symmetry. However, that’s what diamonds look like before they’re cut to perfection. The cutting process requires specialized knowledge, equipment, and tools and is extremely difficult.

Diamonds come in different shapes and cuts. Before cutting, experts analyze the rough diamond to find an optimal way to cut it, maximize its brilliance, and retain its weight. Here are the most common cuts of 2.50-carat diamond rings and their characteristics:

Round Cut

A round cut is the most popular cut for engagement rings. According to different sources, this cut accounts for more than 50% of all diamonds. Since round-cut diamonds are versatile, they are featured in different styles of engagement rings and look great with other diamond shapes and colors.

Round-cut diamonds have 58 facets, i.e., flat surfaces arranged in a specific pattern. The cut achieves maximum brilliance, light reflection, and refraction. Thanks to the optimum movement of light through the stone, round-cut diamonds have the most scintillation compared to other diamond cuts. Scintillation represents the blinking flashes of light from facets to the diamond’s center when you move the stone.

A round-cut diamond can look great on solitaire 2.5-carat diamond engagement rings. It also looks amazing when combined with smaller side diamonds of the same or different cut. Although round-cut diamonds don’t have the largest face-up area, their intense sparkle and brilliance make them breathtaking. Because of this brilliance, you can compromise on color and clarity and enjoy an impressive stone without breaking the bank.

Princess Cut

A princess cut is a relatively new addition to the diamond industry. The name dates back to the 1960s, but its modern form was created by Betazel Ambar, Ygal Perlman, and Israel Itzkowitz in the 1980s.

When viewed from above, a princess-cut diamond has a square (rectangular) shape. Looking at it from the sides, you can see the diamond looks like an inverted pyramid with four beveled sides. These sides guarantee exceptional light dispersion and brilliance, so it’s no surprise that the princess cut is the second most popular. Around 30% of engagement rings feature these diamonds.

Princess-cut diamonds are essentially a square version of round-cut diamonds. Their technical name is square modified brilliant-cut diamonds, and they have 57 facets (one facet less than round-cut diamonds). These diamonds are typically less expensive than round-cut diamonds and can be an excellent choice for those who prefer a square shape but don’t want to compromise on the brilliance.

Princess-cut diamonds have been featured in several sports awards, like the Chicago Cubs’ trophy for their 2016 World Series win and The Capitals’ Stanley Cup rings.

Cushion Cut

Cushion-cut diamonds combine a square cut with rounded edges and resemble a cushion, hence the name. This cut represents a modified version of the old mine cut, an antique diamond shape. Cushion-cut diamonds have more fire than any other cut. Fire represents the effect we see when white light hits a diamond’s facets and disperses into rainbow colors.

The cushion cut is one of the oldest cuts, with its history spanning over 200 years. Cushion-cut diamonds have an elegant, vintage feel, especially when paired with the right details.

What’s interesting about cushion-cut diamonds is that there’s no established length-width ratio. These diamonds can vary from perfectly square ones to those with elongated, more “pillowy” sides. The number of facets featured in cushion-cut diamonds also varies, usually between 58 and 64.

One important reason many opt for a cushion-cut diamond (besides its beauty) is the price. A cushion-cut diamond can cost up to 50% less than a round-cut diamond of the same color, clarity, and carat weight.

Oval Cut

The modern version of the oval cut was designed during the 1960s. It’s a hybrid between the pear and round cut. The oval cut belongs to fancy diamond cuts; its elongated shape makes a diamond seem larger than other diamonds of the same carat weight but a different cut.

Since oval-cut diamonds have slender bodies, they tend to make the hand and fingers look slimmer. These diamonds often display the bow-tie effect, a unique imperfection when a dark area can be viewed within the diamond’s facets at a certain angle. Some consider the bow-tie effect a disadvantage, while others like it and think it makes the diamond even more beautiful and interesting.

Due to their unique cut, oval diamonds tend to show more color. If you’re purchasing an oval-cut diamond, choosing one with a higher color grade may be better. That way, you’ll ensure the diamond doesn’t look yellow, especially if it’s set in white gold or platinum.

Pear Cut

The origins of the pear cut date back to the 1400s, when Lodewyk van Berquem, a Flemish diamond polisher, first introduced it. Although the cut was innovative, it wasn’t popular until Richard Burton purchased a pear-cut diamond for his wife, Elizabeth Taylor, in the 1960s. The couple made the cut infamous, and its popularity grew steadily throughout the 20th century. Due to their uniqueness, pear-cut diamonds are an excellent choice for anyone who wants a rare and eye-catching stone.

Pear-cut diamonds are also called teardrop diamonds because of their shape. The head of a pear-cut diamond is rounded and wide, while the tip tapers to a point. These diamonds usually feature 56 to 58 facets and have exceptional brilliance. Since pear-cut diamonds are usually shallower than round-cut or princess-cut diamonds, they offer excellent value for money.

If you want to buy a pear-cut 2.50ct diamond ring, you need to pay attention to the stone’s symmetry. Ensure the shoulders and wings look symmetrical from every angle.

Emerald Cut

The emerald cut dates back to the 1500s when stonecutters started cutting emeralds into a rectangular shape with stepped facets to prevent them from chipping and breaking. Although initially created for emeralds, the emerald cut is also popular for diamonds. Emerald-cut diamonds usually feature 57 facets and an elongated rectangular shape with cut-off corners and step cuts. So, instead of the sparkle and brilliance present in other cuts, this one offers exceptional flashes of light, also known as the “hall of mirrors.”

This unique aesthetic appeals to those who want to stand out and enjoy an unconventional effect. As you can assume, emerald-cut diamonds look amazing when combined with emeralds. However, they are equally effective when featured in solitaire rings or embellished with side stones.

When purchasing an emerald-cut diamond, pay attention to its clarity. Emerald-cut diamonds don’t conceal imperfections very well due to their long, open facets. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to get a diamond with the highest clarity grade. Inspect it to ensure there are no visible blemishes and inclusions.

Asscher Cut

Many confuse the Asscher cut with the emerald cut. While they are similar in certain aspects, the former has larger facets, a higher crown, and a smaller table. It also has a squarish shape, while the emerald cut is rectangular.

The Asscher cut got its name after its creator, Joseph Asscher, who developed it in 1902. This cut was one of the pioneers of the Art Deco movement. At the time, it featured simple lines and large facets. Today, the Asscher cut typically has 57 facets, although it can have 49 or 65.

Like other fancy shapes, the Asscher cut comes in a wide range of styles. The varying number of pavilions and crown steps can significantly affect a diamond’s appearance. If you’re wondering what number of pavilions you should look for, the answer is that it’s all individual. Some people prefer fewer pavilions, while others like it better when there are more of them.

If you want a high-quality 2.50-carat Asscher-cut diamond, you should pay attention to its proportions, i.e., the depth and table size percentages. Ideally, you should look for a stone with a depth between 60% and 65% and a table size between 60% and 67%. Of course, don’t forget to inspect your diamond visually to ensure it doesn’t have visible imperfections.

Radiant Cut

Henry Grossbard created the radiant cut in 1977. The cut combines the best elements of the round brilliant cut and the emerald cut. Radiant-cut diamonds have a whopping 70 facets, and each offers exceptional brilliance and fire. Hence, this cut is an excellent choice for anyone who wants brilliance but doesn’t like a round shape.

Another advantage of radiant-cut diamonds is that they usually look larger than they actually are because they have a long diagonal measurement. These diamonds are also more durable than many others due to their beveled corners, which don’t chip easily. Those who have an active lifestyle but want to wear their engagement ring daily should consider a radiant-cut diamond.

Marquise Cut

The marquise cut is especially popular in vintage and antique jewelry because of its unique shape. Marquise-cut diamonds have an elliptical shape with two pointed ends at the top and bottom and represent a variation of the round brilliant cut. Typically, these diamonds have 58 facets, and their long and narrow shape creates an illusion of a larger size. Moreover, marquise-cut diamonds flatter the wearer because they move with the natural lines of the finger.

Marquise-cut diamonds are often featured in solitaire rings and can be set both vertically and horizontally. They also look great when combined with other diamonds and gemstones.

When purchasing a marquise-cut diamond, keep in mind that some display a bow-tie effect. Some agree this characteristic is what makes marquise-cut diamonds so unique and want to buy a stone with a bow tie. However, others say this effect is undesirable. In the end, it all depends on your preferences. Whatever they are, carefully inspect the diamond you’re interested in to ensure it suits your taste.

Pros and Cons for a Vintage 2.50-Carat Ring

Buying a vintage 2.50-carat diamond engagement ring can be an excellent idea. Here are the pros and cons you should consider before purchasing one:

Pros

• Vintage rings aren’t mass-produced, making them an excellent choice for anyone who wants a unique, rare piece of jewelry.
• Many vintage 2.50-carat diamond rings have intricate patterns, engravings, and milgrain that aren’t common in modern jewelry.
• Vintage rings usually have a fascinating history.
• The rings came in a wide range of cuts and styles.
• Vintage rings let you show off your style.
• Vintage diamond rings are usually handcrafted, which makes them even more attractive.
• These rings are timeless.
• Vintage rings are eco-friendly since they don’t encourage mass production and don’t leave a heavy footprint on the Earth.
• Many vintage 2.50-carat diamond rings are of better quality than modern jewelry.
• Vintage rings offer great value and are often more affordable than new rings.
• Vintage rings often feature unusual, bold patterns and are eye-catching.
• Many celebrities wear vintage rings.
• Vintage rings never go out of style.

Cons

• Some vintage rings have visible signs of damage.
• Vintage rings aren’t always perfectly symmetrical since they were handcrafted.
• Some vintage diamond rings may not be as brilliant as modern ones.
• Vintage 2.50-carat diamond rings often require more delicate maintenance.

Talk to an Expert

As you can see, purchasing 2.50-carat diamond rings isn’t easy. Since there are many options on the market, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, our team at Estate Diamond Jewelry can help you make an informed decision and buy a diamond that matches your style and preferences and doesn’t exceed your budget. We’ve been in the industry for decades and have the necessary experience and knowledge to assist you.

Contact us to schedule a showroom or online appointment.