3 carat diamond ring: 4 steps to get max bang for your buck

So you want major bling for your ring? I got you. When most people think about a huge diamond, a 3 carat diamond ring is what they’re imagining! This kind of carat weight packs a huge punch, so it’s a great size to go for when you’re looking for impact. However, did you know there’s ways to make a 3 carat diamond ring look even bigger and better? Read on!

Is a 3 carat diamond big?

Yes! The average diamond ring is between 1-2 carats, making a 3 carat diamond a big look! However, not all 3 carat stones “look” 3 carats. That’s because a “carat” is a weight measurement, not a diameter size. That also means that you can find a 3 carat stone that looks closer to 3.25 or even 3.50ct! It’s all in where the diamond carries its weight – whether that be in its bottom, or across its width. I’ll show you how to look for this below!

How much is a 3 carat diamond?

At the time of writing, a white, eye clean, natural 3 carat diamond begins around $30,000, and lab diamonds of a similar quality begin around $7,500! Diamonds vary greatly in price depending upon their specific 4Cs (color, cut, clarity, and carat weight) as well as diamond origin (lab or natural)! Even small differences can make a pretty significant difference in price. You can read more about how to get the best bang for your buck, while getting a beautiful white, eye clean diamond here! Once you choose shape, origin, and a range of color, clarity – shoot us an email at care@doamore.com. We’re always happy to run a custom search for you for the best values out there!

Pro tip: Also, you can see some of our recommended natural diamonds here and recommended lab diamonds here (these diamonds have been selected based on maximizing beauty and bang for your buck!).

3 carat diamond ring max bang for your buck

1. Shape

One way to make your 3 carat look even bigger is to choose an elongated fancy shape. Long shapes such as ovals, emeralds, radiants, and marquise look larger than their more rounded cousins. This is because their length gives the appearance of a larger surface area! So, if you’re going for max bang for your buck, choosing an elongated shape can get you an even bigger look!

2. Measurements

Remember, “carat weight” is a weight measurement – so in order to get max bang for your buck, always look at measurements. It may be that you can get a great value by choosing a 2.9-2.99 carat that measures just as large as a 3.00-3.10ct! So, when looking for the best 3 carat diamond ring, set your filters just a hair below 3 carats, and then compare measurements. Check it out:

3. Go “White, Eye Clean” over Colorless, VVS

You don’t need a completely colorless, VVS diamond to get a big fancy look. To get the max bang for your buck, choose “white, eye clean” instead of falling for the “colorless” thing. G colored diamonds will look colorless face up! And, with the exception of emerald and asscher cuts (that mostly need to be VVS), VS diamonds are just as eye clean as Flawless and VVS stones. Don’t waste money on things you can’t see! Instead, choose G (and sometimes even H!) color and VS clarity, and then put that extra money towards more carats!

4. Cut Quality (Sparkle)

Well cut, sparkly diamonds ALWAYS look bigger than less sparkly diamonds. This is because “dead” stones without much sparkle do not really “pop” from the finger. So, in addition to looking for big measurements, always make sure to learn how to get the most sparkle from your stone too. Every shape has unique features to look for. Check out our round guide here, our oval guide here, and guidelines for emerald cuts here!

Pro Tip: EVERY shape needs even contrast and brilliance. Contrast is the dark background white and rainbow sparkle pops from! So, always look for an even smattering of dark/light in your gem to make sure it’ll sparkle like crazy!

Top 3 most popular 3 carat diamond rings

Most Popular: Round 3 carat diamond ring

Round cut diamonds are the most popular shape, and have the most sparkle. So, it’s an easy, classic choice for a beautiful 3 carat diamond ring! Rounds are the most technically challenging cut to get “perfect” as they need very specific angles to maximize sparkle. You can learn how to master those angles and get the best Round 3 carat here.

How much is a 3ct round cut diamond ring?

At the time of writing, white, eye clean, natural 3 carat round diamonds begin around $38,000, and lab diamonds of a similar quality begin around $8,200. Then, simply pick your favorite setting, such as our blingy Mekelle for $1,580 in any color gold!

Second Most Popular: Oval 3 carat diamond ring

3 carat ovals look even bigger than their round cousins! That is because an oval’s nice long length gives it a larger appearance. Learn how to choose the best oval (and avoid dark bowties) here!

How much is a 3ct oval diamond ring?

At the time of writing, white, eye clean, natural 3 carat oval diamonds begin around $34,000, and lab diamonds of a similar quality begin around $10,000. Choose a beautiful setting, such as our dainty Diana ($880 in any color gold)!

Third Most Popular: Emerald 3 carat diamond ring

Huge emerald cut rocks are celebrity favorites! Think Elizabeth Taylor, Melania Trump, and Paris Hilton! Shining and elegant, large emerald cut diamond rings stand for high end class. That is because emerald cut diamonds require a higher color (G+) and clarity (VS1+) than other cuts to look “white and eye clean”.

How much is a 3ct emerald cut diamond ring?

At the time of writing, white, eye clean, natural 3 carat emerald cut diamonds begin around $38,000, and lab diamonds of a similar quality begin around $11,000. Choose a beautiful setting, such as our classic Asha ($450 in any color gold)!

Can you help me get the most bang for my buck?

Yes! We specialize in making sure you get the biggest, best diamond for your money. You can checkout our blog dedicated to it here. So, when looking for the best 3 carat diamond ring, you’ve come to the right place. Email us here, or drop us a line here, and we’ll set out on the hunt for you!