Buying Guide for 3.5 Carat Diamond Ring

Buying a 3.5-carat diamond engagement ring is a huge investment, which is why you should take your time. This article will provide you with all the information you need about 3.5-carat diamond rings, including how big they actually are and how much you can expect to pay for them. We’ll also give you some great tips on how to find the 3.50-carat diamond ring of your dreams.

• How Much Does a 3.50 Carat Diamond Ring Cost?
• Tips for Finding the Perfect 3.50 Carat Diamond Ring
• Shop 3.5 Carat Diamond Rings
• Pros of Vintage 3.5-Carat Diamond Rings
• Talk to an Expert

How Big Is a 3.5-Carat Diamond Engagement Ring?

Before we get into how big a 3.50-carat diamond engagement ring is, we will need to distinguish a diamond’s size and weight. A diamond’s size refers to its measurements, or its height and width, while a diamond’s carat weight is determined by how much the diamond weighs in grams. One carat is only 0.20 grams, which means that a 5-carat diamond ring weighs approximately 1 gram. When it comes to 3.50-carat diamonds, they weigh 0.70 grams.

A 1-carat diamond can be 5.9 mm wide, but it can also be 6.8 mm wide, depending on its cut. That’s why it pays to always look at the diamond’s measurements, not just its carat weight. Here’s a chart with different types of diamond shapes and their corresponding dimensions.

Diamond Size by Cut

Diamond Cut	Dimensions	Face-up size (in square mm)
Oval	12.32 × 8.21 × 5.01 mm	82.94 mm²
Round brilliant	9.87 × 9.87 × 5.95 mm	76.51 mm²
Emerald	10.14 × 7.51 × 4.88 mm	72.34 mm²
Cushion	8.85 × 8.85 × 5.66 mm	70.49 mm²
Pear	13.73 × 8.27 × 5.04 mm	82.89 mm²
Marquise	15.78 × 7.89 × 4.81 mm	88.40 mm²
Asscher	8.52 × 8.52 × 5.50 mm	66.78 mm²

As you can see, a 3.5-carat diamond can be 12 mm long, but it can also be 8 mm long. This is because some diamonds carry their weight in height, while others carry their weight in width. The perfect length-to-width ratio is between 1.0 and 1.1, which can be achieved with a round brilliant-cut diamond. According to the table, the dimensions of a round brilliant-cut diamond are 9.87 × 9.87 × 5.95 mm, which equals 76.51 mm². This is the best ratio and cut for a 3.5-carat diamond rings.

To discuss whether a 3.5-carat diamond ring is too big for your finger or just the right size, we’ll first have to go over ring sizes (or finger sizes). Ring sizes go from 3 to 13.5. The average ring size for women is 6, which is 16.45 mm in diameter.

Expert Tip: Why is your ring size important in the first place? Diamond jewelry experts claim that for a diamond ring to be in perfect proportion to your finger, it needs to take up at least 50% of your finger’s width. If you wear a size 6 or 6.5, a 3.50-carat diamond ring will take up about 57.3% of the width of your finger.

This is ideal for those who want a diamond that will stand out. So if you wear a size 6, as in the example above, a 3.50-carat engagement ring would look perfect on your finger.

How Much Does a 3.5 Carat Diamond Ring Cost?

A 3.50-carat diamond ring can cost from $7,700 to $105,270. The reason it’s challenging to determine a precise price is that many factors can influence the total cost. These factors are called the “Four Cs,” and they refer to color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Most people prioritize a diamond’s carat weight without realizing the importance of the other three Cs.

More often than not, a diamond’s color and clarity can influence the price even more than the carat weight. The colors are graded based on the Gemological Institute Of America’s D-Z clarity scale, with the most desirable diamonds having D, E, and F color grades. In terms of clarity, you’ll want to look for very slightly included (VS1 and VS2) and very, very slightly included (VVS1 and VVS2) diamonds.

This chart will give you a better idea of what you can expect to pay for a 3.50-carat diamond engagement ring.

Color Range	SI2 Clarity	VS2 Clarity	VVS2 Clarity
K Color	$32,069	$41,187	$47,310
J Color	$40,888	$49,978	$55,280
I Color	$47,342	$57,630	$66,788
H Color	$50,065	$72,885	$83,165
G Color	$57,941	$87,086	$103,872
F Color	$63,341	$91,829	$117,698
E Color	$67,457	$98,580	$139,230
D Color	$74,446	$108,412	$167,383

These aren’t fixed prices, as they depend on many factors, not just the Four Cs. For instance, the rarity of the diamond and its overall quality can also increase the price to a great extent. Keep in mind that these prices refer to round-cut diamonds. The round brilliant cut is the most expensive diamond cut, but we’ll get to that later.

As you can see, the most affordable 3.5-carat diamond ring has a K color and SI2 clarity. The priciest 3.5-carat diamond rings have a D color and VVS2 clarity.

Color

Unlike colored gemstones, a diamond is more valuable if it displays less color. In fact, the perfect diamond is completely colorless. To understand how a diamond’s color is priced, we’ll need to go through GIA’s color grading scheme. The color grades start with the letter D and go all the way to the letter Z. There are no A, B, or C grades.

A diamond can have one of the following color grades:

• D, E, and F – colorless
• G, H, I, and J – near colorless
• K, L, and M – faint
• N, O, P, Q, and R – very light
• S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, and Z – light

Most jewelry stores offer diamonds with D to K colors, as anything less than that isn’t considered valuable. Keep in mind that it’s very hard to tell the difference between some color grades. For instance, a G color diamond may have traces of yellow and brown, but they can only be seen with a microscope. In other words, even though a G color diamond is labeled as “near colorless,” you won’t be able to see any traces of color with the naked eye.

This is important for people who want to buy a 3.50-carat diamond engagement ring without breaking the bank. If you don’t buy a diamond from the D-F color category, you may be able to find a more affordable option.

Clarity

Clarity is another important factor that can influence the diamond’s total price. It determines the absence of internal inclusions and blemishes inside the diamond’s structure. The fewer inclusions a diamond has, the more value it carries. According to GIA’s clarity scale, a diamond can have one of the following clarity grades:

• Flawless (FL)
• Internally flawless (IF)
• Very, very slightly included (VVS1 and VVS2)
• Very slightly included (VS1 and VS2)
• Slightly included (SI1 and SI2)
• Included (I1, I2, and I3)

Flawless and internally flawless diamonds are the most desirable types of diamonds, which are also very hard to come by. That’s why most jewelers offer VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, and SI2 clarity diamonds. Even though they come with some inclusions, most of them are microscopic.

For instance, you can pay much less money for a VVS2 clarity 3.50-carat diamond compared to an FL or IF 3.50-carat diamond. What’s more, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the two. You can only see traces of inclusions under 10x magnification.

If you’re on a budget but you’re interested in 3.5-carat diamond rings, aim for a diamond with a lower clarity grade.

Tips for Finding the Perfect 3.5 Carat Diamond Ring

Before you start looking for 3.5-carat diamond rings, here are a few tips that can help you make a better purchase:

1. Pay attention to Clarity

The bigger the diamond is, the more its imperfections will be visible to the naked eye. Of course, you want to find a diamond with a high clarity grade. A diamond with a large table reveals more blemishes than a smaller one. Not to mention that such a diamond would be quite pricey. So, when you go shopping for a 3.50-carat diamond ring, make sure to look for one with a good clarity rating.

2. Get a Certificate

Always ask for a diamond certificate, especially if you’re getting a diamond of a large carat weight. It’s best to look for GIA certificates, which are distributed by the Gemological Institute of America. You can also search for an AGS (American Gem Society) diamond certificate, which is the next best thing. Reputable jewelers will have some kind of diamond certificate, and they are usually available upon request.

3. Decide on a Setting

3.5-carat diamond rings are large on their own since they’re 9.75 mm in diameter. That’s why they come with and without accent stones. If you want a 3.50-carat engagement ring that will be the center of attention, you should try looking for a solitaire ring. But if you don’t mind the extra sparkle, you can also find a 3.50-carat diamond ring with a halo or side stones. Just note that it will come at a higher price.

4. Find the Right Cut

Choose a cut that will bring out the sparkle and brilliance of the diamond. The best cut for a 3.50-carat diamond ring is the round brilliant cut. This cut is made to reflect light from the stone to your view perfectly. The round brilliant cut is also the most popular cut for diamond rings. Other cuts that make the diamond sparkle include the princess, radiant, cushion, oval, and pear cuts. The cuts that offer the least brilliance are the emerald and Asscher cuts.

5. Shop Around

Finding a 3.50-carat diamond ring isn’t easy because they’re so rare. The most popular diamond size is 1 carat. The bigger the diamond is, the more challenging it is to find one. That’s why it’s important to have patience. Look for 3.5-carat diamond rings in prestigious jewelry stores. You might also be able to find 3.5-carat diamond rings in private collections.

6. Find a Reputable Jeweler

When making a purchase as large as a 3.5 carat diamond ring, purchasing from a trusted jeweler is critical. Make sure to find a reputable jeweler who will help you find what you’re looking for and can answer any questions you have. In particular, if you plan on shopping online, take care to research the vendor before making your purchase.

7. Consider a Vintage Ring

Consider looking at some vintage 3.5-carat diamond rings if you want something unique. Even though vintage 3.5-carat diamond rings are rare, they’re one of a kind, and they have a timeless charm. We’ll talk about vintage 3.5-carat diamond rings later.

Shop 3.5 Carat Diamond Rings

3.5 Carat Weight (CW) vs. 3.5 Total Carat Weight (TCW)

If you’re planning to buy a 3.50-carat diamond engagement ring, you should know the difference between carat weight (CW) and total carat weight (TCW). If you find a diamond ring with accent stones that you like, and you see the total carat weight is 3.50, this doesn’t apply to the center stone’s carat weight alone. Rather, it refers to the weight of the center diamond plus the additional stones.

You could find a diamond engagement ring with a 3.50-carat label, but the center stone only has 1.50 carats, which might be a deal breaker for many. This is something you have to pay attention to if you want a halo-style or three-stone diamond engagement ring. Make sure the ring’s description states the carat weight of the center stone, not the entire diamond.

3.5-Carat Diamond Shape and Cuts

After you decide which carat weight you want your diamond to have, the next factor to look for is the cut. A diamond’s cut should take priority over color and clarity because it can determine how the entire ring will look. If you’re in the market for 3.5-carat diamond rings, here are the diamond cuts to look for.

3.50-Carat Oval-Cut Diamond

The oval cut is the perfect solution for those who like longer cuts but still want to maintain the brilliance of the round cut. An oval-cut diamond has the same number of facets as a round-cut diamond. An oval-cut 3.50-carat diamond is approximately 12.32 mm long, so it will look quite large on a finger.

Their elongated tables make them look more elegant. If you’re searching for a 3.50-carat diamond engagement ring with an oval cut, you’ll be able to find both solitaire rings and halo-style rings. What’s more, the oval cut can create an illusion of length, making your finger appear longer.

3.50-Carat Round Brilliant-Cut Diamond

As we said before, the round brilliant cut is the most popular diamond cut. With its 58 facets, a round brilliant cut can make the diamond sparkle more than any other cut. What also makes the round brilliant cut so desirable is that it looks great on any finger shape and size.

You can find 3.50-carat round brilliant-cut diamonds in all kinds of styles and settings, from traditional solitaire settings to beautiful halo-style settings. The round brilliant cut is a classic, and it will never go out of style. The average length of a round brilliant-cut 3.50-carat diamond is 9.87 mm.

3.50-Carat Emerald-Cut Diamond

If you prefer square-shaped diamonds, the emerald cut might be for you. It has a rectangular shape, chiseled step cuts, and large tables. Diamonds with emerald cuts appear larger than round-cut diamonds, even though they have the same carat weight. For example, while a 3.50-carat round-cut diamond is 9.87 mm long, an emerald-cut diamond with 3.50 carats is 10.14 mm long.

Emerald-cut diamonds usually come at an affordable price compared to round-cut diamonds. They look best on those with thin, slender fingers. Note that emerald-cut diamonds are less sparkly than round-cut diamonds. So, if you’re looking for a flashy diamond, the emerald cut might not be for you.

3.50-Carat Cushion-Cut Diamond

A 3.50-carat cushion-cut diamond is 8.85 mm long. Cushion-cut diamonds are smaller than round-cut diamonds of the same carat weight as most other diamond cuts. These diamonds have rounded corners and larger facets. Cushion-cut diamonds have become quite popular in recent years.

Since it’s like a combination of the emerald cut and the round brilliant cut, this type of cut makes a diamond look like a cushion, hence the name. This is a traditional diamond cut that was quite popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, so it has a distinctive vintage style. It’s also the modernized version of the antique old-mine cut.

3.50-Carat Pear-Cut Diamond

Due to its elongated shape, the pear cut gives a diamond more length compared to the round cut. A diamond with a pear cut measures 13.73 mm, so it will look the most flattering on long fingers. Since it narrows to a pointy end, the pear cut can make your finger look slimmer, so it’s great for thick fingers as well.

The pear cut is sometimes referred to as the teardrop cut. Diamonds that have a pear shape come in all kinds of settings. Although usually prong-set, pear-cut diamonds can also be found in halo-style settings.

3.50-Carat Marquise-Cut Diamond

The marquise cut is the longest diamond shape. A 3.50-carat diamond with a marquise cut measures about 15.78 mm in length. It’s not only their size that makes them so desirable but their royal appearance as well. It’s worth mentioning that marquise-cut diamonds are usually more budget-friendly than round brilliant-cut diamonds.

The marquise cut is also sometimes called the Navette cut. It has an oval table with two pointed ends. Like all the other east-to-west design diamonds, a marquise-cut diamond can make your finger look longer. It’s the perfect diamond cut for a bride looking for something a little bit different.

3.50-Carat Asscher-Cut Diamond

The Asscher cut has a unique symmetrical appearance that was quite popular in the Art Deco era. If you want a 3.50-carat Asscher-cut diamond, it will be about 8.52 mm long, making it smaller than the round brilliant cut and most other cuts. It has an octagonal shape and 58 large step facets.

Note that Asscher-cut diamonds can be pricier than other diamond cuts. That’s because only diamonds of the highest quality are chosen for the Asscher cut since this diamond shape can’t hide imperfections like the round brilliant cut. What’s more, it’s not as shiny as the brilliant cut.

Pros and Cons for a Vintage 3.5-Carat Diamond Ring

If you’re looking for a 3.50-carat engagement ring, you should also think about getting a vintage ring. Here are some of the most important pros and cons of vintage 3.5-carat diamond rings.

Pros of Vintage 3.5-Carat Diamond Rings

• Vintage 3.5-carat diamond rings are all one of a kind. All vintage engagement rings are at least 50 years old and up to 100 years old, which means they are all handmade. Instead of getting that special someone a newly made diamond from a lab, you’ll be able to buy a vintage ring that no one else has.
• Vintage engagement rings are more symbolic, and they may have an entire story behind them.
• If you’re looking for a budget-friendly 3.50-carat diamond ring, you’ll be able to find a better price with a vintage ring. Some stores even let you negotiate for a lower price.
• Vintage engagement rings are eco-friendly.
• Since vintage engagement rings were made using outdated machinery, you won’t find vintage cuts and settings in new rings. For example, instead of the round brilliant cut, you’ll find the old European cut, which has a more traditional charm.

Cons of Vintage 3.5-Carat Diamond Rings

• 3.50-carat diamond engagement rings are very hard to find since they’re so rare. You’ll have to be patient if you would like to have a vintage engagement ring.
• Vintage engagement rings may have belonged to someone else in the past. Some brides won’t want a used engagement ring. They prefer new engagement rings that only they will wear.
• Some vintage 3.5-carat diamond rings don’t sparkle as much as their newly produced counterparts.
• The metal settings may show signs of wear and tear, but that can easily be fixed.

Talk to an Expert

Shopping for a 3.50-carat diamond engagement ring isn’t easy, which is why you should talk to a diamond expert. If you’re interested in 3.5-carat diamond rings, Estate Diamond Jewelry offers a stunning collection of vintage engagement rings. Feel free to contact us if you’re interested in any of these rings. And if you would like to see a ring in person, you can also schedule an appointment.