3 Carat Diamonds: Why Bigger Might Be Best For You

A 3 carat diamond is almost always statement-making. Choosing this carat weight is a bold way of declaring your love when featured in an engagement ring setting, or a dramatic way of expressing your style when set in Solitaire Necklaces or Studs. Many engagement rings and fine jewelry designs feature a 1 carat diamond, so 3 carat lab-grown diamond will stand apart.

Is a 3 carat VRAI created diamond in your future? Read on to learn more about this carat weight and decide if it’s right for you. Or book an appointment with our diamond experts for more personalized guidance.

What Is A 3 Carat Diamond?

A 3 carat diamond is a single cut and polished diamond that weighs 3 carats. Although rough 3 carat diamonds exist, most diamond jewelry retailers refer to a diamond’s carat weight after it has been cut, polished, and ready to set in a jewelry design.

Although many equate carat with size, it actually refers to a diamond’s weight. 3 carats are equal to 600 milligrams or 0.6 grams. Each diamond shape displays their carat weight differently. A Round Brilliant cut diamond is considered to be the truest to size; a 3 carat Round Brilliant will often be around 9.25mm in diameter. Marquise cut diamonds usually maximize their carat and appear larger on the finger; a 3 carat Marquise measures 15mm x 7.5mm on average.

What Are 3 Carat Lab-Grown Diamonds?

3 carat lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds; they are identical to 3 carat mined diamonds, but with guaranteed point of origin.

Lab-grown diamonds, regardless of their carat weight, are sometimes referred to as man-made or created diamonds. They are produced in a laboratory setting without the negative environmental or human toll of mining. They share an identical growing process to mined diamonds, forming first as carbon atoms under high temperature and immense pressure, then bonding together to grow a crystalline lattice structure. Once fully formed, they are cut and polished to reveal maximum brilliance.

Like mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds come in a variety of color and clarity grades as well as carat weights. 3 carat lab-grown diamonds, like any larger diamond, are rarer and therefore more valuable.

How Much Is A 3 Carat Diamond?

The price of a 3 carat diamond is determined by many factors. Carat weight does directly affect its price, and a 3 carat diamond will almost always be more expensive than a 1 or 2 carat diamond. But carat is only one of many factors that influences a diamond’s value.

The other 4Cs — including cut, color, and clarity — play an important role. But because a 3 carat diamond is rarer, the price can increase dramatically. On average, a 3 carat Round Brilliant diamond can cost anywhere between three to thirty times more than a 1 carat Round Brilliant diamond depending on the grade of cut, color, and clarity.

1 Carat Vs. 3 Carat Diamond Price

At the time of publication, a 1.01ct Round Brilliant cut VRAI created diamond, H color, VS2 clarity, and excellent cut costs $1,208 USD. Mined diamonds of the same quality from competitor sites range from $5,000-$7,000 USD.

A 3ct Round Brilliant cut VRAI created diamond, H color, VS2 clarity, and excellent cut costs $13,310 USD. Mined diamonds of the same quality from competitor sites range from $44,000-$50,000 USD.

So even though a 3 carat diamond weighs three times as much as a 1 carat diamond, its value exceeds three times the price. For exact pricing on 1 carat vs 3 carat VRAI created diamonds, book an appointment with our diamond experts.

2 Carat Vs. 3 Carat Diamond Price

At the time of publication, a 2ct Round Brilliant cut VRAI created diamond, H color, VS2 clarity, and excellent cut costs $3,367USD. Mined diamonds of the same quality from competitor sites range from $15,000-$20,000 USD.

A 3ct Round Brilliant cut VRAI created diamond, H color, VS2 clarity, and excellent cut costs $13,310 USD. Mined diamonds of the same quality from competitor sites range from $44,000-$50,000 USD.

This shows that moving up in carat weight exponentially increases a diamond’s worth. For exact pricing on 2 carat vs 3 carat VRAI created diamonds, book an appointment with our diamond experts

3 Carat Vs. Larger Diamond Price

Going up in carat weight increases diamond prices exponentially. This is because larger diamonds are rarer and therefore more valuable. But paying more for a 4 or 5 carat diamond engagement ring over a 3 carat diamond ring is not only related to the diamond’s weight. The other 4Cs directly affect its value, as can its shape. A larger Round Brilliant cut diamond will likely be more expensive than other shapes because it is the most sought-after diamond shape in the world, for example.

Purchasing VRAI created diamonds over 3 carats is worth indulging in, should your budget allow. Not only are they more affordable due to VRAI’s vertically integrated model, but they are made from converted greenhouse gas. So you can choose bigger diamonds for less and without the guilt!

What Are The Best 3 Carat Diamond Shapes?

Each diamond shape will display their carat weight slightly differently. Here are some factors to take into consideration when choosing your favorite shape.

3 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds

A Round Brilliant cut diamond is the most popular diamond shape in the world. Its perceived size is considered true to its carat weight. 3 carat Round Brilliant cut diamonds are timelessly elegant and can be passed down as a family heirloom for generations to come, as this sought-after shape will never go out of style.

3 Carat Oval Cut Diamonds

Oval shaped diamonds continue to grow in popularity because they are a modern take on the classic Round Brilliant. Their elongated form maximizes carat weight, meaning they appear larger on the finger than a Round Brilliant cut diamond. A 3 carat Oval cut diamond is perfect for those wanting to put a slight twist on traditional style with a slightly bigger and bolder look.

3 Carat Emerald Cut Diamonds

Because of its elongated form, it can appear larger on the finger than a Round Brilliant cut diamond of the same carat weight. A 3 carat Emerald cut diamond is known for exuding strength and timeless beauty. Consider going up in clarity grade with a larger Emerald; its step cut facets won’t hide inclusions as well as brilliant cuts.

3 Carat Princess Cut Diamonds

Princess cut diamonds are one of newest diamond shapes; they appeared in the late 20th century and steadily grew in popularity as a center stone. Because of their square length-to-width ratio, Princess cut diamonds can actually appear smaller than most diamond shapes of the same carat weight. A 3 carat Princess cut diamond creates a stunning look of modern sophistication.

3 Carat Marquise Cut Diamonds

Marquise cut diamonds are considered the best shape for maximizing carat weight. Out of all other shapes of the same weight, they appear the largest (followed by Pear, Oval, and Emerald). This means that a 3 carat Marquise cut diamond will look substantial and slenderize the finger when worn in an engagement ring setting.

Should You Buy A 3 Carat Diamond?

For some, a 3 carat diamond is a splurge, while for others, it’s the perfect size to begin with when buying a diamond. Many diamond lovers can’t help but feel that more is more, especially when it comes to carat weight. For others, something more subtle is best. 3 carat diamonds are quite possibly a happy medium — they are certainly large and eye-catching enough for those wanting a bigger diamond. But they also work well for others looking for something classic or simple engagement rings.

This is why, for many, a 3 carat diamond is ideal. There is no right or wrong answer for you other than for what your budget allows and what your personal style exudes.

Shop 3 Carat Diamonds With Our Diamond Experts

Ready to explore 3 carat diamonds in your favorite shape? Book an appointment with our diamond experts who will provide you with personalized guidance, in-depth diamond education, and a seamless shopping experience. Not only will they assist in finding the VRAI created diamond meant just for you, but also the engagement ring setting, matching wedding rings, and more!