DiamondDumbie
Rough_Rock
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2007
- Messages
- 48
2 ct engagement diamond – too big or expensive (vs average size or cost)?
OK… I have questions related to an e-diamond “average” size and cost, as well as how this “average” relates to certain age groups who get engaged.
First, let me say that I knew nothing about buying a diamond a month ago. However, I have recently learned a lot from this forum and other sources. I now feel confident about shopping and buying a diamond based on the Four C’s. However, now that I have found a diamond, I am now questioning my confidence about buying a diamond “for an engagement ring”. Basically, I am not certain if this too big or too much money for an engagement ring based on the information pertaining to the “average” engagement diamond size and cost.
Since this pertains to me, I should clarify that we are in our late 30’s, live in California, career is stable and my financial matters are not a limitation for this purchase - per se. At the same time, I do not want to surprise my girlfriend with a diamond that is too big or expensive based on what may be “reasonable” for an engagement ring. I do understand reasonable is a relative term and it depends on the individuals taste, finances, etc, etc. Nevertheless, I will feel horrible if she is shocked (in a bad way) that I spent 10-4 times the average cost for her engagement ring. The worst thing that could happen is we return it and she helps me pick out something that makes more sense. However, that seems like torture. Can you imagine? “Surprise! Take a look at this great diamond; now let us return it for something smaller”.
To get started, I began looking at 2.0 carat diamonds because this seemed to be the size of diamond our close friends were buying (or receiving) for their engagements. I never thought twice about it, but this size just seemed to be a common size amongst our friends who also happen to be in the 30-something age group. Therefore, I assumed this size was a good starting point and worked on the other C''s to come up with my selection. I should also mention none of my friends are trust fund babies and all of them are average hard working individuals who earned everything they have worked for. That is why I assumed 2.0 carats was typical, average or normal.
However, I have recently noticed in this forum along with several diamond articles that the “average” engagement diamond is $3,000 - $7,000 for .5 – .75 carats. After reading this, I was surprised to see this average based on the size of our friend''s e-diamonds. Therefore, I am asking myself, is this “average” size and cost dictated by the “average” age people get engaged?
It is reasonable to believe the largest percentile of engagements occur with individuals who are in their early or mid 20’s. Typically, at this age, a large percent of people are just starting out with their careers or have not purchased their house or their financial issues are still unsettled. No offense to any young newly engaged couples because I too was there fifteen years ago.
Therefore, I was interested to know if there is there an “average” size and cost for engagement rings per age groups, perhaps individuals in their 30’s who are already home owners with stable careers and finances.
I feel like this is over-thinking and I should just go with my gut. However, I really want the surprise to be a great experience and not one that could possible cause her anxiety about my stupid spending for a diamond engagement ring. This is one of the tough parts about making this experience a surprise. To me, it is only money and you can always earn more. However, at the same time, I do not want to go into this purchase feeling like an idiot that I am buying something she will feel compelled to return because of her own guilt or sensibility. If a larger more expensive e-diamond is not out of the ordinary for some individuals who have earned the ability to splurge, then I will not worry about my selection.
So here are the two diamonds that I am considering. I am leaning towards unique versus the more favorable round and princess cuts. I am not thrilled about buying a brand diamond but this one kept grabbing my attention.
I appreciate any opinions, advice, suggestions, recommendations or comments you might share.
Tycoon Diamond
(both are @ $30,000 out the door with a solitaire platinum ring)
Rectangle Cut
2.02 F VS2
8.18 x 6.38 x 4.39
Extremely Thin - Medium
Table 77%
Depth 68.5%
Polish & Symmetry – Very Good
Fluorescence - None
Square Cut
2.04 F Si1
7.44 x 7.43 x 3.75
Thin – Slightly Thick
Table 75%
Depth 50.5%
Polish & Symmetry – Very Good
Fluorescence - None
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