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3 carat diamond ring Buying Guide

Get tips on how to save as much as $110,704 with our guide.
In this guide, we'll show you how to get the most out of your purchase of a 3 carat diamond ring. We will point out the areas where it's worth spending more and where you can cut costs, and provide you with information on where to find your perfect ring or maybe even something even more incredible.
Want to start buying now instead of learning first?
We have found the best deals on 3-carat diamond rings from top online stores. We have included our favorite options below.

Diamond Price Guide Overview
8 buying lessons - 5-10 min total read time

Get your hands on a top-tier 3 carat diamond ring for the lowest price.

In our upcoming lessons, we will teach you how to save money while still getting a stunning 3 carat diamond ring. We will provide tips on how to make the most of your budget and avoid being deceived by diamond companies.
Average Price
$34,024.70
Price Range
$11,150-$149,530
Our Max Savings
$110,704
Lessons 1-4  ∴  Save Money 
Lessons 4 & 5  ∶  Spend Money 
Lessons 6-8  ∴  Personalize & Decide 
⤫ 40% Cash Savings

Lesson 1

Buying Online

You will discover that diamond rings are much more affordable when purchased online. On the other hand, retail stores can be 40% pricier and offer only a limited selection to choose from.
⤫ $110,450 Cash Savings

Lesson 2

Clarity

Using our clarity tips can reduce the cost of diamond rings by 50%. We are dedicated to assisting you in saving a significant amount.
⤫ $8,910 Cash Savings

Lesson 3

Color

Color is another important factor that impacts the price of diamonds. We will assist you in determining when to utilize this aspect to achieve significant savings.
⤫ 85% Cash Savings

Lesson 8

Lab Grown

Lab-grown diamonds can help you save more than 85% on a 3-carat diamond ring, but it's unlikely that you'll be able to sell it later on.
☺ Spend Money

Lesson 4

Carat Weight / Size

Women generally prefer diamonds that appear larger in size, so this is the aspect where you should concentrate your investment. We are here to assist you in getting the most out of your budget by maximizing the size of the diamond while being cost-effective in other areas.
☺ Spend Money

Lesson 5

Cut, Sparkle & Brilliance

The way a diamond is cut greatly affects how attractive it appears. It's not wise to be cheap when it comes to this aspect, as it's what makes the diamond sparkle and stand out.
≔ Personalize

Lesson 6

Shapes

Each shape of a diamond ring has its own distinct appearance and sparkle. We are here to assist you in understanding the characteristics and brilliance of each shape.
≔ Personalize

Lesson 7

Setting / Band

Opting for a solitaire ring can help you save some money and create the illusion of a bigger diamond. However, it's important to consider your personal preferences as well.

Lesson 1 - Buy Online
Up to 40% savings here

Buy your 3 carat diamond ring online and save up to 40% instantly.

You should consider exploring online shopping for your engagement ring. Stores like Blue Nile and James Allen offer significant savings of up to 40% compared to traditional retail prices. But that's not all. Online shopping also provides a wider selection and the option to customize your ring according to your preferences.

To start creating the most affordable and valuable 3 carat diamond ring right away, simply click on the 'shop now' links below!

If you're ready to start shopping right away, simply click on any of our links. They will direct you to the best deals on high-quality diamonds from the leading online diamond companies.

Our Money Saving Links

Watch us compare pricing with retail stores and our favorite online brands

Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
Best overall experience, great selection, 24/7 customer support
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
Another excellent website for very well priced diamond rings.
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
They focus on ethically sourced diamonds. Best option for karma free rings
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
They focus on ethically sourced diamonds. Best option for karma free rings
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
Mostly here to show you how retail companies are not high quality. 

Lesson 2 - Clarity

When shopping for a 0.2 carat round diamond ring, the diamond's clarity is the primary pricing factor to keep in mind.

⊗ Up to $130,631 savings with these tips
Watch us save thousands of dollars by simply selecting the right clarity range.

What is Clarity?

Clarity is all about the flaws you can see in a diamond, but it's worth mentioning that most flaws are only visible with a 10x magnifying glass. Diamond clarity can be categorized as 'flawless' or 'included'. In between, you'll come across classifications like VS1, VS2, and SI1. These diamonds might have imperfections that can only be seen under 10x magnification. To the naked eye, they are typically invisible, so no one will notice them when they admire your ring!

Optimal Clarity Range for a 3 carat diamond ring

Choosing a diamond within the VS2-SI1 clarity range for your 3 carat diamond ring can result in significant savings, potentially reducing the total price by as much as $130,631. We strongly suggest considering diamonds with a VS2 clarity grade due to their favorable combination of price and clarity. However, it is important not to disregard SI1 diamonds either. By spending just a few minutes examining different diamonds, you can discover SI1 stones that have an appearance that is virtually flawless.

One more important tip! Always avoid "cloudy"

This one is simple. Always avoid cloudy diamonds found in the GIA certificate. This is the one flaw that really matters for brilliance. 
☆ These diamonds have identical carat, cut, & color 
Not Recommended
Go with this clarity
FL
IF
VVS1
VVS2
VS1
VS2
SI1
‹ drag left or right ›

FL - Flawless

Cost - $164,483 This diamond is in perfect condition, without any flaws, but when you look at the cost, it's just too expensive. Savings - You could save $125,400 - $139,610 with a VS2, SI1, or SI2 diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

IF - Internally Flawless

Cost - $149,530 This diamond is internally perfect, which means there are no flaws inside it, although there might be some on the surface. It's quite extravagant. Savings - You could save $110,447 - $124,657 with a VS2, SI1, or SI2 diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

VVS1

Cost - $106,000 This diamond is almost flawless, but when you take into account the cost, it is still too extravagant. Savings - You could save $66,917 - $81,127 with a VS2, SI1, or SI2 diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

VVS2

Cost - $90,810 These diamonds are really beautiful, but we recommend opting for a lower clarity option since our eyes can't tell the difference. Savings - You could save $51,727 - $65,937 with a VS2, SI1, or SI2 diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

VS1 - Very Slightly Included

Cost - $40,980 If you are able to find a fantastic deal on a VS1, that's wonderful. However, the clarity levels that come after that provide the ideal balance between price and quality. Savings - You could save $1,897 - $16,107 with a VS2, SI1, or SI2 diamond

‹ drag left or right ›

VS2 - Very Slightly Included

Cost: $39,083 Total Savings: $1,897 - $110,447 When it comes to both quality and price, you won't find a better deal than this diamond clarity. These diamonds are unmatched in their flawless appearance, making them look absolutely perfect to anyone's eye. There are no visible faults in most of these diamonds, so you can trust that they are of the highest quality.
‹ drag left or right ›

SI1 - Slightly Included

Cost: $33,852 Total Savings: $7,128 - $115,678 You won't find a better deal on diamond clarity than this one. Just remember, not all SI1 diamonds are the same. While some may not impress you, many are truly outstanding and could easily be mistaken for a VS2.

Lesson 3 - Color

When looking for a 3 carat diamond ring, the diamond's color has a big impact on its price.

⊗ Up to $12,598 savings with these tips
Watch us save thousands by purchasing diamonds in the right range

What is Color?

Diamonds can come in various shades, ranging from yellowish to completely colorless. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) ranks diamonds on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (yellow or brown). Most jewelry diamonds have a slight amount of color and fall into the G-H category. These subtle color differences can only be detected when comparing them to higher-graded diamonds like D, E, or F. While larger diamonds may show more noticeable color, a diamond from the G-H category will still appear nearly colorless and will be less expensive than a D-grade diamond, which is completely colorless.

Optimal Color Range For A 3 Carat Diamond Ring

Opting for the appropriate color grade for a 3 carat diamond ring can lead to significant cost reductions. Instead of paying exorbitant prices for diamonds graded D-F, consider selecting a diamond falling within the G-J range. By doing so, you can still obtain a breathtaking piece and save as much as $12,598, in addition to any savings resulting from wise decisions pertaining to clarity.
Clearest Color
Best Value
Sometimes Ok
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
< drag left or right >

D color

Cost - $40,622 This diamond is colorless, meaning it has no hints of yellow, you can find these at a good price, but it is not as common. Savings - You could save $6,882 - $8,907 with a G or H colored diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

E color

Cost - $38,185 An E color diamond is a rare, colorless gem of exceptional beauty and value. You can sometimes find them at a great price. Savings - You could save $4,445 - $6,469 with a G or H colored diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

F color

Cost - $35,894 These are near-colorless with only slight traces of color, making it an attractive choice. You'd really have to look closely to figure it out Savings - You could save $2,154 - $4,178 with a G or H colored diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

G color

Cost - $33,740 These are near-colorless with only slight traces of color, making it an attractive choice for it's quality and price. You'd really have to look closely to notice any color Savings - You could save $2,024 with an H colored diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

H color

Cost - $31,716 Total Savings: $2,024 - $8,907 These are near-colorless with only slightly more noticable hint of color, further making it an attractive choice for it's quality and price. You'd need to have a trained eye to see the color flaw in this one without having a colorless diamond next to it.
‹ drag left or right ›

I color

Cost - $29,813 Total Savings: $3,927 - $10,809 These begin to have a bit more noticable hint of color especially when next to colorless diamonds. These still have unnoticable color if placed on a solitaire ring, but we do not recommend these on a halo ring.
‹ drag left or right ›

J color

Cost - $28,024 Total Savings: $5,716 - $12,598 These also have a slightly more noticable hint of color especially when next to colorless diamonds. These still have unnoticable color if placed on a solitaire ring, but we do not recommend these on a halo ring.

Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds can often cut prices in half and no one will ever notice the difference. 

Lesson 4 - Lab Grown
Save up to 85% on your diamond ring.

Save over $32,000 on your 3 carat diamond ring by opting for a lab grown diamond.

Lab-grown diamonds, which are created in a lab rather than mined from the earth, have the same visual qualities as diamonds found in nature. They are produced in a more environmentally friendly and ethical manner. Additionally, lab-grown diamonds are more readily available and therefore much more affordable. In fact, the cost of a lab-grown diamond can be up to 85% lower than that of a comparable natural diamond.

If you ever have to sell your 3 carat diamond ring, choosing a lab-grown diamond can help minimize your financial loss.

Opting for the appropriate color grade for a 3 carat diamond ring can lead to significant cost reductions. Instead of paying exorbitant prices for diamonds graded D-F, consider selecting a diamond falling within the G-J range. By doing so, you can still obtain a breathtaking piece and save as much as $12,598, in addition to any savings resulting from wise decisions pertaining to clarity.
Explore Lab Grown 

Lesson 5 - Carat / Size

When you are looking for your diamond ring, focus your money on the carat size.

Why is Carat Important?

Think about a diamond ring for a second. What's the first thing that comes to mind? Of course, it's the size of the main diamond. In surveys, women consistently prioritize the size of the diamond as their main concern. And since carat weight determines the size of the diamond, we suggest you allocate a majority of your budget towards that.
Watch us compare sizes and help you visualize what you want. 

Keep an eye out for this carat range when looking for a 3 carat diamond ring.

We suggest checking out diamonds that are between 2.7 and 3.3 carats. This way, you can explore different prices without a significant change in size.
Hand Diamond

1 carat

Explore More Diamond Weights

Lesson 6 - Cut

Don't underestimate the importance of the cut when it comes to a diamond's sparkle. Ensure you choose an ideal or excellent cut for your 3 carat diamond ring.

Find out why cut makes diamonds sparkle and why you want ideal or excellent cut diamonds.

What is Cut?

Are you in search of the most stunning 3 carat diamond ring? Keep in mind that it's the cut that truly matters - the flawless and precise angles of the diamond - that ultimately determine its dazzling sparkle and brilliance.

What diamond companies don't want you to know

An 'Ideal' cut diamond is known for its maximum sparkle and is often thought to be the most expensive. But sometimes, a 'Fair' cut diamond with the same carat, color, and clarity can be even pricier. It may seem confusing, but poorly cut diamonds can appear larger without giving off the desired sparkle and brilliance. A diamond that lacks sparkle is like a garden without any soil.

One last thing to keep in mind: go for GIA Certified Excellent Cut Diamonds (also known as "Ideal" Cut).


Never Buy These
Definitely Buy These
Fair
Good
Very Good
Ideal
Excellent
‹ drag for sparkle ›

Fair Cut Diamond

Look at that dull sparkle... not much to write home about. Stay away from these.
‹ drag for sparkle ›

Good Cut

Still pretty bland in the sparkle area... stay away from these. 
‹ drag for sparkle ›

Very Good Cut

Getting better, but you don't save much money to  
‹ drag for sparkle ›

Ideal Cut

The is as low as you should go
‹ drag for sparkle ›

Excellent Cut

Blue Nile calls it Astor, James Allen calls it True Hearts, and Brilliant Earth calls it Truly Brilliant. 

Regardless, excellent cut diamonds have incredible sparkle.

Lesson 7 - Shape

The brilliance of diamonds is influenced by their shape, and specific shapes can contribute to the perceived value of a 3 carat diamond ring.

What is Diamond Shape?

The shape of a diamond determines its style, such as being round, oval, or different variations. There are many different shapes available, each with its own unique qualities. Some shapes can make a diamond appear larger than it is, while others add extra sparkle and timeless charm. You can explore a wide range of 3 carat diamond rings with various shapes using our shape tool in this section.

What shape to choose?

It's important to keep in mind that certain diamond shapes can make a diamond look bigger than it actually is, and some shapes are currently in style. But the most important thing is to choose the shape that feels right for you. If you need some suggestions, a brilliant cut diamond is a good choice. This includes Round, Marquise, Princess, Cushion, Oval, Pear, and Radiant shapes. Out of these options, Round diamonds are the most popular, but Oval and Marquise shapes can make a diamond appear larger even with the same carat weight.
Watch us compare shapes so you can see exactly what style you prefer. 

Explore other diamond shapes

Try out different diamonds

Hand Diamond
Round
Marquise
Princess
Emerald
Cushion
Oval
Pear
Asscher
Radiant
Heart

Lesson 8 - Setting

The band has the ability to completely alter the appearance of a 3 carat diamond ring.

What is setting?

Commonly known as the band, the setting is the metal part of the diamond ring. It's typically made of gold and comes in white, yellow, or rose gold options. Another choice could be a platinum band. The setting plays a crucial role in the overall look of your 3 carat diamond ring. This is where you can express your personal style. Below, we've listed the three most popular settings. No matter which setting you choose, it's recommended to go with 14k gold. Keep reading to find out why this is a good idea.
The setting or band is really important for making your diamond look bigger and better. 

It's always best to go with 14K Gold when selecting your ring band.

Here's an important rule to remember. Avoid using 18k or 24k gold for your jewelry setting. Instead, go for 14k gold. Even though 18k and 24k gold are purer, they are much softer and more prone to bending. If the band holding your precious diamond bends easily, there is a much higher risk of the diamond falling off. This is a problem that many people commonly experience.

Solitaire - A Delicate Ring Enhances the Size of the Center Diamond Significantly

Survey data indicates that a large diamond is a common desire among women. To visually enhance the size of a 3 carat diamond ring, you could consider a Solitaire setting with a slender, elegant band. The disparity between the slim band and the large diamond can create the illusion of a bigger gem. Further enhance this by incorporating petite accent diamonds along the band—they add a touch of elegance without detracting from the main diamond.

Halo: Boost Your Diamond's Volume with Many Small Gems

The halo design provides an alternative method to make your 3 carat diamond ring appear bigger. By surrounding the main diamond with smaller ones, it creates a dazzling effect that enhances the size of the central diamond. To truly enhance the illusion, you could consider choosing a double halo design. Pairing it with a slim band can make a smaller diamond appear much larger, giving off a luxurious vibe.

The main diamond should be the focal point.

Many women prefer a diamond that looks big. A band that is too detailed or wide might take attention away from the diamond, making it seem smaller. If you want your 3 carat diamond ring to be the main attraction, you might want to choose a simpler band that won't overshadow it. However, if the overall design of the ring is more important to you, a more decorative band might be to your liking. Just remember, it could diminish the standout quality of the diamond.

Build a Custom 3 carat diamond ring Starting with Our Curated Diamond Selections For The Best Deals

Designing your own jewelry is a personal journey that allows you to create a piece that reflects your one-of-a-kind style and individuality, all without spending a fortune compared to retail prices. With reputable brands such as Brilliant Earth, James Allen, and Blue Nile, you have the freedom to personalize every aspect of your ring, from choosing the diamond's shape to selecting the band's design.
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Watch us take you through the entire building process on our favorite websites.

Feel free to make your purchase online from our reliable partners. Each link will lead you to the best deal available for a diamond ring.

We have rated each company and every "Shop Now" link will take you to the best prices for high-value diamonds. In simple terms, it uses our specific settings on every website to find the best deals on what you're looking for. Enjoy a wide variety of choices, personalized rings, and excellent customer service.

Our Money Saving Links

Watch us compare pricing with retail stores and our favorite online brands

Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
Best overall experience, great selection, 24/7 customer support
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
Another excellent website for very well priced diamond rings.
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
They focus on ethically sourced diamonds. Best option for karma free rings
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
They focus on ethically sourced diamonds. Best option for karma free rings
Ease of Use
Pricing
Selection
Customer Service
Mostly here to show you how retail companies are not high quality. 

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Frequently Asked

Did you want to know even more? Wow you're a great student!

How much is a 3 carat diamond ring worth?

A 3 carat diamond ring is worth an average price of $34,000. However, the price range for such rings can vary between $11,150 and $149,530.

How big is a 3 carat diamond ring?

A 3 carat diamond ring has a diameter of approximately 9.3mm. This size is visibly larger than a 2.5 carat diamond ring, which has a diameter of 8.9mm. However, it appears slightly smaller than a 3.5 carat diamond ring, which has a diameter of around 9.8mm.

What does a 3 carat diamond ring look like like on a hand?

A 3-carat diamond ring is larger and more eye-catching on a hand. It has a round-cut shape with a width of approximately 9.4mm, occupying about 55.8% or slightly over half of the finger's width.

What is the price of a 3 carat diamond ring?

The price of a 3 carat diamond ring ranges from $11,150 to $149,530.

Is a 3 carat diamond ring good enough?

Yes, a 3 carat diamond ring can be considered good enough. The size of a diamond is a personal preference, and a 3 carat diamond can be quite impressive and eye-catching. However, the quality of the diamond is also important. It is essential to consider factors such as cut, clarity, and craftsmanship to ensure that the diamond ring is not only large but also beautiful and well-crafted.

Is a 3 carat diamond ring big?

Yes, a 3 carat diamond ring is considered big. The average carat weight for a diamond engagement ring is about 1.2 carats, so a 3 carat diamond is significantly larger. A 3 carat diamond is highly noticeable and eye-catching. Although it's above average, it's not uncommon or difficult to make that size work on your finger.

What does a 3 carat diamond ring weigh?

A 3 carat diamond ring weighs 0.6 grams.

Should I get a 3 carat diamond ring?

A 3 carat diamond ring is a great choice if you want a larger and more eye-catching ring. It is considered a valuable and rare gemstone, which adds to its appeal.

Is a 3 carat diamond ring too big?

A 3 carat diamond ring is considered quite large. It is larger than the average center diamond size.

Is a 3 carat diamond ring small?

A 3 carat diamond ring is not considered small. The size of the center diamond will vary in appearance depending on the size of the wearer's finger. Additionally, certain settings, like a halo setting, can create the illusion of a larger diamond by incorporating smaller diamonds around it.
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