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8.5 carat diamond ring Buying Guide

Uncover the secrets of saving up to $442,940 through our guide.
With this guide, we intend to assist you in getting the most value for your money when purchasing an 8.5 carat diamond ring. We will highlight what is worth investing in and what is not, and we will also offer insider tips on where you can find your ideal ring or even a superior one.
Skip the lessons and going straight to shopping.
We have found the most appealing deals on 8.5 carat diamond rings from the top online stores. Check out our handpicked selection in the linked section.

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

Grab the lowest price for a luxury 8.5 carat diamond ring.

In the upcoming lessons, we'll show you how to make the most out of your 8.5 carat diamond ring, making it shine and appear larger, all while saving money. We'll provide guidance on how to avoid being exploited by diamond companies.
Average Price
$452,632.00
Price Range
$237,590-$791,265
Our Max Savings
$442,940
Lessons 1-4  ∴  Save Money 
Lessons 4 & 5  ∶  Spend Money 
Lessons 6-8  ∴  Personalize & Decide 
⤫ 40% Cash Savings

Lesson 1

Buying Online

Diamond rings are much more affordable when bought online. Brick-and-mortar stores can be up to 40% more expensive and offer a limited range of options.
⤫ $565,550 Cash Savings

Lesson 2

Clarity

By following our clarity tips, you can potentially reduce the cost of diamond rings by 50%. We are here to help you save significantly.
⤫ $56,420 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 versions of diamond rings can save you a significant amount, up to 85%, on an 8.5 carat ring. However, it's important to note that these rings might not hold much value if you decide to resell them.
☺ Spend Money

Lesson 4

Carat Weight / Size

Typically, women prefer a diamond that appears bigger, so that's where you should focus your budget. We can help you achieve a larger size while also finding savings in other areas.
☺ Spend Money

Lesson 5

Cut, Sparkle & Brilliance

The cut of a diamond is the most important factor that determines its appearance. It's not advisable to compromise on this aspect to save money because it is what gives the diamond its sparkle and brilliance.
≔ Personalize

Lesson 6

Shapes

Each shape of a diamond ring has a unique appearance. We will demonstrate the appearance and characteristics of each shape.
≔ Personalize

Lesson 7

Setting / Band

If you opt for a single stone band, you'll save money and your diamond will appear bigger. However, it's important to remember that personal preference also plays a role in making this decision.

Lesson 1 - Buy Online
Up to 40% savings here

Get your 8.5 carat diamond ring online and you could save up to 40% instantly!

Purchasing jewelry online has many advantages over shopping at physical stores, especially when it comes to cost, variety, and customization. Online retailers like Blue Nile and James Allen can offer diamonds at much lower prices compared to traditional stores, often up to 40% cheaper. This is because they don't have the same expenses associated with maintaining physical locations. Furthermore, online platforms provide a wider range of options, making it easier for you to find the perfect diamond among a large selection. They also offer more customization choices, allowing you to create a ring that perfectly matches your vision. This not only adds value to your purchase but also gives it a personal touch.

To start designing an affordable and top-notch 8.5 carat diamond ring, simply click on any of the 'shop now' links provided below.

If you're ready to start shopping right now, our links will take you directly to the most reputable online diamond companies where you can find the cheapest diamonds with great value.

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

The cost of a 1 carat round diamond ring is greatly influenced by the clarity of the diamond.

⊗ Up to $655,967 savings with these tips
Watch us save thousands of dollars by simply selecting the right clarity range.

What is Clarity?

In the world of diamonds, clarity refers to the presence of noticeable flaws. It's important to mention that these flaws are usually only visible when using a 10x magnifying glass. Diamond clarity is categorized from 'flawless' to 'included'. In the middle, you'll come across classifications like VS1, VS2, and SI1. These diamonds may have imperfections that can only be seen with 10x magnification. To the naked eye, they look absolutely flawless, so nobody will be able to notice any blemishes when they admire your ring!

Optimal Clarity Range for a 8.5 carat diamond ring

Choosing a diamond in the VS2-SI1 clarity range for your 8.5 carat diamond ring can result in significant savings, potentially reducing the total price by as much as $655,967. When it comes to striking a balance between price and clarity, we highly recommend opting for a VS2 diamond for your 8.5 carat ring. However, it is important not to disregard SI1 diamonds entirely. With just a few minutes of searching through the available options, you can easily find SI1 diamonds that possess an appearance of near-flawlessness.

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 - $870,392 This diamond is flawless, but it feels like it's too much considering the price. Savings - You could save $644,681 - $666,688 with a VS2, SI1, or SI2 diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

IF - Internally Flawless

Cost - $791,265 The diamond is flawless on the inside, meaning it has no internal flaws, but it may have some imperfections on the outside. This is also a bit excessive. Savings - You could save $565,554 - $587,561 with a VS2, SI1, or SI2 diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

VVS1

Cost - $751,702 This diamond is almost flawless, but considering its price, it's still excessive indulgence. Savings - You could save $525,991 - $547,998 with a VS2, SI1, or SI2 diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

VVS2

Cost - $714,117 These diamonds are really good, but we recommend choosing ones with slightly lower clarity since our eyes can't really tell the difference. Savings - You could save $488,406 - $510,413 with a VS2, SI1, or SI2 diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

VS1 - Very Slightly Included

Cost - $237,590 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 $11,879 - $33,886 with a VS2, SI1, or SI2 diamond

‹ drag left or right ›

VS2 - Very Slightly Included

Cost: $225,711 Total Savings: $11,879 - $565,554 If you want to make the most of your money, this diamond clarity is unbeatable. These diamonds appear flawless to the naked eye as any imperfections are completely invisible.
‹ drag left or right ›

SI1 - Slightly Included

Cost: $214,425 Total Savings: $23,165 - $576,840 You won't find a better deal on diamond clarity than this one. However, it's important to keep in mind that not all SI1 diamonds are identical in appearance. While some may not meet your specific preferences, many of them are truly breathtaking and could easily be mistaken for a higher quality diamond, like a VS2.

Lesson 3 - Color

The cost of an 8.5 carat diamond ring is greatly influenced by the diamond's color.

⊗ Up to $79,800 savings with these tips
Watch us save thousands by purchasing diamonds in the right range

What is Color?

Diamonds can have a yellowish tint or no color. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) ranks diamond color from D (colorless) to Z (yellow or brown). Most jewelry diamonds have minimal color and fall in the G-H range. Only when compared to higher-ranked diamonds like D, E, or F, can you detect slight traces of color. Although color is more noticeable in larger diamonds, those in the G-H range still appear almost colorless and are less costly than completely colorless diamonds like those with a D-grade.

Optimal Color Range For A 8.5 Carat Diamond Ring

Opting for the appropriate color grade for an 8.5 carat diamond ring can lead to significant cost reductions. Instead of splurging on diamonds graded D-F and paying a premium price, consider going for a diamond within the G-J range. This decision can still result in an exquisite piece while potentially saving you up to $79,800, in addition to any savings from shrewdly selecting a diamond with optimal clarity.
Clearest Color
Best Value
Sometimes Ok
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
< drag left or right >

D color

Cost - $257,310 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 $43,592 - $56,415 with a G or H colored diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

E color

Cost - $241,871 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 $28,154 - $40,977 with a G or H colored diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

F color

Cost - $227,359 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 $13,642 - $26,465 with a G or H colored diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

G color

Cost - $213,718 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 $12,823 with an H colored diamond
‹ drag left or right ›

H color

Cost - $200,895 Total Savings: $12,823 - $56,415 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 - $188,841 Total Savings: $24,877 - $68,469 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 - $177,510 Total Savings: $36,207 - $79,800 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 $432,100 on your 8.5 carat diamond ring with a lab grown diamond.

Lab-grown diamonds are appealing because they look just like natural diamonds, even though they are made in a lab. What makes them even better is that they are produced in a more sustainable and ethical way. Plus, they are way more affordable than natural diamonds, with a lab-grown diamond costing up to 85% less.

When selling your 8.5 carat diamond ring, choosing a lab-grown diamond can help reduce your financial losses.

Opting for the appropriate color grade for an 8.5 carat diamond ring can lead to significant cost reductions. Instead of splurging on diamonds graded D-F and paying a premium price, consider going for a diamond within the G-J range. This decision can still result in an exquisite piece while potentially saving you up to $79,800, in addition to any savings from shrewdly selecting a diamond with optimal clarity.
Explore Lab Grown 

Lesson 5 - Carat / Size

When searching for a diamond ring, prioritize the carat weight as the main factor to consider when deciding where to allocate your budget.

Why is Carat Important?

The first thing everyone thinks about when it comes to a diamond ring is the size of the main diamond in the center. In fact, when women are asked, the most important aspect of the ring to them is the size of the center diamond. The carat weight directly affects how big the diamond appears, so we suggest allocating most of your budget towards this.
Watch us compare sizes and help you visualize what you want. 

Use this carat range as your guide for an 8.5 carat diamond ring.

We recommend looking at diamonds that are between 7.65 and 9.35 carats. This way, you can explore different price options without a significant jump in size.
Hand Diamond

1 carat

Explore More Diamond Weights

Lesson 6 - Cut

It's important to understand that the cut of a diamond directly impacts its sparkle. When buying your 8.5 carat diamond ring, choose an ideal or excellent cut to enhance its brilliance.

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

What is Cut?

When you're looking for a gorgeous diamond ring that weighs 8.5 carats, one important thing to consider is the cut. The cut determines how precise and flawless the angles of the diamond are, and this ultimately affects how the ring sparkles and shines.

The diamond companies well-kept secret

You might think that an 'Ideal' cut diamond, which is crafted to make it sparkle the most by having perfect proportions, would be the priciest one. However, that's not always true. Sometimes, a 'Fair' cut diamond with similar carat, color, and clarity can actually be more expensive. It might seem a bit confusing, but poorly cut diamonds can actually look bigger while lacking the sparkle and brilliance that you want. A diamond without sparkle is like a phone without any signal.

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

When selecting diamonds, keep in mind that different shapes offer distinct levels of sparkle, and certain shapes can create the illusion of a pricier 8.5 carat diamond ring.

What is Diamond Shape?

When we talk about the diamond shape, we're referring to the way the diamond is cut, like round, oval, or various others. Some shapes can make the diamond appear larger, while others provide more sparkle and a classic appeal. Check out our shape tool in this section to find a variety of 8.5 carat diamond rings with different shapes to explore.

What shape to choose?

It's a fact that certain diamond shapes can create the illusion of a larger stone, and currently, some shapes are seen as more fashionable. But when you're deciding, keep in mind that what really counts is what catches your eye and brings you the most joy. If you're unsure and don't have a specific preference, you might want to think about a brilliant cut diamond. This includes shapes like Round, Marquise, Princess, Cushion, Oval, Pear, and Radiant. While Round is the most popular choice, Oval and Marquise shapes can give the diamond a bigger appearance 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 can really change how an 8.5 carat diamond ring looks.

What is setting?

Frequently called the band, the setting is the metal part of the diamond ring. They are typically made of gold and come in white, yellow, or rose gold colors. Another option could be a platinum band. The setting plays a crucial role in the overall look of your 8.5 carat diamond ring. This is where you can showcase your personal style. We have listed the three most popular settings below. It is recommended to always go with 14k gold, regardless of the setting you choose. Keep reading to find out why.
The setting or band is really important for making your diamond look bigger and better. 

Choose 14 karat gold as the material for your band.

Always keep in mind this important advice. Avoid choosing 18k or 24k gold for your setting. Opt for 14k gold instead. Even though 18k and 24k gold are more pure, they are much softer and more prone to bending. If the setting that holds your precious diamond bends, there is a higher chance of the diamond coming loose and falling out. This is a problem that is commonly encountered.

Solitaire - A Thinner Band to Make the Diamond Look Larger

According to polling, a sizeable diamond is on most women's wish list. Enhance the visual impact of a 8.5 carat diamond ring with a Solitaire setting that features a slender, delicate band. The contrast between the smaller band and the grand diamond can simulate the appearance of a larger stone. For an additional effect, opt for settings that use tiny accent diamonds along the band, adding to the ring's beauty without pulling focus from the centerpiece diamond.

Halo: Make Diamond Look Bigger with Lots of Smaller Diamonds

Looking to make your 8.5 carat diamond ring look bigger? Think about trying the halo setting. In this style, smaller diamonds encircle your main stone, giving it a radiant effect and creating the illusion of a larger diamond. If you really want to amp up the "wow" factor, consider a double halo setting. Combined with a slim band, this technique can make even a smaller diamond seem larger, giving off a sense of luxury.

Make sure to focus on the main diamond.

Most ladies prefer a diamond that appears large. If your ring's band is too fancy or wide, it could take away attention from the diamond, making it seem smaller. If you want to highlight your 8.5 carat diamond ring, it's best to choose a simple band that won't overshadow it. However, if you find the overall design of the ring more appealing, a fancy band might be what you're after, but keep in mind that it might diminish the diamond's shine.

Build a Custom 8.5 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.
Start Building
Watch us take you through the entire building process on our favorite websites.

Go ahead and complete your online purchase using one of our trustworthy partners. Each link guarantees the best value for diamond rings.

We have assessed each company and made sure that every "Shop Now" link will take you directly to the best prices for top-notch diamonds. In other words, our system uses the same settings on each website to assist you in finding the greatest deals for your needs. You can enjoy a wide range of choices, customized 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 8.5 carat diamond ring worth?

The average price of an 8.5 carat diamond ring is $452,600. However, the price range for such rings can vary between $237,590 and $791,265.

How big is a 8.5 carat diamond ring?

An 8.5 carat diamond ring has a size of approximately 13.2mm in diameter. This makes it visibly larger than a 8 carat diamond ring, which is around 12.7mm in diameter. However, when compared to a 9 carat diamond ring, the difference is barely noticeable, as the 9ct diamond ring has a diameter of about 13.7mm.

What does a 8.5 carat diamond ring look like like on a hand?

An 8.5-carat diamond ring on a hand would be quite large and eye-catching. The diamond itself would have a width of approximately X mm, occupying a significant portion of the finger's width. It would undoubtedly be a statement piece and a symbol of luxury.

What is the price of a 8.5 carat diamond ring?

The price of an 8.5 carat diamond ring falls within the price range of $237,590-$791,265.

Is a 8.5 carat diamond ring good enough?

An 8.5 carat diamond ring is considered quite impressive. It is a substantial size and would likely be eye-catching. However, the overall quality and beauty of the diamond would also depend on factors such as its cut, clarity, and craftsmanship.

Is a 8.5 carat diamond ring big?

Yes, an 8.5 carat diamond ring is considered big. The average carat weight for a diamond engagement ring is about 1.2 carats, so an 8.5 carat diamond is significantly larger. It would definitely be noticeable and eye-catching. However, it is important to note that such a large diamond may be less common and could be more expensive.

What does a 8.5 carat diamond ring weigh?

A 8.5 carat diamond ring weighs 1.7 grams.

Should I get a 8.5 carat diamond ring?

An 8.5 carat diamond ring is a great choice if you want a larger and more valuable piece of jewelry. It will definitely stand out and make a statement. However, keep in mind that such a ring may be quite expensive and may not be suitable for everyday wear.

Is a 8.5 carat diamond ring too big?

An 8.5 carat diamond ring is considered large in size. It is often chosen by individuals who prefer a bold and eye-catching piece of jewelry.

Is a 8.5 carat diamond ring small?

An 8.5 carat diamond ring is considered quite large. The size of the diamond will be noticeable and impressive on any finger. Additionally, the setting of the ring can further enhance the appearance of the diamond, making it appear even larger.
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