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Is 2.8 carats too big?!

If the 2.8ct turns out to be too blingy to wear for everyday occasions, there is nothing to stop you from getting a smaller one and save the bigger one for dressier occasions.

That's what I have done for my RHR (I don't have a ER, and would normally wear a CS ring on my left hand).

The 1.19ct EC diamond in an air gap halo is too blingy for everyday wear (I am in UK, anything over 0.5ct is considered as big, and EC is uncommon). So I bought a 0.47ct EC diamond and set it East-West in a plain wide platinum band for everyday wear instead, and bring out the bigger EC for dressier occasions.

DK :))
 
It looks like you've already made your decision but, for what it is worth, if all 3 were acceptable to you with regard to cut, I would vote for the 2.56 VS2 F. It is still a very large diamond, a real sweet spot as to clarity grade, and I would rather have a colorless diamond than a near-colorless. An F is far more rare than an H. You are already a bit concerned about the size, so going a little smaller yet still having a very large diamond for any age WITH high color and the bonus of better clarity would be for me a total no-brainer. I would hate for you to, at some point, be it sooner or later, regret your decision of not going with something of higher quality for the sake of the size, of which I think may be just a bit over what you will be comfortable with, especially when you will still be having a diamond that is considered large by all parts of the country and age groups and what will be amongst the largest, if not thee largest, of your social circle throughout the course of your life. Also, the larger the stone, the more evident the color.
The larger stone in my avatar is a "spread-y" 2.31ct with a 8.59mm. For me (size 4.75 plus large knuckles) it feels very large and I am not comfortable wearing it at certain places or around certain groups of people (for context, I will be 55 in a couple weeks, live in coastal Southern California, and have been married over 30 years).
Regardless the sparkler you choose, congrats on finding your mate and best wishes to you for a wonderful life together.
 
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Totally tongue in cheek, Read the room! :lol:

Many of us love a large beautiful diamond. If it’s well cut, you will feel comfortable wearing it, can afford it without getting into debt, by all means. You should wear what you love! Congratulations in advance on your engagement.
 
In my personal opinion the 2.88ct. is not too big. It has to be your decision though. You will be wearing it, and you have to be comfortable with the size and also looking at it on your finger.

Last year I upgraded my stone to an almost 2.2ct., it is surprising how quickly one can get used to the size and wish for larger :)
 
Slick1 said:
Totally tongue in cheek, Read the room! :lol:

Many of us love a large beautiful diamond. If it’s well cut, you will feel comfortable wearing it, can afford it without getting into debt, by all means. You should wear what you love! Congratulations in advance on your engagement.
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"Read the room" sums it up perfectly. Buy what you love. Wear what's appropriate, given the situation.

For example, on business trips, I used to bring a pink ceramic band bc I'm always packing in a hurry and tend to be forgetful in a rush.
 
headlight said:
It looks like you've already made your decision but, for what it is worth, if all 3 were acceptable to you with regard to cut, I would vote for the 2.56 VS2 F. It is still a very large diamond, a real sweet spot as to clarity grade, and I would rather have a colorless diamond than a near-colorless. An F is far more rare than an H. You are already a bit concerned about the size, so going a little smaller yet still having a very large diamond for any age WITH high color and the bonus of better clarity would be for me a total no-brainer. I would hate for you to, at some point, be it sooner or later, regret your decision of not going with something of higher quality for the sake of the size, of which I think may be just a bit over what you will be comfortable with, especially when you will still be having a diamond that is considered large by all parts of the country and age groups and what will be amongst the largest, if not thee largest, of your social circle throughout the course of your life. Also, the larger the stone, the more evident the color.
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+1 for me as well. I am very color sensitive (and prefer higher clarity grades for larger stones and engagement rings), so I would personally go with the 2.56 Ct. VS2 F Excellent cut. The spread difference won't be super noticeable between the 2.56ct. and the 2.85ct. But an eye clean H will still face up very white, is a great value, and color is a personal preference. Can't go wrong either way!

I would definitely take a closer look at the cut and angles, as that can make a big difference. You'll also want to ensure the polish and symmetry is ideal. I would recommend no to slight florescence at most.
 
congratulations on your engagement
the only opinion that really matters is yours and your man
you will not be 28 forever, and maybe won't have the same social circle forever but its nice to think you will have the same husband forever
im a sentimental old fool and couldn't imangine trading up to a bigger ring but that's just me
plenty of the ladies here do this quite happily

buy the diamond that makes your heart sing
maximum sparkle too
have fun
be happy
 
Thank you so much everyone! I appreciate your advice! I’m torn between the smaller F and bigger H will need to do some thinking :)
 
I got engaged when I was 27 with a 2.7ct antique cushion. My ring finger size is 5.5, and initially I was worried it would be too big. It's amazing how quickly you get used to the size, so if you like the look go for it!!
20190823_171106.jpg
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Dnvrgrl303 said:
Thank you so much everyone! I appreciate your advice! I’m torn between the smaller F and bigger H will need to do some thinking :)
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If you haven’t already I would highly suggest going and seeing some stones in person. I did not realize how color sensitive I was until I saw the stones in real life. I just love the look of an icy white stone and while I could see myself with a near colorless stone (especially in a gold or rose gold setting) it didn’t make my heart go pitter patter the way the colorless stones did.
 
no and those are all sizable options so wouldn't worry about that. does any stand out as most beautiful to your eyes? congrats:)
 
I don't think size matters ie. it's personal choice but I'd go with quality stats above all else if you have the choice! Anything over 2cts seems very big to me. :lol:
 
I don't think it's too much. Depends on what means a lot to you. I think this is quite normal, given that now there are more
 
Size, around here, is relative. It all depends on where you live, your profession, and your circle.
It sounds as though 2+ct is average size in your circle, give or take. Keeping in mind that your stone will be the largest of those that exist within your circle, at present, even at 2.5ct, here is some additional info I’ll throw in for thought.
As mentioned above by so many other experienced PSers, CUT is King. Angles and percentages are the key to making or breaking a beautifully cut diamond. SPREAD is what gives a diamond it’s large size across the finger.
Take a look at the certificates of the 2 largest stones you are torn between, and determine how much spread in mm you will be “sacrificing” between the two.
2.8ct indicates how much the stone WEIGHS. That does not mean it will be larger across your finger. CUT determines that, and SPREAD is affected by CUT.
Noticeable size difference is typically detected around 0.20mm between stones. Obviously, you have to have both stones side by side to notice the difference.
That being said, this will be a conscious decision you must make, and be certain about, to avoid buyer’s remorse and regret.
You don’t want to pass on the 2.8, and, later, wish you hadn’t.
If you are color sensitive (I recommend you look at diamonds in colorless and near-colorless range for comparison), the H will show more color, even a GIA XXX.
Ultimately, your first step is to check out the dimensions of both stones you are stuck between, and determine how much spread difference exists between the two. The second step will be to determine how color sensitive you are. Finally, evaluate which of the two has the best performance, and choose your winner based upon all 3 factors.
Congratulations on your upcoming engagement, and for finding your soul mate.
Blessings to you both for a lifetime of happiness! ♥️
Please return with your final choice, and share lots of pics!!!
 
I echo many of the other posts - it’s personal how you feel, your social circle etc.
 
Thank you all so much for the advice and for your kind words! We are both so excited and ready to take this next step.

I’m going to take a look at the paperwork and take a look at the spread. Unfortunately we will not be able to see the stones in person prior to purchase, but we do have a family member we trust completely going to give their approval on our choice. We are out on the west coast and the stones are in Boston so a little tricky get out there with everything going on right now!

We will be making the decision in a few days and I will certainly share a pic of the ring when I receive it.
 
Dnvrgrl303 said:
Thank you all so much for the advice and for your kind words! We are both so excited and ready to take this next step.

I’m going to take a look at the paperwork and take a look at the spread. Unfortunately we will not be able to see the stones in person prior to purchase, but we do have a family member we trust completely going to give their approval on our choice. We are out on the west coast and the stones are in Boston so a little tricky get out there with everything going on right now!

We will be making the decision in a few days and I will certainly share a pic of the ring when I receive it.
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If you're open to posting the cut specifics (angles and measurements), the PS community is great at sharing thoughts on performance. Spread is only one factor, but the angles will impact light return, scintillation (sparkle), and fire (rainbow colors). I would also do a price comparison to similar specs on James Allen and Blue Nile to make sure you're getting a great value. Looking forward to seeing the ring when it's completed!
 
Please take the advice here into account, there are so many knowledgeable people here, but also get the one that makes both your Hearts sing when you look at it.
Also please don’t worry about other people, over your married life wearing this ring, you may move, other people will come into and go from your life as a couple and your tastes may change too, but if you love your ring and you know the quality is good you’re unlikely to wish you bought a smaller diamond.
Many congratulations for your upcoming engagement.
 
Ontheblackrock15 said:
I got engaged when I was 27 with a 2.7ct antique cushion. My ring finger size is 5.5, and initially I was worried it would be too big. It's amazing how quickly you get used to the size, so if you like the look go for it!!
20190823_171106.jpg
20200405_153021.jpg
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Omg this is gorgeous!! Can you tell me about the setting??
 
Myself and my fiance are both 28. Got engaged with a 2.56ct pear about a year ago. At first we thought it was big and it is much bigger than any of my friends rings however has since gotten very used to it. In fact, when we go to jewelers most look at it and think it looks 3 ct. Although it is ultimately a personal decision, the 2.8ct is not too big and you will get used to it very quickly. Now I know it depends on the stone but I would personally find it pretty hard to tell the difference between the two largest stones. Its a different but it's not like it is a 1 ct different. Good luck and congrats!
 
MRBXXXFVVS1 said:
I'm beginning to think 2ct is the new 1ct...and 3ct is the new 2ct?!
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I would say so... when my husband and I went first shopping for a diamond ring a few months ago (an upgrade since I lost my first engagement ring), we went to a local jeweler and asked to see a 1.10ct. We both looked at it like "...so this is it?" :lol:... we knew we needed to go bigger.
 
Ontheblackrock15 said:
Thanks :kiss2:

I see you found my original thread, but I'm happy to answer any questions :bigsmile:
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Haha yes I sure did. No questions but any time you want to post more pics... we wouldn’t mind... ;)

What a fabulous ring!
 
Dnvrgrl303 said:
Hello! I am a longtime lurker who finally decided to make an account to get your opinions on this.

My boyfriend and I have been looking at e-rings and he wants me to decide between a few different stones, once decided they will be set in six prong solitaire. All are round brilliant stones. My choices are:

2.56 Ct. VS2 F Excellent cut
2.03 Ct. VVS1 F Excellent cut
2.85 Ct SI1 H excellent cut

I am tempted to go with the biggest stone, you cannot see the inclusions it is totally eye clean.

We are both 28 years old, working professionals. We won’t be the first, but will be among the first of our friends engaged. The stone is bigger than most of my friends, but not absurdly so. We’re both working professionals. My question is is 2.85 carats too big? Would you look at someone our age and assume it’s fake?

Thanks in advance for the opinions!!
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Go for quality...i.e cut and color. A large carat stone does not mean that it is "Excellent" quality. I suggest you take a look at Crafted by Infinity diamonds offered by www.hpdiamonds.com. I am finalizing an engagement ring from them and the service has been nothing short of remarkable.

Also, what is considered a "working professional"? Unless you have plenty of cash on hand, there is no reason to go in to debt just to impress your friends to be the first engaged couple.
 
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