Before Carey Mulligan makes her debut as Daisy Buchanan in ‘The Great Gatsby,’ her dainty hand emerges amidst dreamy white fabrics, fluttering in the air only to reveal a stunning large cushion cut diamond.

That beauty was sold for 3.9 million.

Yes, what a punch! But don’t worry, you can find a sublime diamond that won’t cost you a leg and an arm! Buchroeders bespoke bridal services are here to give you a little hand. 3-carat diamond rings are growing ever more popular. There’s a reason for that: the mix of size and value provides the perfect ingredients for a stunning stone size capable of capturing attention in any context. Were you planning to visit some jewelry stores in Columbia, MO? Stick to this post and learn more about 3-carat bridal rings.

The basics: CARATS

Let’s start with a bit of history.

The word carat originates from the Arab qīrāṭ, a modification of the Greek kerátion, which means 'carob been.’ Because of the similar shape and weight, early traders compared their diamonds to carob seeds to determine their value.

Luckily, these days we have digital scales, which means that jewelers can be a lot more precise about the weight information of a diamond, which naturally impacts the pricing element.

A single carat weighs a total of 0.02 grams (200mg), whereas a 3-carat diamond adds up to 0.06 g (six milligrams), and its diameter spans a total of 0.92 cm (ninety-two centimeters).

Certification

Narrow your research down to GIA or AGS certified diamonds when pursuing your dream bespoke bridal ring.

These institutions hold a leading world-class reputation for research and effectively educating professionals to identify the rarity aspects & genuine worth of a diamond. Carats assessed with these certificates are sure to live up to their specs.

Other institutions are less reliable and might assess diamonds according to different standards, which fall short of their value.

Cost of a 3-carat diamond ring

Larger carats are harder to come across, making them naturally more exotic but more expensive.

Excellent quality 3-carat diamonds mined in nature will price between $19,000 – and $95,000. Although going for Lab Grown Diamonds takes away part of the romance, it will slim down the costs and essentially look the same.

There are several ways to cut down on the expenses of a 3-carat diamond ring. Other than the certification, we recommend carefully considering the shape of your stone first before choosing a ring setting. But to mine out a flawless diamond, ensure the 4 C’s (carat, cut, color, and clarity) are in order - we’ll dive into these later.

Some professionals advise their clients to ‘buy shy,’ which means purchasing a diamond just below 3 carats, like our 2.88 round cut diamond. Consequently, this has spiked consumer demand, increasing the market value of ‘shy’ carats. 

Although you should not eliminate this technique, keeping your options open is good. But suppose you want to round it up, and the number three has a meaningful backstory in your love relationship. In that case, you should go with something like this sublime 3.00 ct emerald diamond three-stone engagement ring that outshines the last detail in aesthetic and value.

Psst, consider searching online before shopping for custom engagement rings in Columbia, MO (or wherever you are in the country)! Physical stores have a limited inventory, and as 3-carat diamond rings are hard to encounter naturally, you’ll enjoy more options to cross-compare on the web.

Shape it for the occasion

If you want to dazzle your soulmate with an impressive bespoke bridal diamond, you must prioritize its shape. It will optimize a 3-carat diamond’s potential for visibility.

This tantalizing Cushion Diamond Solitaire, for instance, effortlessly makes the double-clawed center stone steal the show no matter the room you’ll walk into, enthralling the attention of any viewer nearby. 

Need some extra bling? Check out this magnificent Split Shoulder & Diamond Halo Ring for reference. Then surround a round or princess-cut solitaire with an encircling halo to enhance its natural format and radiance.

It all starts with the perfect shape! Our diamond specialists are determined to offer you expert advice on carat shapes to ensure you feel confident in your unique journey to design the ideal engagement ring. To guarantee that your stylistic needs are covered, swing by our bespoke bridal boutique at 1021 E Broadway, Columbia, MO.

The right proportions: CUT

Once you’ve settled for the format, make sure you're familiar with cut gradings.

A cut determines the quality of a diamond's proportions, geometric light reflection capacity, and how effectively it displays depth and symmetry. The sheer volume of a 3-carat makes a skilled cut a no-brainer. It will grant the ring a whisper of elegance and harmony that will retain the viewer's attention. Unsuccessfully cut carats like this James Allen round diamond have a lower price tag but come across as dull and will quickly go unnoticed.

Aim for excellence. Cut gradings range from excellent to poor. If you are strapped for cash and want to broaden your options, include ideal cuts, but no less.

The diamond palette: COLOR

Technically speaking, color is evaluated by how colorless a diamond is. Carats with the farthest away from yellowish hues are rarer and more expensive.

Diamond grades range from D to Z. It is practically impossible for the untrained eye to pick up on the difference from one category to the next. So let’s simplify things by finding the sweet spot: you want your diamond to be graded as G, H, or I.

You can, however, brighten a colored diamond by setting it against a darker frame. The pavé-set yellow gold band and halo in this Old European Gold Diamond Halo would enhance the luminosity of a low-grade solitaire with ease.

Last but not least: CLARITY

A diamond’s clarity will tell you whether the diamond carries ‘internal’ inclusions and ‘external’ blemishes. Because of the scorching temperatures and pressure this gemstone undergoes during its formation, these markings are typical, and some are more apparent than others.

Clarity grades range from flawless (FL) and Internally flawless (IF) to Included (I1-I2).

While less than one in five thousand diamonds are rated FL, finding IF diamonds is almost as hard. Diamonds in the following category, very, very small inclusions (VVS1-VVS2), are substantially costly for a clarity grade that is hardly noticeable to the average onlooker. 

Diamonds with tiny inclusions (VS1-VS2) are the most realistic option, displaying flaws that won't upset the overall character of your stone.

Closing thoughts

We understand that navigating 3-carat diamond rings to find an ideal one is no easy task. Here at Buchroeders, we hold the vastest selection of loose diamonds in the entirety of mid-Missouri. We are well-reputed jewelers in Columbia, MO. Our custom engagement ring designer is here to ensure a seamless creation process, making you feel confident in getting that perfect ring you always wanted. 

Schedule an appointment today with the best Missouri jeweler and meet us in person or virtually. Our goal is to bring the flavor of your relationship to life with a unique 3-carat diamond ring best storytelling your incredible love journey.