The grand conundrum of carat choice. It’s a decision as weighty as the diamonds themselves! 

If you’re reading this, you probably feel pressured to choose the perfect diamond. Diamonds are forever, after all!

In the glittering world of 3 and 4-carat diamonds, your decision shapes not just a jewel but a legacy. Think of this not as a mere selection but as a declaration of a moment: a milestone celebration.

We’re here to take you on a diamond journey from carat confusion to carat clarity. We’ll showcase everything that 3 and 4-carat diamonds offer, whatever your style preference and budget. 

Ready to unveil the secrets behind each sparkling carat? Let’s embark on this glittering adventure together! 

3 Carat Diamonds

The Best Setting Choices

The best setting for your 3-carat diamond should be super secure and enhance its inherent beauty. 

Consider a prong setting (sometimes known as a claw setting) to maximize your diamond's visibility. This allows light to enter from all angles for optimal sparkle!

Looking to make your diamond appear larger?

A halo setting is the perfect choice.

With a halo setting, a central diamond is surrounded by a circle of smaller diamonds or stones, giving the overall appearance of a larger central diamond. 

A cathedral setting is perfect if you want to increase the height of your diamond.

A super elegant design, the arches hold the diamond upright to create a cathedral-esque shape.

A timeless classic!

The best setting choice for your 3-carat diamond?

The honest answer: there’s no one-size-fits-all. It’s about choosing a setting that matches your style without compromising on security. 

The Best Color Grades

The GIA color scale is an industry-standard scale which rates diamonds based on their color appearance from D to Z. For a 3 carat diamond, near colorless grades (G to J) offer a beautiful balance of quality and value.

But let us give you the full lowdown so you feel equipped to make your best choice!

In the D-E-F color range, the consumer and us professionals will only see whiteness in color across the range.

Such color variations in this high color grade, can be only detected by a trained eye (turning the diamonds upside down on a white background and comparing them next to each other). 

This is the only way to really see color in these whiter stones, and an F will look (just a tad bit more yellow) as compared to a D color. 

Fun Fact:All diamonds are cut to appear whiter, so we have to turn them over to see their true color through the bottom.

That being said, once one starts looking at the G-H-I-J color range, it's much easier to see the difference between a G and a J (as it's more noticeably yellow as you go down in the grading system).

Important note: The larger the diamond, the warmer the yellow tint in grade below H!

If a slightly yellow tone isn’t of concern to you, consider purchasing a diamond in the G, H, I & J range, as these colors still exhibit exceptional sparkle without the premium price tag of the highest color grades (D to F).

The Size of Elegance

Looking to make a statement? A 3-carat diamond delivers some serious ‘wow’ factor yet still retains a level of sophisticated elegance.

The average size of a 3-carat diamond is approximately 9.25mm.

Being larger than average, a 3-carat looks seriously impressive on the hand. If you’re looking for a dazzling show-stopper, a 3-carat diamond is the perfect choice!

The Price of Perfection

A 3-carat diamond is sure to make a statement - and with that statement comes a higher price tag. Generally, the price of a 3-carat diamond varies based on factors such as cut, color, and clarity. 

On average, for a 3-carat diamond engagement ring, you can expect to pay anywhere between $3,500 to $120,000.  

4 Carat Diamonds

The Best Setting Choices

Looking to showcase your 4-carat diamond in all its glory?

A solitaire setting is the ideal classic design. Held in place with several prongs, the solitaire setting positions your diamond front and center - the star of the show!

If you choose a solitaire setting, remember to ensure the ring band is broad enough to support the weight of your dazzling diamond.  

Need an extra touch of glamour? (Don’t we all!)

The pavé setting is the way to go. Smaller diamonds along the band will surround your central diamond. Now that’s some serious sparkle! 

For the security-conscious, consider a bezel setting.

This modern, sleek setting encases your diamond on all sides, giving you extra peace of mind. That 4-carat diamond ain’t going anywhere!

The Best Color Grades

A 4-carat, high color grade (D to F) diamond is the pinnacle of quality and perfection. But with a premium diamond comes a premium price tag!

If you’re looking for a 4-carat diamond that packs a punch without the hefty cost, don’t overlook G to J grade diamonds.

Significantly more affordable, G to J grade diamonds still have a brilliantly bright sparkle. 

The Grandeur of Size

The size and weight of a 4-carat diamond exudes luxury. Various sizes are available, but on average, a round-cut 4-carat diamond is around 10mm in diameter.  

If you’re looking to make a statement, nothing turns heads quite like the size of a 4-carat diamond. It’s the epitome of opulence, grandeur and all-round fabulousness. 

The Cost of Grandiosity

Let’s be frank: investing in a 4-carat diamond is a big financial commitment, carrying a higher price point than its 3-carat cousin. 

But a 4-carat diamond is an unequivocal timeless beauty. 

A 4-carat diamond is more than just an adornment; it's a legacy, a statement piece of jewelry that holds significance beyond the present moment.

On average, the price of a 4-carat diamond can range anywhere from $28,000 to over $300,000. 

Which Diamond Should I Choose?

We’ve explored the dazzling intricacies of 3 and 4-carat diamonds. Now, it’s decision time! So what’s it to be? 

Do you lean towards the sophisticated elegance of a 3-carat classic? Or do you yearn for the bold statement of a 4-carat diamond oozing with opulence?

When choosing the perfect diamond carat, you should consider a few key things: style, budget and occasion.

If you’re feeling dazed by diamond decision-making, ask yourself:

• What kind of style and diamond setting am I most drawn to?

• What is my budget?

• When will this diamond be worn: as a daily staple or a statement for special occasions? 

Whichever diamond carat you choose, lead with your heart and follow your gut. Your intuition never fails! 

Diamonds Are Forever

Remember: diamonds of any carat are not simply a purchase; they’re an investment to be passed down through generations. A diamond is much more than a diamond; it’s a statement of love, commitment and style. 

Do you need help choosing your perfect diamond?

Drop by our showroom or speak with our engagement experts online. We’ll help you to find your dream diamond to last a lifetime.

Peter Manka Jr. - Owner at Ben Garelick

Peter Manka Jr. is a passionate member of the family business who joined Ben Garelick in the early 2000s after working in product licensing for Sesame Workshop & The Jim Henson Company for many years. He obtained a degree in diamonds and jewelry from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in order to sharpen his jewelry skills. He takes great pride in providing exceptional customer service and helping clients find the perfect piece of jewelry.