Dreaming of a diamond ring that wows everyone you wear it around?
20+ carat engagement rings are the ultimate statement of luxury and commitment. These stunning stones are more than just jewellery…
They’re showstoppers.
Just know this:
Not everyone should or can wear 20-carat diamond rings. But if you do fit that category, the payoff is worth it. Red carpet looks, lifetime heirlooms, wedding day envy… there’s no finer specimen of fine jewellery than these mega-carat beauties.
Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about shopping for 20 carat diamonds.
Table of Contents
- What Makes 20+ Carat Diamonds Special?
- Famous 20+ Carat Engagement Rings
- Key Factors When Buying Large Diamonds
- Selecting the Perfect Setting
- Investment Value and Long-Term Worth
What Makes 20+ Carat Diamonds Special?
A 20+ carat diamond is a rare and highly coveted gemstone. For comparison, the average engagement ring size is between 1 to 1.5 carats. So, when you add more than 20 carats, you’re placing a diamond ring into a different league.
You see, this size is so uncommon because it is highly difficult to find a quality stone that is this large.
The bigger the diamond gets, the lower the chance of having a perfect colour and clarity rating through the entirety of the diamond.
When you are shopping for luxury 20 carat engagement rings, you should be looking for 100% exemplary quality. If the 20-carat stone you get is a bad one, it will be hard to miss its imperfections. But if it is a perfectly cut, excellently clear 20+ carat diamond, it’s a whole different story.
Based on recent market data, the global diamond ring market was estimated to be worth $78 billion in 2023. It is only expected to grow to $85 billion by the end of 2028, at a projected CAGR of 3.8%. This projection means that despite rising economic challenges, the value and demand for exquisite diamonds still remain high.
As expected, the rarest diamonds in this size have these characteristics:
- Outstanding cut quality for brilliance
- D-F color grades
- VVS1 and VS2 clarity ratings
- Certified GIA or AGS documentation for authenticity
Famous 20+ Carat Engagement Rings
If there is anything that is as sparkling as large diamonds, it is the famous people wearing them.
Celebrity engagement diamond rings are the proof everyone needs to want jewellery of this size.
The best example here has to be Paris Hilton. Ever since she tied the knot with Carter Reum, the famous heiress has been sporting one of the most beautiful 20-carat rings out there. It features an emerald-cut centre stone between baguette and trapezoid accent diamonds.
While it is no surprise that it is worth approximately $2 million, what is astonishing is that her husband also bought Lisa Vanderpump a similar ring. The 20-carat emerald-cut diamond is still one of the most coveted engagement rings out there, with an estimated worth of $2 million too.
Just when you thought things can’t get more out of your league, Jeff Bezos came along with Lauren Sánchez.
Her engagement ring is between 20 and 30 carats and worth at least $2.5 million. And that’s only the first one Jeff has given Lauren. Lady Gaga’s ring from Michael Polansky is not far behind. The oval diamond the “Born This Way” singer wore during the 2024 Venice Film Festival is thought to be as close to 20 carats as one can get.
Key Factors When Buying Large Diamonds
When purchasing a 20+ carat diamond, you will want to have a different way of looking at things.
You have probably heard of the “Four Cs” that are used for determining the value of a diamond. With stones of this size, these 4 factors become 10x more important.
The reason is that flaws that are not visible in a 1-carat diamond will be glaringly obvious in a 20-carat stone.
When shopping for a 20+ carat diamond, the cut quality is what will determine how sparkly the diamond will be.
If it is not cut well, you will be looking at a dull and lifeless looking diamond, no matter the size.
You will also notice that the colour is more evident in large diamonds. A higher colour grade will benefit more as the light passing through your diamond is blocked by the colour in the centre stone.
The clarity of a 20+ carat diamond is more noticeable too. Flaws and inclusions that are easy to hide in smaller stones become red flags in large diamonds.
Lastly, while many of us ignore the certification when shopping for a small diamond, stones this large need to have authentic documentation before purchasing. The certification from GIA and AGS will help you determine whether or not you are buying a real diamond and its quality attributes.
Selecting the Perfect Setting
One of the most important things to consider when you are thinking of buying a 20+ carat diamond is the kind of setting you are going to pair it with.
Solitaire, three-stone, halo, and split-shank bands are the most common options for diamond rings of this calibre.
The frame of the ring, known as the setting, can be made from a variety of materials. Platinum is a durable metal with a bright white appearance that pairs well with colourless diamonds. White gold is a less expensive alternative to platinum with a similar appearance. Yellow gold is a stunning contrast with high-colour diamonds.
The most popular settings for 20+ carat diamonds are:
- Solitaire setting: A simple setting with only the diamond as the center of attention
- Three-stone setting: Accent diamonds add a little extra bling to the centre stone
- Halo setting: Accent diamonds surround the center stone for added sparkle
- Split-shank bands: A divided band creates visual interest while providing stability
The kind of setting that you choose should accentuate the beauty of your centre stone. You will also want a setting that can secure the diamond in place.
Take note that larger diamonds are more prone to losing setting in prong settings. For the most security possible, bezel settings are the best choice for people with active lifestyles wanting diamond rings.
Investment Value and Long-Term Worth
If you are like us, you cannot help but want to invest in something that you know will be worth something in the future.
A 20+ carat diamond ring is not only an extravagant piece of jewellery that you can wear on your ring finger. It is also an investment.
Natural diamonds are still preferred by 84% of consumers over their lab-grown alternatives.
It is also projected that while these stunning jewels do not promise any financial return, they would still hold a steady value even after a long period.
The following are ways to ensure that you are buying an investment-grade diamond:
- Always buy the best quality diamond you can find
- Be sure to get certification and other documents that will help you know the diamond is real
- Store your ring properly and make sure to insure it
- Check the auction history of similar diamonds to see if you are paying the right price
If you are willing to take the proper steps in keeping the emotional and financial value of your piece intact, a 20+ carat diamond will always be a good investment.
Wrapping Things Up
A 20+ carat engagement ring is the absolute definition of exquisite luxury and lifetime commitment. These rare, beautiful, and one-of-a-kind diamonds are one of a kind.
In review, here are the things you should know about 20+ carat diamonds:
- 20+ carat diamonds are exceedingly rare and valuable
- Quality is 10x more important than it is for standard diamonds
- No design is off limits when it comes to this kind of diamond
- Certification is necessary in protecting your investment in diamonds this big
- The right setting can either enhance or lessen the beauty of the stone
You will need time and expertise to be able to find the perfect 20+ carat diamond. If you are up for this challenge, the jewellery you will be able to find will last you for generations to come.
Images courtesy of unsplash.com and pexels.com
