How to Make Your Engagement Ring Look Bigger

Bigger is almost always better, and engagement rings are no exception, but finding an affordable way to maximize the look of a ring without upgrading the diamond can be tricky. This guide covers how to make an engagement ring look bigger. We cover selecting the right shape and using strategic settings to explain how to maximize your ring’s visual impact.

Key Takeaways

• Utilize bright, reflective metals to further reflect light and give the illusion of a larger diamond
• Elongated diamond shapes can make the diamond look larger by maximizing the surface area.
• Opting for a well-cut diamond with high cut quality enhances its sparkle and makes it appear larger, regardless of carat size.
• Incorporating settings such as halo or side stones can significantly boost the perceived size of the engagement ring.

Choose the Right Diamond Shape

The size perception of your diamond is heavily influenced by its shape. Certain diamond shapes, such as marquise, oval, and pear cuts, have elongated forms that create the illusion of a larger diamond by maximizing the surface area. On the other hand, shapes like round and princess cuts tend to look smaller per carat. The right diamond shape can notably increase the perceived size of your engagement ring.

Elongated shapes such as marquise, oval, and pear cuts are particularly effective at making a diamond look larger. These shapes spread the carat weight across a greater surface area, giving the diamond a more substantial appearance. These shapes present a more impressive look to your engagement ring without needing a larger carat size.

Wondering which diamond shapes look the largest per carat? The four shapes that look the largest per carat are (in order of which looks the largest): marquise, pear, oval, and emerald diamonds. Among these shapes, oval diamonds are a top choice among those who want a classic-style engagement ring, yet want to maximize the size of their engagement ring’s center diamond.

Marquise Cut Diamond

The marquise cut diamond is renowned for its unique, boat-like shape, which maximizes carat weight and surface area. By covering more of the finger, this elongated shape gives the impression of a larger diamond size. The marquise cut’s tapered points and expansive surface area contribute significantly to its larger appearance, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their center diamond’s size.

Additionally, the marquise cut’s distinctive shape draws the eye along its length, further enhancing the perception of size. When paired with a delicate band, this shape can further accentuate your engagement ring, allowing your center stone to be the focal point.

Oval Cut Diamond

Oval cut diamonds combine the brilliance of round diamonds but have an elongated shape, which appeals to those seeking both a classic look and larger appearance. The symmetry and elongation of oval cut diamonds create a balanced and elegant look, making them a popular choice for engagement rings. The oval shape not only amplifies the diamond’s luminosity but also creates an illusion of a larger size to the naked eye.

The oval cut’s excellent light performance ensures that the diamond sparkles brilliantly, which further enhances its apparent size. This cut is an attention-grabbing diamond shape that beautifully combines aesthetics while appearing larger.

Pear Cut Diamond

For people looking for a diamond that maintains the appeal of round and marquise cuts, the pear shaped diamond should be considered. These diamonds offer a versatile and elongated appearance. This unique shape with a single pointed end gives a stretched-out look, creating the impression of a larger diamond. Pear cut diamonds can be worn with the point facing either upward or downward, depending on preference.

Moreover, the pear cut diamond’s pointed end can complement certain styles, such as a pointed manicure, further creating an illusion of a larger diamond. This shape is perfect for those looking to combine elegance with a contemporary twist.

Prioritize Diamond Cut Quality

While the diamond’s shape is the first quality people notice, the quality of the cut is of equal importance in enhancing the perceived size of your engagement ring. The cut grade of a diamond determines its sparkle and perceived size. A well-cut diamond reflects more light, making it appear larger and more brilliant. Diamonds with excellent cut grades, such as ‘Very Good’ or ‘Excellent,’ are recommended for maximizing brilliance.

When cut to perfection, a diamond enhances its overall aesthetics and radiance, creating an illusion of larger size to the unaided eye. Prioritizing a well-cut diamond ensures that you get the most sparkle and visual impact, regardless of the diamond’s actual carat size.

Use a Halo Setting

Utilizing a halo setting is one of the most efficient strategies to amplify the perceived size of your engagement ring. This setting encircles the main diamond with smaller accent diamonds, thereby increasing the total diamond surface area and creating an impression of a larger stone. A halo setting can make a center diamond look up to half a carat larger, adding extra sparkle and enhancing the ring’s overall appearance.

There are various styles of halo settings, including:

• Classic
• Vintage
• Double halo
• Hidden halo
• Floral halo

Each offers a unique look and additional sparkle. The choice of halo setting can reflect your personal style while ensuring that your center diamond takes center stage with enhanced brilliance.

The smaller diamonds in a halo setting have several benefits:

• They make the center stone appear larger
• They add a stunning shimmer to the ring
• They maximize the visual impact of the engagement ring without significantly increasing the budget

This setting is perfect for those who want to enhance the overall look of their ring.

Add Side Stones or a Three-Stone Setting

Incorporating side stones or choosing a three-stone setting can substantially amplify the visual appeal of your engagement ring. Some options for side stones include:

• Trapezoids
• Half moons
• Trilliants

These stones can complement the center diamond and make the ring look larger. They add shape and dimension, creating a fuller and more substantial appearance.

Elongated side stones, in particular, extend the apparent width of the center diamond, filling out the top of the finger and enhancing the ring’s overall look. However, it’s important to choose side stones that do not overwhelm the center stone, ensuring that the main diamond remains the focal point.

Opt for a Slim Band and Prongs

Opting for a slender band and fewer prongs can considerably boost the visual appeal of your center diamond. A delicate band creates a contrast that makes the center stone look larger by comparison. Thin bands allow the diamond to take center stage, making it the focal point of the engagement ring.

Four-prong settings, by reducing the metal surrounding the stone, enhance the diamond’s visibility and give an impression of a larger size. This setting style allows more light to enter the diamond, enhancing its sparkle and overall appearance. Avoiding bezel settings, which cover more of the diamond, can also help in making the stone look larger.

Select White Metals for the Setting

Selecting white metals such as platinum or white gold for your ring setting can magnify the diamond’s sparkle and give the illusion of a larger size. Shiny white metals reflect the center diamond, giving it a more substantial and noticeable appearance. Platinum, known for its reflective properties and durability, is an excellent choice for making the diamond look larger.

White gold, especially when plated with rhodium, also offers a bright, reflective surface that enhances the size and appearance of the diamond. Both platinum and white gold are effective in making your engagement ring look bigger by maximizing the diamond’s sparkle and brilliance.

Keep Your Ring Clean

Regular cleaning of your engagement ring is key to preserving its sparkle and enhancing its perceived size. Dirt and grime can dull the diamond’s brilliance, diminishing its perceived size. Regular cleaning at home using warm water, dish soap, and a soft toothbrush every two weeks can help maintain its shine.

Additionally, professional cleanings every six months are recommended for a thorough clean and polish. A clean diamond engagement ring looks more brilliant and appears larger, ensuring that your ring remains as stunning as the day you first wore it. 

Consider Lower Color and Clarity Grades

Choosing diamonds of lower color and clarity grades can help balance cost and appearance while still achieving a larger-looking diamond. Diamonds in the G-H color range can look nearly identical to higher-grade diamonds but at a lower price. Similarly, clarity grades like VS1 and VS2 are typically eye-clean, meaning they have no visible inclusions to the naked eye.

By choosing diamonds with slightly lower color and clarity grades, you can allocate more of your budget towards a larger carat weight or better cut, enhancing the diamond's overall appearance. This strategy allows you to get a beautiful, larger-looking diamond without breaking the bank, while still maintaining the same carat weight.

Summary

In summary, making your engagement ring look larger involves a combination of choosing the right diamond shape, prioritizing cut quality, and selecting settings and materials that enhance the diamond’s appearance. By following these tips, you can maximize the beauty and impact of your ring without necessarily increasing the carat size.

Remember, the key to a stunning engagement ring lies in its overall presentation. Whether you opt for a halo setting, a slim band, or side stones, each choice contributes to creating a dazzling and impressive ring that reflects your style while being a symbol of your love.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the cut of a diamond affect its perceived size?

The cut of a diamond affects its perceived size by reflecting more light, making it appear larger and more brilliant. A well-cut diamond reflects more light, enhancing its perceived size and brilliance.

Which diamond shapes look the largest per carat?

Marquise, pear, oval, and emerald cuts are the diamond shapes that appear the largest per carat because of their larger surface areas and elongated forms.

How can I keep my engagement ring looking its best?

To keep your engagement ring looking its best, clean it at home every two weeks with warm water, dish soap, and a soft toothbrush, followed by getting professional cleanings every six months. This routine will help maintain the ring's sparkle and appearance, while also preventing damage in the long run.

What are the benefits of choosing white metals for my ring setting?

Choosing white metals like platinum or white gold for your ring setting can enhance the diamond's brilliance by reflecting light, making the center stone appear larger and more noticeable.

Are lower color and clarity grades a good option for a larger-looking diamond?

Yes, opting for lower color and clarity grades like G-H color and VS1-VS2 clarity can give you a larger-looking diamond for a more affordable price. This allows you to prioritize carat size or cut without sacrificing much in appearance. G-H color is comparable to higher color gradings with the naked eye and the VS1-VS2 clarity appears eye-clean, with no visible imperfections to anyone examining the ring without special tools.