5 Carat Engagement Rings Guide: What to Know Before You Buy

5-carat diamond rings are a collector's dream and a truly remarkable choice for any engagement ring. Less than 1% of diamonds mined per year are 5-carat, making them extremely rare.  

As the ultimate statement of luxury, it’s important to know what you’re buying into - especially when it comes to shape, cut, clarity, and color. In this guide, we’ll break it down to help you make an educated purchase. 

If you have any further questions, we welcome you to contact us today. 

How Big Is a 5 Carat Diamond?

A 5-carat diamond weighs approximately 1 gram and is much larger than the average diamond engagement ring (which is usually around 1 to 1.5 carats). 

Its size in diameter depends on the shape of the diamond you’re buying. A 5-carat round diamond is usually 11mm in diameter. But a shape such as an oval covers more finger surface, looking longer, despite weighing the same. A deep-cut diamond looks even smaller from above, because the weight is hidden in the depth. 

What is Carat?

Carat (ct) is the unit of weight universally used to measure diamonds. It is approximately 0.2 grams or 200 milligrams. 

It’s crucial to understand that carat is weight, not specifically size, because two diamonds of the same carat can appear different depending on their shape (such as oval vs. round). 

How Much Does a 5 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring Cost?

5-carat diamonds are on the heavier end of the market, resulting in a higher price than others. But their price is also largely affected by emotion and desirability. 5-carat diamonds are in the elite category of luxury gemstones, and you’ll find you’re competing with luxury collectors. 

The price is never determined by one factor, though. Carat is just one of the 4 C’s to consider. Don’t forget - cut, clarity, and color. Cut, in particular, is the defining factor in how well a diamond sparkles and can make a considerable difference. But with the larger weight, the color and clarity become more important than in lower carats.

Finally, you’ll also need to factor in the value between lab-grown diamonds and naturally formed diamonds. 

Brian Gavin Diamonds offers investment-quality stones at optimal value. If you have any questions or need assistance finding a 5-carat diamond within your budget, we welcome you to contact us today.

Cut, Clarity & Shape: What to Prioritize in 5 Carat Diamond Rings?

Cut

If you’re getting a 5-carat diamond for an engagement ring, then you must consider cut quality. This is the defining factor in sparkle. And sparkle is the thing that makes hearts flutter when you’re down on one knee, or showing it off to family and friends. 

Ideal or Excellent cuts are highly recommended. These are the two highest grades of diamond cut, ensuring a stunning sparkle worthy of a 5-carat diamond purchase. 

Clarity

Clarity is all about imperfections within the stones (known as inclusions). In 5-carat diamonds, inclusions can be very noticeable. But, you’re never going to notice the microscopic inclusions of VS1 or VS2 with the naked eye, so you don’t need to pay the premium price of a flawless diamond unless you really want to. 

For 5-carat diamonds, the VS2 is a stunning clarity grade and fits within the budget most buyers are working with in this category.

Note also that step-cut diamonds, such as emeralds, have a large table and depth, which makes inclusions more exposed.  

Color

Color is always worth considering, but it’s rarely a top priority for any diamond ring. We recommend a color grading of H or above for a 5-carat diamond ring. If you are still concerned about any brown or yellow hues, then don’t go any lower than G. 

Shape

The shape of a 5-carat diamond ring is largely a matter of personal preference and budget. There is no grading or recommendation to be made here.

However, round brilliant cut diamonds are more expensive as they’re the most sought-after shape due to their classic design, which is popular in 5-carat diamond engagement rings.

 Here’s a look at the top four most popular shapes for 5-carat diamond rings:

Design Tips for 5 Carat Diamond Rings

With the additional weight of 5-carat diamonds, you get the freedom to have more daring setting styles that would usually overpower small center stones. 

Height and band width are crucial. But, you may also want to avoid the secure setting that looks bulky. Generally, aiming for a band width of around 2.5-3 mm will be a good balance. Classic solitaire or understated pave, elaborate vintage, or three-stone ring settings are very popular. 

If you want that red-carat sparkle, go bold with halos, pavé bands, or side stones. For something more minimal, go with solitaires or bezels.

Metal choice will also influence the perception of the diamond’s color. White gold or platinum always makes a colorless diamond appear even icier. Yellow or rose gold adds a warmth better suited to slightly colored diamonds, or for those who prefer a vintage feel. 

Remember, however, this is still going to be worn by someone. So factor in comfort. Elongated shapes like oval, marquise, or pear maximize coverage, while cuts like round or Asscher sit more compactly. Sleeker shapes tend to feel lighter on the hand, which are better for those with a hands-on lifestyle, while broad spreads can be more prone to catching on clothing or objects.

Here’s a quick rundown of popular settings for 5-carat diamonds:

FAQs for Five Carat Engagement Rings

Is a 5-carat diamond ring too big?

No, but it depends on your partner’s preferences. For some people, it's a fantastic statement piece that grabs attention. But it can also be impractical for those with a hands-on lifestyle.

What is the average cost of a 5-carat ring?

Natural 5-carat diamond engagement rings start at around $30,000 but can go over $300,000, while lab-grown options range from $100 to $35,000. 

How can I make a 5-carat diamond seem even bigger?

We recommend an elongated shape (such as oval, marquise, or pear) or a halo setting, as these maximize finger coverage for a larger look. 

What’s the most popular shape of a five-carat diamond?

Round brilliants are the most popular, with that classic diamond shape giving a stunning sparkle. These are followed by oval and emerald cuts, which have gained popularity for their spread in recent years.

Create Your Dream 5-Carat Diamond Ring with Brian Gavin Diamonds. 

Brian Gavin Diamonds has a curated selection of stunning 5-carat diamonds in various shapes, with stunning quality - both natural and lab-made. Each can be placed within a custom setting, for a design that will truly stun your partner from the moment you propose to decades later.

We welcome you to browse our store today and contact us if you have any questions.