6 Carat Diamonds

Shop 6 Carat Diamonds by Shape

Here’s a look at the most popular shapes for 6ct diamond rings:

Round & Oval 6 Carat Diamonds

Round and oval 6-carat diamonds are among the most popular and complementary choices for this size. 

The round gives the most symmetrical brilliance, while an oval gives a longer, larger-looking silhouette and is elongated. 

• A round 6 carat diamond gives that classic engagement-ring look, measuring roughly 11.7 x 12mm in diameter. 

• At this size, we recommend an excellent cut and exceptional proportions to support the light return you’ll dream of. 

• A 6 carat oval spreads the weight differently, at around 14 x 9.8mm in diameter. 

• This gives a longer face-up profile and the illusion of an elongated finger. 

• At this size, be wary of the bow-tie effect, with balanced proportions. 

Emerald, Radiant, Cushion & Marquise 6 Carat Diamonds

Other 6 carat diamond shapes, such as emerald, radiant, cushion, and marquise, are also popular choices, but with very different looks:

• Emerald 6ct diamonds suit buyers who prefer understated luxury, clean geometry, and broad flashes rather than explosive sparkle.

• Radiant 6ct diamonds suit buyers who want the structure of an emerald cut with more brilliance.

• Cushion 6ct diamonds suit buyers who want vintage character, soft edges, and a less formal look.

• Marquise 6ct diamonds suit buyers who want maximum drama, elongation, and a large face-up size.

How Big Is a 6 Carat Diamond?

Beyond style, shape significantly affects how carat weight is distributed across the stone.

6 Carat Diamond Size by Shape (mm)

6 Carat Diamond Prices

What Drives the Price — and How BGD Compares to the Luxury Houses

Like all diamonds, 6 carat diamond price is driven by the 4 C’s - carat, cut, color, and clarity. 

At 6 carats, these factors can make a huge difference in price between a low-quality stone and a high-quality one. For example, a diamond may weigh 6 carats but still have noticeable inclusions or look dull if its light performance is poor. 

Traditional diamond houses, such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Harry Winston, often price in brand heritage and jewelry design, while Brian Gavin’s 6 carat diamond rings focus on maximizing the diamond itself with precision cutting, GIA and AGS grading, and light-performance evaluation.

The 4 Cs at 6 Carats

When buying a 6 ct diamond ring, we urge you to consider the 4 Cs with care. They matter more than at smaller sizes because the diamond’s large face-up area draws more attention to flaws (and, thankfully, the beauty). 

• Cut: The most important factor for visual performance. 

• Color: Colorless or near colorless diamonds are very rare at this size. 

• Clarity: VS1 or VS2 is often a strong balance of cleanliness and value, while SI1 can work when the inclusion is not visible face-up. 

Natural vs. Lab-Grown 6 Carat Diamonds

Natural vs. 6-carat lab-grown diamonds can vary considerably in price, especially at 6 carat weight. Although they can look almost identical to the naked eye, natural diamonds cost more because they’re considered miracles of nature. 

Getting a loose natural diamond weighing 6 carats requires a large amount of raw diamond to form over millions of years, then be mined by humans. For many, this is a significant draw that makes the premium price worthwhile. 

Why a Natural 6 Carat Diamond Holds Its Value

Despite the rise in lab-grown diamonds, 6 ct diamond rings with naturally formed stones can trade for high values after many years. Collectors will look past age or slight defects, knowing its natural origin drives demand and offers unmatched rarity. 

6 Carat Diamond Rings & Settings

When choosing an engagement ring setting for a 6 carat diamond, consider the strength needed for protection and support. 

Here’s a look at the most popular choices of settings: 

Best Settings to Showcase a 6 Carat Diamond

• Prong solitaire: Prongs provide extra security for a round diamond while keeping most of it visible and emphasizing its size. 

• Cathedral: Creates a prominent, structured profile with stability, but it can catch on clothing. 

• Three-stone: Frames the center stone, with an elaborate surrounding. Choose side stones with proportions that don’t compete with the 6 ct diamond. 

• Bezel: A surrounding metal rim traces the diamond’s outline, for a clean and excellent resistance to snags on clothing. 

• Hidden halo: Adds small diamonds beneath the 6-carat stone for a stunning side-view sparkle. 

• Pavé band: Adds sparkle along the band while keeping the large center diamond the main attraction. 

These large stones are also wonderful choices for 6 carat diamond earrings or 6 carat tennis bracelets. 

Build your own ring with your choice of stone shape and setting with our custom ring builder. 

Why Buy a 6 Carat Diamond from Brian Gavin

6-carat diamonds deliver exceptional light performance. Brian Gavin Diamonds’ collection is carefully curated to include stones with fantastic symmetry, exceptional cut, and balanced proportions. 

GIA & AGS Certified

Our craftsmanship and expertise mean each of our 6-carat diamond rings is AGS- and GIA-certified, ensuring your investment is based on authenticity and accurate information.

Signature Cut & Light Performance at Scale

The Brian Gavin Signature cut delivers outstanding light performance, which is critical at this stone size. We take great care to ensure the light performs well under the microscope, using ASET imaging.

Contact us to speak with a diamond expert and get started designing your dream 6 ct diamond ring, 6 carat diamond earring, or tennis bracelet. 

FAQs on 6 Carat Diamond Rings

How big is a 6 carat diamond?

6 carat diamonds vary in size depending on the shape you choose, as that determines how the weight is distributed. A 6-carat round diamond measures about 11.7 mm in diameter.

How much does a 6 carat diamond cost?

6 carat diamonds cost anywhere from $30,000 to over $420,000, depending on the 4 Cs and origin.  

What is the best shape for a 6 carat diamond?

There is no ‘best’ shape; it all comes down to personal preference. But many people choose the round brilliant because it creates wonderful sparkle, shows size, and has that classic diamond look.

How does a Brian Gavin 6-carat diamond compare to Harry Winston or Tiffany?

Traditional diamond houses, such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Harry Winston, often price in brand heritage and design, while Brian Gavin’s 6-carat diamond rings focus on maximizing the diamond through precision cutting, GIA and AGS grading, and light-performance evaluation.

Are 6-carat lab-grown diamonds worth it compared to natural?

It ultimately comes down to personal preference, but natural diamonds cost more and have higher demand because of the sentimentality of their origins. 

Why does cut quality matter more on a 6-carat diamond?

Cut quality matters at 6 carats because size alone cannot guarantee sparkle. The diamond’s proportions and facet arrangement determine its brightness, fire, and scintillation. Poor proportions can also concentrate weight too deep, making the diamond look smaller than its carat weight suggests. 

What’s the difference between 6-carat diamonds and other carat weights?

Compared with 5-carat or 3-carat diamonds, 6-carat diamonds are typically larger because the weight is spread over a larger surface area. But note that weight doesn't always equal size, as it varies by shape. 

You can also expect to pay more for 6- and 7-carat diamonds because of their extreme rarity and the need for higher clarity and cut grades. 

Learn more about the differences in our 5-carat diamond size and price guide