What is the typical carat weight for an engagement ring, and how does location affect this choice?
The average diamond engagement ring weighs between 0.50 and 1.00 carats, with UK consumers typically choosing around 0.90 carats. These "commercial" sizes are popular because they offer excellent brilliance while remaining noticeable. Location significantly influences carat preferences - urban dwellers in major cities like London often expect diamonds of 1.50 carats or larger, while those in rural areas tend to prefer 0.50 to 1.00 carats. While carat measures weight rather than size, it's important to understand that two diamonds of equal weight can appear different due to cut quality and shape. A diamond is generally considered larger than average when it exceeds 1.25 carats, though perceptions of "big" vary by individual and region. When choosing a diamond, factors like cut quality often matter more than weight alone for overall appearance.