Is 1/2 carat too small?

Question

I just bought an engagement ring from a big name company for $5000. I know they have a big markup, the equivalent ring is about $3000 on blue nile. The value of the dollar relative to metals and precious stones has fallen a lot recently, so this only got a 1/2 carat. $5000 was my budget, but now that I look at it, it seems a bit small. If I can exchange it, I could possible spend a bit more on the credit card, but I don’t want to buy it from a discount place. Is 1/2 carat too small?

Answer 1

A 1/2 carat is not too small. I would have been thrilled with a good quality 1/2 carat. Quality and name are important to me. Leo diamonds, which can be found at Kay Jeweler, are slightly less expensive than Tiffany diamonds...but somewhat comparable in value. Here is the site for a 1/2 carat Leo diamond set in a gold band:

http://www.kay.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product1|10101|10001|-1|150748806|15051|15051.15056.15101

Judging by this price, you might have paid too much for 1/2 carat. Although, you do have to remember that excellent color and clarity cause the value to skyrocket fast.

As for the comment on the Tiffany rings, if you are familiar with their jewelry, it is easy to tell if it is from their collection by looking at it. Tiffany only sells good quality diamonds, so to me, it does mean something.

Answer 2

1 2 Carat Diamond Size

Answer 3

1/2ct is too small for $5000 unless the diamond is flawless which is kind of a waste because only you will know that. If you can return it you should, I mean you saw the same ring on bluenile for $2000 less than what you paid and bluenile is very reputable. Try shopping around a little more, You should be able to get closer to a carat than a 1/2 for $5000. My ring has a 2/3 center and over a carat total weight in platinum all vs quality stones and it was only $3500. So keep in perspective.

I don't think a 1/2ct stone is too small in general, size isn't so important, but I think you paid too much for what you got.

Try whiteflash.com, 2 of my friends got rings from there and hey both appraised at double what they paid for them and they are gorgeous!

Answer 4

I wanted a 1/2 carat, but changed my mind to a 1 carat blue topaz. because it's more me. I don't think it's too small. I think that anything over a carat is too big and that there isn't such thing as too small. You paid too much for a 1/2 carat diamond. My bf and I went to Helzberg Diamonds in the mall this past February and looked at an almost flawless diamond set in Platinum for about 3 grand. The other 1/2 carat that we looked at was not nearly as sparkly, a little yellowish and set in white gold, but still was damn good looking, and was 1,500. I think you should take it back and go looking again. Good luck.
Also, where did you buy it? I ask because I wouldn't want my bf to go there and get ripped off.

Answer 5

DO NOT PUT A RING ON A CREDIT CARD!

Can I ask why you had to go to the big name company? Diamonds are based on their cut, carat, clarity, and color. You don't get any points because it's from Tiffany's or whatever store. It's not like a Coach purse. Nobody is going to look at her ring and be able to tell it's from Tiffany's so you aren't getting any "wow" points there either.....so make sure it's more important to your girl to be able to name a big company than have a bigger ring. Most women I know would prefer a bigger ring.

Ultimately it depends on the girl. Some would prefer a smaller diamond, others like me would rather have a gemstone that is a bigger size or get a fake diamond and replace with a real stone later.

If it helps I can go to at least 5 jewelry stores right now and get a full carat for 5k of almost perfect quality. None of which would be considered "discount" places.

Answer 6

A half-carat is not too small for an engagement ring. Whether it looks good or not depends a lot on the setting. If it is important to you to have a ring from a big designer, then I think a 1/2 carat for the price you got is perfectly fine. (I personally think Tiffany rings are very classy -- my fiance and I were considering buying a 1/2-carat diamond ring from Tiffany, but he decided he would rather buy a larger diamond somewhere else.)

If you would rather have a larger diamond, there are very reputable jewelers who will be able to sell you a larger high-quality diamond for the same price. You will have to be a little more proactive about determining what color, cut, and clarity will be acceptable to you. Make sure you buy one that is GIA certified. If you let the jeweler know you are more interested in a high-quality stone than a larger stone, he or she will be able to help you find what you are looking for.

Answer 7

A 1/2 carat is not too small for a ring - however, $5000 for a half carat is highway robbery! Take that thing back, and get something nicer with your hard earned money! If you're spending over $1500 for a half carat in the "big name stores" you're getting ripped off.

Answer 8

Hi. Personally, NO, I don't think 1/2 carat is too small. However, I must agree with the others! I am a bargain shopper, and if I could get the same ring cheaper....or MORE of a ring for the same price, I would definitely have shopped around! There are many reputable jewelry stores without going high end....Zales, Kay Jewelers, etc.

So, it's up to you if you want to take it back. Is there a return policy? I would take it back and buy her a bigger diamond at another store for the $5K. No one can tell a high-end ring, from one from Zales. It's all based on the 4C's.

Good luck!

Answer 9

A 1/2 carat is not to small. Mine is a 1/3 (picked it out myself). It mostly depends on the girl. What kind of jewelry does she normally wear? Big and shiny or small and cute. The price you paid does seem a bit much though. Shop around and see what other stores charge for the same ring. I think you might find a lower price elsewhere. Good Luck and Congratulations!

Answer 10

For that price it seems very high. But if you're asking if a 1/2 carat is too small for an engagement ring in general, I'd say no. It's not really about the diamond anyway.