5 Carat Diamonds

Whether you’re an experienced designer, an expert gemmologist, or new to the world of diamonds, the allure of a 4-carat diamond is universally acknowledged. Standing a full 3 carats above the average engagement ring diamond size in the USA, a ring adorned with a 4-carat diamond is a rare and captivating sight.

But when the conversation turns to 5-carat diamonds, the reaction is often a simple yet profound ‘wow!’ A diamond of this magnitude is not just a step up in size; it’s a leap into a realm of extraordinary beauty and rarity. For those with the means to consider such a magnificent stone, understanding the nuances of cut, color, and clarity becomes even more crucial. A high-quality, five-carat diamond isn’t just an acquisition; it’s a statement of elegance, a symbol of luxury, and a treasure of unmatched splendor.

How Big is a 5 Carat Diamond?

A 5-carat diamond is typically around 11mm in diameter, presenting a remarkable and impressive size that’s sure to catch the eye. This measurement, however, can vary slightly based on the diamond’s cut and proportions. A well-cut 5-carat diamond, with its substantial size, not only displays its brilliance and fire more prominently but also makes for a stunning centerpiece in any jewelry setting.

Carat	Size
1 Carat	Circa 6.4mm
2 Carat	Circa 8.1mm
3 Carat	Circa 9.3mm
4 Carat	Circa 10.1mm
5 Carat	Circa 11mm

The image above gives you an idea of various carat weights in proportion to one another. This image is based on the most popular diamond shape for engagement rings, a round brilliant, however different shapes of the same carat weight will not always appear the same size. Elongated shapes such as ovals, marquise and pear cut diamonds will appear larger due to their bigger surface area. Step cuts, such as Asscher and Emerald, will give the smallest appearance; step cuts are all about creating depth and intrigue within the stone. They have less facets and draw the eye into the clean, linear facets.

Choosing a carat weight is very personal and bigger isn’t always better. In my opinion a five-carat diamond is a great choice for an engagement ring – diamonds this weight are considerable and eye-catching but would still be suitable for every day wear, provided it is held in a well constructed, durable setting.

Cut

Beginning with the most important of the four C’s; the cut. A 5-carat diamond is a considerable weight for a ring and a poor cut with result in a dull and lifeless gemstone. Worse still, as this is a big diamond, a poor cut might leave people thinking it’s cubic zirconia or another form of imitation diamond. When you’re spending good money on a diamond, you want to be dazzled by its beauty and captivated by the stunning optical properties that make a diamond unique.

You need to optimize on the intense brilliance and fire of your 5-carat diamond by selecting a GIA excellent cut or AGS 000 at a minimum. This is the first important step in choosing a beautiful diamond, but you can go further. When it comes to finding the best cut there is a very small percentage of diamonds which are considered ‘super-ideal’ cut. These diamonds are cut to meet the most stringent parameters; as well as a GIA or AGS certificate, they will carry additional performance reports that detail the specific details of their light handling abilities and optical properties (such as hearts and arrows). The best example of super-ideal cut diamonds can be found on Whiteflash – specifically their in-house A CUT ABOVE® diamonds.

Color

When it comes to choosing a color, you may find that a 5-carat diamond is a little less forgiving than a smaller diamond. This does not mean you need to select a D in color. Diamonds with a D grade are extremely pricey, and in truth very few people can notice the imperceptible color difference between a D and, for example, a G grade.

I recommend selecting a diamond that has a ‘near colorless’ grading (G-I). These grades will still give an ice white appearance but will be thousands of dollars less that a colorless diamond. If you are particularly sensitive to color, a G would be a good option.

If your diamond is going to be set in a warm tone metal such as yellow or rose gold, you may find an I or J graded diamond suitable. The warmer metals can make a diamond appear whiter in relation to the setting. An I will also be suitable if the cut quality is very high.

Clarity

Like color, your clarity grade for a 5-carat will require a higher clarity grade than lower carat weights. Don’t let this concern you, it is all part of the journey to a stunning diamond and it does not mean choosing a flawless diamond for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

A larger table means inclusions will be more obvious and will interfere with light return. To avoid this, I recommend a VS2 in clarity. The difference between a VS1 and VS2 is usually negligible so this is a great way to get an eye-clean diamond for a suitable price. Although I would not recommend going any lower than this, if you are squeezed on budget you may consider in SI1, provided you can have a thorough look at the diamond using high-res imaging, 360 video or a jewelers loupe.

How Much is a 5 Carat Diamond?

Using what I considered to be the ‘sweet spot’ of grades for a 5-carat diamond (I-VS2 Ideal cut) I found this gorgeous 5.032 ct I VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Diamond from Whiteflash. Their 360 video shows the diamond in all its glory and for $95,922 it is a fraction of the price compared to high end, bricks and mortar jewelers.

When looking at diamonds of this weight, it is highly unlikely you will walk into your average jewelry store and pick one up. It is unlikely you will even be able to view one. That means to shop traditionally, you would need to visit ‘the big boys’, i.e. Tiffany & Co, Van Cleef and Arpels, Cartier and Boodles. These big names carry even bigger premiums. If you want the full bells and whistles experience from these jewelry giants, expect to pay around 15% to 30% above an online diamond for similar specs.

It is understandable that with a purchase of this nature, some people have reservations about shopping online. Rest assured that reputable vendors are experienced in handing diamonds of this nature and sell them across the globe. You will be as, if not more protected, than if you shopped in store with the bonus of having real choice. Diamonds like this are thin on the ground, but it is so important that you have options.

5 Carat Lab Diamonds

For those who dream of owning a large, stunning diamond but are mindful of their budget, 5-carat lab-grown diamonds present an attractive alternative. These diamonds, created in controlled laboratory environments, offer the same physical, chemical, and optical characteristics as their mined counterparts, but at a more accessible price point.

A 5-carat lab diamond can be an excellent choice for buyers who prioritize both size and value. While still a significant investment, these lab-grown gems typically cost considerably less than natural 5-carat diamonds, making the dream of owning a substantial diamond more attainable. This cost-effectiveness does not compromise on quality or appearance; lab diamonds display the same sparkle, fire, and brilliance you would expect from a natural stone.

Moreover, lab-grown diamonds offer an environmentally friendly and ethically sourced alternative. The process of creating diamonds in a lab reduces the impact on the earth and avoids the sometimes controversial aspects of diamond mining. This makes them an appealing choice for those who are environmentally conscious or concerned about the ethical implications of their purchases.

Settings

For a five-carat diamond solitaire, you will need a setting with 6 prongs. This will give you peace of mind and the freedom to wear your ring every day should you choose to. This Vatche U-shaped solitaire will hold your diamond centre stage and keep it secure.

There is still flexibility and room for personal style; halos, pave and side stone are all perfect for bringing your central diamond to life. If you are opting for yellow or white gold, look for styles which feature platinum prongs that will give extra security to the diamond. Avoid tension and suspensions settings as they are not suitable for large diamonds.

Here is another 6 prong engagement ring from James Allen which can be set with diamonds from 0.50c – 6.00c.

The Final Word