Bigger isn’t always better, but when it comes to diamond engagement rings, having several hacks at hand for making your diamond look larger than it really is can be quite helpful. Regardless of whether you are on the hunt for a diamond that can be made to look as big as possible or are interested in giving the stone that is already in your possession a more impressive appearance, there are several things you can do for a minimal cost or no extra expense at all.

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Choose Setting with Slim Prongs
If you have already selected a diamond, or would like to give your stone a larger look without breaking the bank, you can simply shop for a setting that boasts slender prongs. Settings with bulkier prongs tend to take away from the diamond and give it a smaller appearance. Four prongs are preferable to six, and a thinner band will also help make the diamond appear larger.

Fancy Yellow Oval Diamond Engagement Ring (1.35Ct TW)

Since we are already talking about the setting, consider having the stone set with the girdle slightly above the crown. This will give off the appearance that the stone is a little larger all while strengthening the prongs and tightening the security of the stone.
Go With a Shape Other Than Round
The round brilliant diamond may be the most popular diamond shape, and for good reason, but it is by no means the only shape out there. Round diamonds display a diamond’s brilliance in the best way possible due to its many facets. However, it is also the most difficult shape to cut and leads to much waste thus making them the most expensive shape as well. Two diamonds of equal carat weight, color, and clarity can have two very different price tags if one is round and the other is oval, for example. Therefore, if it’s the size you are after compared to the price, compromise on the shape and consider a different shape, which will get you a bigger stone for the same amount of money. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the stone has a good cut, (and if you could find, consider one with no fluorescence). A small well-cut diamond can shine much more than a larger poorly cut stone and thus appear more impressive and larger than it really is.

The same Fancy Yellow Oval Diamond Engagement Ring as above
Select a White Metal Setting
As mentioned earlier, the setting of a diamond plays a large part in how the stone is perceived. In addition to the number and size of prongs and the band itself, the setting’s color should be considered as well. White metals reflect the stone far more than other colors and are a better choice if you are looking to enhance your diamond’s size. This means even if you chose a yellow diamond engagement ring because you absolutely adore the color, and want to use yellow gold for the crown in order to reflect the color of the center stone, consider setting the shank in white gold.

A Fancy Intense Yellow Cushion Diamond Halo Ring (1.33Ct TW)
Consider a Halo Setting
If you are in the market for a really impressive diamond ring, but happen to be on a relatively tight budget, you should definitely consider a halo setting. This means you can get a much smaller stone that is surrounded with a halo of many little melees. If you really want to make it impressive, consider two halo’s with different colored diamonds in each. It will seem like there is a slightly larger than your center stone.

The same Fancy Intense Yellow Cushion Diamond Halo Ring as above

Another idea is to go for a ring with side stones. If you pair your diamond with much smaller stones it will look much bigger in comparison.
Buy from a Reputable Retailer
Lastly, and probably most importantly, you need to ensure that you are buying from someone you can trust. You want to make sure you are getting the real deal and that you are getting an honest price. It is literally possible to pay double for the exact same diamond if you go to the wrong retailer. Do some research and check prices before laying out the money for the diamond of your choice. Once you have made your purchase, make sure to keep your diamond clean. A clean diamond will always look larger than a dirty one as a result of the brilliance that shines off the stone.

Size is only one factor to consider when looking for a diamond ring, albeit a super important on! However, a large diamond means pretty much nothing if it is cloudy or looks dull. A delicate balance between all 4Cs that fits into your budget will result in the most ideal stone. You can use one or several of these tips for making your diamond look larger. You’d be surprised at how well they work.

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5 Awesome Hacks for Making Your Diamond Look Bigger