Luxury Guide to Buying an Extraordinary 4 Carat Diamond Ring
Discover the ultimate guide to buying a 4 carat diamond ring. Learn expert tips, explore key factors, and discover how to choose the perfect diamond in our expert guide.
When it comes to luxury engagement rings, a 4 carat diamond is considered the entry point for those seeking an exceptionally rare and visually striking stone. This size offers the perfect balance between size, rarity, and value, making it a top choice for buyers aiming to make a significant statement. This guide will walk you through everything you need to consider when purchasing a 4 carat diamond ring, from understanding the significance of the size and shape to determining the right clarity and cut.
Why Choose a 4 Carat Diamond Ring?
A 4 carat diamond ring is synonymous with luxury. It offers a captivating combination of size, rarity, and beauty, making it a sought-after choice for high-end engagement rings. One of the primary reasons for the popularity of 4 carat diamonds is their ability to showcase the brilliance and sparkle that only larger stones can provide. A diamond of this size can be cut into a range of shapes that accentuate its unique qualities, allowing the natural beauty of the stone to take center stage.
The price of a 4 carat diamond ring is often considered a sweet spot in the luxury diamond market. While it’s still within reach for many luxury buyers, the price increases significantly as the carat weight surpasses the 4-carat mark, especially for diamonds with high cut, color, and clarity grades. Another key advantage of a 4 carat diamond is its ability to be showcased in a variety of settings. While a simple platinum or 18k gold band is always a stunning choice, the larger size allows for the addition of complementary side stones, including colored diamonds or gemstones, without overshadowing the main stone.
Sotheby’s recommends choosing diamonds with at least a VS2 clarity grade, which signifies minimal inclusions visible under 10x magnification, and a color grade of H or higher for near-colorless diamonds. For the best sparkle, it’s important to prioritize cut quality, with round diamonds benefitting from an Excellent cut grade and fancy shapes from Very Good or better. For buyers looking for exceptional rarity, a D Flawless diamond offers the ultimate in clarity, though this level of perfection is not necessary to achieve a stunning 4 carat diamond ring.
How Big is a 4 Carat Diamond?
The size of a 4 carat diamond can vary depending on its shape and cut. For a round brilliant cut, which is the most classic and popular diamond shape, the typical diameter is around 10.2 millimeters. To help visualize, a 4 carat round diamond is roughly the size of a large pea or about the width of a nickel. This size is large enough to make a significant statement without being overpowering, offering the perfect balance between elegance and visibility. While carat weight gives a measure of the diamond’s mass, the actual size can differ based on its cut, so it’s important to consider the specific measurements when determining how big the diamond will appear on your finger.
When it comes to fancy-shaped diamonds, such as oval, emerald, or pear cuts, the perceived size of a 4 carat stone can be quite different. For instance, an oval diamond typically appears larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight due to its elongated shape, which spreads the weight across a greater surface area. On the other hand, an emerald cut diamond may seem smaller than a round diamond of the same weight because of its more compact and rectangular shape. Understanding the shape and cut of the diamond will help you visualize its true size and ensure that it meets your aesthetic preferences. A well-cut diamond, no matter the shape, will always maximize both its size and brilliance.
What 4 Carat Diamond is Best for You?
Choosing the right cut for your 4 carat diamond ring ultimately comes down to personal preference. Here’s an overview of the most popular diamond cuts that are perfect for showcasing a 4 carat stone.
4 Carat Emerald Cut & Asscher Cut
The emerald cut diamond is the most sought-after cut for a 4 carat diamond ring. This cut, which dates back to the 1500s and was originally used for emeralds, rose to prominence during the Art Deco era in the 1920s and 1930s. The elongated shape of the emerald cut emphasizes clarity, but it’s important to note that inclusions may be more visible in this cut due to its large, open table. Emerald cut diamonds also tend to look larger than their round counterparts due to their unique shape, which spreads the stone’s weight across the surface.
An Asscher cut diamond, a square variation of the emerald cut, offers a similar look with deeply trimmed corners. While it shares a vintage charm, it also offers modern versatility, particularly with its resurgence in popularity during the early 2000s.
4 Carat Oval Cut
The oval cut diamond is another popular choice for a 4 carat diamond ring. Invented in 1957 by Lazare Kaplan, the oval cut features an elongated shape that gives the appearance of a larger stone, thanks to its shallow cut that distributes the stone’s weight across a wider surface. Oval diamonds are known for their brilliance and typically exhibit a similar sparkle to round brilliant cuts. However, they can sometimes feature a bow-tie effect—a shadow at the center of the stone that occurs based on the cut. This is something to be aware of when comparing options. As oval cuts retain more carat weight during the cutting process, they tend to be the second most expensive cut after round brilliant.
4 Carat Pear Shaped Diamond
The pear shaped diamond, also known as the teardrop, is a timeless and unique option. Created in 1475 by Lodewyk van Bercken, the pear cut combines the best features of round and marquise shapes. With its elongated form and pointed tip, it can appear larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight. It is important to choose a pear diamond with the best proportions to avoid light leakage or the bow tie effect. A 4 carat pear-shaped diamond ring stands out for its distinctive shape, which can be styled in a variety of ways.
4 Carat Round Brilliant Cut
The round brilliant cut remains the most classic and popular shape for diamonds, though it is less common for those looking for a 4 carat diamond ring. With 58 facets, the round brilliant cut maximizes a diamond’s brilliance and sparkle, making it ideal for a traditional engagement ring. While this cut is typically the most expensive due to high demand and the significant amount of rough diamond wasted during cutting, it remains a top choice for those seeking timeless elegance.
4 Carat Cushion Cut
The cushion cut diamond is another popular option for a 4 carat diamond ring. With its rounded corners and romantic appeal, it is often referred to as the “old new classic.” The cushion cut originated in the 1700s and has evolved over time, with modern versions featuring 64 facets. Its rectangular variation tends to appear larger than square cuts, making it a favorite for engagement rings. While sourcing a high-quality rectangular cushion cut diamond may take some time, it’s worth the wait for those looking for something both vintage and contemporary.
4 Carat Colored Diamond Ring
Fancy colored diamonds are incredibly rare and highly coveted. Only about 1 in 10,000 diamonds are natural fancy colored diamonds, with yellow being the most common, and red being the rarest and most expensive. Pink, blue, and green diamonds have also become increasingly popular choices for engagement rings, especially for those seeking an extraordinary piece.
Fancy colored diamonds command significantly higher prices due to their rarity. For instance, a 4 carat fancy yellow diamond typically starts around $65,000 in VS2 clarity, while pink and blue diamonds can command far higher prices. Sotheby’s auctioned a 3.71-carat fancy pink diamond for nearly $600,000 in December 2022. If you’re looking for a colored diamond, a jewelry specialist can help you navigate the options and find a stone that matches your desired color and budget.
How Much is a 4 Carat Diamond Ring?
The cost of a 4 carat diamond ring can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the clarity, color, cut, and overall quality of the diamond. A 4 carat diamond with VS2 clarity and H color typically starts at $50,000 to $70,000. For diamonds with higher clarity or color, such as those rated D Flawless, prices can range from $200,000 to $275,000, depending on the cut and the quality of the stone.
The price can also be influenced by the brand, provenance, and setting of the ring. A high-end designer ring with a 4 carat diamond may cost significantly more than a standard setting. Additionally, colored diamonds, especially pink, blue, and green, can drive prices even higher due to their rarity. Sotheby’s highly recommends purchasing a 4 carat diamond ring that comes with a certificate from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), ensuring that the diamond’s authenticity and quality are verified.
A 4 carat diamond ring is a remarkable choice and a symbol of timeless beauty. Whether you’re drawn to the sleek elegance of an emerald cut, the brilliance of an oval cut, or the classic appeal of a round brilliant, a 4 carat diamond offers a rare opportunity to own a truly exceptional stone. With careful consideration of factors like cut, clarity, color, and setting, you can find the perfect diamond to create a ring that will be treasured for generations.
Advantages to Buying Diamonds on the Secondary Market
1. Access
Sotheby’s provides exclusive access to a curated selection of diamond jewelry from the world’s most prestigious Maison's, including Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Tiffany & Co and more. Clients can find top quality diamonds from one carat to more than twenty carats from top brands and bespoke creations. Our jewelry specialists work closely with collectors worldwide to source coveted diamond jewelry to provide exclusive access to the rarest and most desirable diamond jewelry.
2. Flexibility
Sotheby’s offers unique access to a wide selection of signed and unsigned diamond jewelry available at auction around the world. We also offer diamond jewelry for immediate purchase and allow easy side-by-side comparison of top brands and unsigned diamonds. We also offer a bespoke concierge service to help source unique one-of-a-kind diamond jewelry.
3. Value
The secondary market is an attractive alternative for purchasing diamond jewelry since you can realize more value compared to traditional retailers. Top brands and jewelry retailers add a material premium to cover manufacturing and other fixed costs that are not reflected in the prices at Sotheby’s. It’s possible to purchase classic diamond jewelry from top brands including Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Harry Winston at less than half of the original retail price. These pieces also often include the original packaging and certificates. Sotheby’s Jewelry specialists also inspect every item before accepting it for sale.
4. Discovery
One of the greatest advantages of shopping in a global luxury marketplace is the opportunity to discover rare and unique diamond jewelry pieces that are no longer available through traditional retail channels. Our curated selection of diamond jewelry is continuously refreshed, ensuring that you’ll always find something new and exclusive to build your collection.
Buy and Sell Diamond Jewelry At Sotheby's
Sotheby's often has impressive diamond jewelry available at auction. Sotheby's also has a curated selection of diamond jewelry available for immediate purchase on marketplace. If you would like to view diamond jewelry, a salon specialist would be happy to assist. Sotheby's is also able to source an exceptional diamond jewelry creation from its global supplier network.
- Explore upcoming jewelry at auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Contact a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Speak to a Jewelry Specialist about selling diamond jewelry.
Trust our worldwide network of leading jewelry specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
