If you are looking for a diamond ring and have a $25,000 budget, you should end up with a large and beautiful ring that will stand out. With a budget around $25,000, you have your choice of stunning 2 carat diamonds, with plenty left in the budget for a unique setting. You may even choose to go with a fancy yellow diamond to show off a different look.
$25,000 will get you far when purchasing an engagement ring, but you need to play it smart. Balance the four Cs of diamond quality to maximize your value. When purchasing a larger diamond, clarity grades that are normally eye-clean in smaller stones may have noticeable inclusions. We discuss everything you need to know about diamond rings that are $25,000 in this article.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:
What does a $25,000 engagement ring look like?
What size diamond ring can you get for $25,000?
What specs should a diamond have when spending $25,000?
Where is the best place to buy a diamond ring for $25,000?
$25000 Engagement Rings
When you’re shopping for engagement rings, your budget is always going to dictate to an extent the quality of ring you can buy and the range of options at your disposal. When we discuss how much should an engagement ring cost, we note that people spending 25k+ skew the average.
That’s not to say you can’t find a beautiful diamond ring for as low as $1,000-$2,000. But with a larger budget, you’re going to be able to afford bigger, more beautiful diamonds, and a more extensive choice of setting styles.
According to data published by Rapaport, the average amount spent on an engagement ring is $6,000, with around a third of all couples spending between $1,000 and $4,000. So, with a $25,000 engagement ring budget, you’ll be able to afford something far above average.
It’s difficult to go wrong when you’ve got this much to spend on an engagement ring. Read on and we’ll give you an idea of what kind of diamonds and settings you can look at for $25k, and we’ll share some tips on maximizing value for money.
Why you should trust us
To help you with the diamond buying process we lean on our expertise and experience. The author of this article, our CEO, Mike Fried has over 20 years of experience in the diamond industry. Mike started from the bottom, sorting and evaluating hundreds of thousands of diamonds to learn every facet (pun intended) of diamond quality and value. Mike followed that up by spending years buying and selling diamonds on the wholesale market as well as selling tens of millions of dollars worth of diamonds to diamond retailers.
What Kind of Engagement Ring Can $25,000 Buy?
Short of an enormous rock fit for a princess – or a Kardashian – a $25,000 engagement ring budget is enough to afford just about anything.
You’ve got the choice of ornate, designer settings; multiple-carat diamonds; flawless diamonds; fancy colored diamonds – and anything in between. You’ll be limited by carat weight to a certain degree, but you will be able to afford a larger than average diamond, while splashing out on a fancy setting or a diamond with rare qualities in other areas.
As such, your choice for a $25k diamond ring comes down to style and preference, rather than scraping to see what fits within your budget.
Deal Alert: Get 25% off sitewide at James Allen
A $25k engagement ring budget can get you an elaborate and flashy setting, like this beautiful crafted Blue Nile Studio asscher cut royal halo diamond engagement ring with a 2 carat asscher cut diamond. It can also allow you to pick out a flawless diamond, such as this 1.42 carat, D color flawless diamond in a platinum solitaire setting.
Choosing a flawless diamond may not be the best use of your budget, as we’ll expand on later. However, if you want to be able to tell people that your fiancé is sporting a flawless diamond, a budget of this level allows you to do that.
What Does a $25000 Engagement Ring Look Like?
A $25,000 ring can take any number of forms, such is the range of choices you have with this much to spend.
A $25,000 engagement ring can feature a simple solitaire setting, fit with an enormous diamond, such as this 2.50 carat, H/VVS2 cushion cut diamond with a comfort fit solitaire setting in white gold from Blue Nile.
More commonly, rings in this price range will have their budget spread across more areas than just carat weight. Going a little lower in carat allows you to pick out a cleaner diamond and a more interesting setting, while still allowing you enough to choose a diamond 2 carats and above, which will be more impressive than 99% of diamonds most people will ever see in their lives.
An example of a $25k diamond ring with more all-round beauty is this 2.12 carat cushion cut diamond with a white gold double shank halo setting from James Allen.
How Many Carats are in a $25k Diamond?
As the GIA explains, diamond prices increase with carat weight, as larger diamonds are rarer and more desirable than smaller stones. This means that you’ll spend more per carat for a 2 carat diamond, for example, than you would for a 1 carat stone.
With a budget of $25,000 to spend, you’ll generally be looking at a diamond around 2 and a half carats in this price range. You can check out the price differences across different carat weights using our diamond price calculator.
The carat weight of a $25,000 diamond will vary greatly depending on the diamond’s other characteristics. This $25,000, D color flawless diamond, for example, weighs just 1.32 carats. Yet accepting lower grades in color and clarity may allow you to get a diamond double the carat weight.
Looking for a diamond around 2.30 carats or slightly higher is likely to be the sweet spot, where you don’t have to sacrifice too much in other areas.
If you want to max out the carat weight you can afford within your budget, consider a fancy shaped diamond, as less popular shapes are often cheaper per carat than classic round diamonds. Choosing certain shapes may allow you to find a diamond as big as 2.70 carats.
Here are some examples of diamonds and their carat weight you’ll be able to afford with a $25,000 budget:
- 2.50 carat, I/VS1 emerald diamond from James Allen ($23,940)
- 2.40 carat, H/VS2 cushion cut diamond from James Allen ($23,490)
- 2.32 carat, H/VS1 round cut diamond from Blue Nile ($24,780)
- 2.20 carat, H/SI1 oval cut diamond from James Allen ($23,560)
- 2.20 carat, E/VS1 asscher cut diamond from Blue Nile ($21,940)
Differences Between a $25000 Engagement Ring and $20000 Engagement Ring
Both $25,000 and $20,000 price points allow you a huge amount of freedom with what you can afford.
The biggest difference, as with any price point, is going to be the total carat weight you can afford. The price of a diamond rises a lot as its carat weight goes up, so the more you have to spend, the higher carat you can afford.
$25000 Engagement Ring: Cut, Color, Clarity, Shapes
When it comes to grades on cut, color clarity and color, you won’t be limited at all with what you have to choose from for a $25000 diamond ring.
$25,000 gives you enough that you can afford a D color, flawless diamond. You’re not going to be priced out of any option, aside from especially high carat diamonds.
If you want to maximize value for money, however, it’s important to know which grades are going to have the biggest visible impact on an engagement ring’s beauty, and which can actually be a bit of a trap.
Here are some tips on getting the most for your money when buying a $25,000 ring.
Cut
A diamond’s cut grade is one you never want to compromise on. Well-cut diamonds are perfectly proportioned, and exhibit intense fire and brilliance, the likes of which we associate diamonds with. Poorly cut diamonds are going to end up looking rather dull and lifeless in comparison.
“For many people, cut is the most important of the 4Cs − the system developed by GIA to describe a diamond’s quality.” “A beautifully finished (cut) diamond is dazzling; every facet displays the craftsman’s skill and care. When it interacts with light, each facet and angle affects the amount of light returned to the eye. This is what gives a diamond its face-up appearance and what makes it appealing – or not.” Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Look for Ideal or Excellent cut grades for round diamonds. You could also consider a diamond from the Brian Gavin Hearts & Arrows Collection, which features super-ideal cuts that really stand out in a crowd.
Color
With a diamond color grade, your objective should be to pick out a diamond that appears colorless. What’s important to understand is that this does not always mean you need the highest grade possible.
While a D color diamond is going to look completely colorless, an H color diamond won’t look much different to the naked eye. Yet the D color comes with a hefty jump in price.
Diamonds in the range of G color to K color are likely to be enough that you don’t notice any discoloration. By opting for a slightly lower grade within this range, you may be able to save a good amount of money, which can instead be put towards a higher carat diamond or a more elaborate setting.
Clarity
Like color, diamond clarity is a grade that’s easy to overspend on, giving no visible difference, yet coming with a big jump in price.
A flawless diamond is great as a conversation starter, but in reality, no one will be able to tell the difference between a flawless diamond and one several grades lower. You can save a lot by focusing on a diamond that is “eye-clean”, meaning it has no inclusions or blemishes visible to the naked eye.
The best way to tell for sure what is eye-clean and what is not is to inspect a diamond and its inclusions yourself. Generally you should be looking at a VS1/VS2 grade, particularly for larger diamonds, with which inclusions are going to be more easily visible. Anything significantly higher, you’re probably overpaying for a grade with no visible difference.
Shapes
A diamond’s shape is not a grade, the way cut, color and clarity are, but it’s worth thinking about all the same. Shape is more of a personal preference than anything. Some people prefer the classic, timeless appearance of a perfectly proportioned round diamond, yet for others, the unique look of an emerald or pear shaped diamond may appeal.
A lot of the time, non-traditional shapes are cheaper per carat than round diamonds, so opting for one of these shapes can be a way to afford a larger diamond within the same budget.
Where to Buy a $25k Engagement Ring
Shopping with the right vendor is important if you’re to get a good deal on your $25,000 engagement ring. We have an article covering all of your options to buy an engagement ring. You want to shop somewhere with a large range, with diamonds that carry a grading certificate from a reputable entity like the GIA. For this, there are several online vendors that we recommend as the best choice:
Blue Nile
For range, no one beats Blue Nile’s inventory. Their range of over 400,000 loose diamonds means you’re spoiled for choice, even with diamonds 2ct and above, where options can be a little more limited. They offer everything that makes up a great customer experience, including close-up 360 degree images and helpful service.
James Allen
James Allen offers the best customer experience there is when it comes to buying diamonds and diamond jewelry. They provide high-quality imagery and software to help you inspect diamonds online, strong attention to customer service, on top of a huge range of diamonds and settings at competitive prices.
Brian Gavin Diamonds
Brian Gavin Diamonds is known for the highest quality cuts in the diamond industry. If you want a diamond with unparalleled fire and brilliance, a Brian Gavin Hearts & Arrows diamond is an excellent choice.
Leibish & Co.
With a budget as high as $25k, you’ve got enough to afford something unique, like a fancy canary yellow diamond. For all fancy colored diamonds, Leibish is the best. They have an extensive range of diamonds in an array of unique colors, and their expertise helps greatly when it comes to building an engagement ring around a fancy colored stone.
$25k Diamond Ring Inspiration
A $25,000 engagement ring budget is enough to give you an extensive choice of different ring styles, from classic round diamonds of the highest caliber, to unique shapes or colors and eye-catching settings.
To help you start your search, here are some $25,000 engagement rings in a few different styles to offer up some inspiration.
Solitaire Engagement Rings
This budget allows you to pair a large, high-quality diamond with a simple solitaire setting. This lets you showcase the diamond in all its glory, and put the majority of your budget towards the best diamond you can find.
Halo & Pavé Engagement Rings
A halo or pavé setting is great at adding more overall brilliance to your ring, with smaller accent diamonds supporting the center stone. These setting styles provide greater overall flair and personality to the ring, without taking the focus away from the center diamond.
Vintage & Designer Engagement Rings
A $25,000 budget is enough that you can really splash on a unique setting. Vintage style settings and designer engagement rings can be a great way to truly make the ring on your fiance’s finger stand out.
Fancy Colored Diamond Engagement Rings
Fancy color diamonds are a surefire way to stand out. An engagement ring with a beautiful canary yellow diamond in its center is going to give you a unique look, the likes of which you’re unlikely to see anywhere else.
Email Our Experts For Assistance With Engagement Rings
We understand the search for an engagement ring can be daunting. It’s a big decision to make, and the higher your budget, the more choices you have to sift through.
Contact our team of experts as we are here to help you work through these choices and come away with the perfect diamond ring. We’ll help you evaluate the beauty, quality and value of any diamonds you’re looking at, and work with you in picking out the perfect setting to match.
A $25,000 engagement ring budget is a lot to play with, but by following the recommendations outlined in this article, you should have an easier time ensuring you get the ultimate value for your purchase.
Here are more specific budget topics to browse:
- What are the most affordable engagement rings?
- How much should you spend on an engagement ring?
- What are diamonds worth?
- The best engagement rings for $1,000
- The best engagement rings for under $2,500
- The best engagement rings for $3,000
- The best engagement rings for $5,000
- The best engagement rings for $10,000
- The best engagement rings for $15,000
- The best engagement rings for $20,000
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free International Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisals
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
- Free ring inscriptions
- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Best-in-class packaging
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
Still afraid of getting ripped off?
Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.
Ask your diamond purchase question here
DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.
You Might Like
Diamond Prices: A Complete Guide
A diamonds’ price is determined primarily by the 4 Cs of the diamond. On the wholesale level, diamond prices are first based on a diamond shape and
The Best Places to Buy Engagement Rings
When purchasing a diamond engagement ring, it’s important to find the right retailer to purchase it from. Some retailers excel at niche products li
1 Carat Diamond Price & Buying Guide
A wide range of 1 carat diamonds exist both in online markets and local diamond jewelry stores. Not only are there significant differences in beauty
