Buying Guide for 4.5 Carat Diamond Ring

Purchasing diamonds can be daunting if you have little to no experience in such matters. The stakes only rise if you have your eyes on diamonds weighing several carats. To avoid a costly mistake, it’s crucial to gain an understanding of what you’re buying before making the final decision. This guide will cover the ins and outs of buying a 4.5 carat diamond ring to help you choose wisely.

• How Much Does a 4.50 Carat Diamond Ring Cost?
• Shop 4.5 Carat Diamond Rings
• Tips for Finding the Perfect 4.50 Carat Diamond Ring
• Pros and Cons of a Vintage 4.50 Carat Ring
• Talk to an Expert

How Big Is a 4.5 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring?

Although they are often confused, diamond and carat sizes refer to different aspects of this precious gemstone. The carat size refers to the diamond’s weight, measured in carats (ct). In our case, we’re only looking at 4.50ct diamond rings.

On the other hand, the diamond size refers to how large the diamond appears. Not all 4.5 carat diamond rings will look the same since diamonds can carry the weight vertically, in height or depth. As a result, their weight can’t be appreciated by viewing the diamond from above, as opposed to diamonds with a larger surface area and diameter.

The weight distribution mostly depends on the diamond shape and cut. So, these two aspects primarily determine how large a diamond appears. For this reason, it’s important to look at the diamond’s dimensions as part of your search.

4.50 Ct Diamond Ring Size

Diamond Cut	Dimensions (Length x Width)
Oval Cut	12.70 x 9.15 mm
Round Brilliant Cut	10.65 x 10.65 mm
Emerald Cut	11 x 8 mm
Cushion Cut	9.50 x 9.50 mm
Pear Cut	14.15 x 9.10 mm
Marquise cut	17 x 8.40 mm
Asscher cut	9.40 x 9.40 mm

Remember that these measurements are an estimate since every diamond has unique attributes.

You can find stunning 4.5 carat diamond rings in almost any shape and cut, so you should base your decision on the wearer’s preference and style. If you believe there’s no such thing as a too-large diamond, look for shapes that appear bigger, such as oval and pear cut.

How Much Does a 4.5 Carat Diamond Ring Cost?

On average, the starting price for a 4.50 carat diamond ring is around $40,000. Besides the carat size, the diamond’s cost is determined by its cut quality, color, and clarity. These factors are important for diamonds of any size but become essential for larger stones. After all, they are much more visible on 4.5 carat diamond rings than their smaller counterparts. A 4.50 carat diamond ring of superb quality can cost well over a quarter of a million dollars.

4.5 Ct Diamond Ring Cost

Color Grade	VVS2 Clarity (Very Very Slightly Included)	VS2 Clarity (Very Slightly Included)	SI2 Clarity (Slightly Included)
K Color (Faint)	$66,634	$57,602	$44,096
J Color (Near Colorless)	$78,878	$70,363	$56,847
I Color (Near Colorless)	$100,664	$81,513	$67,213
H Color (Near Colorless)	$119,530	$99,908	$70,486
G Color (Near Colorless)	$146,764	$125,821	$83,925
F Color (Colorless)	$170,614	$130,400	$89,270
E Color (Colorless)	$185,834	$136,458	$90,315
D Color (Colorless)	$247,794	$149,626	$97,052

It should be noted that these prices refer to round diamonds. Other shapes will have different prices for the same carat size. These prices will be lower since the round diamond is the most expensive diamond shape. The reason for this price discrepancy is simple. To create a round diamond, the jewelers dispose of around 60% of the natural rough diamond during the cutting and polishing process.

Accordingly, the most affordable diamond shapes use the largest amount of the original rough diamond. These include the Asscher, cushion, and emerald cuts.

But keep in mind that the shape of the diamond will dictate the minimum clarity grade you should consider. There’s no need to look for a flawless (FL) diamond. Instead, consider diamonds that have no inclusions visible to the naked eye. The “rougher” diamond shapes are more likely to display inclusions or color, thus requiring a higher clarity grade than a round brilliant cut.

Tips for Finding the Perfect 4.5 Carat Diamond Ring

Finding the perfect 4.5 carat diamond engagement ring is no easy feat. So, we’ve compiled a list of shopping tips to help you accomplish this task hassle-free.

1. Only consider reputable vendors. This way, you’ll ensure their 4.5 carat diamond ring offer is top-quality. Plus, you’ll be able to rely on their diamond experts to guide you through this journey.
2. Prioritize the diamond’s cut. This is arguably the determining factor for the diamond’s beauty. It’s harder to notice color or clarity flaws when the diamond is exceptionally well cut. In addition, this cut will optimize the diamond’s brilliance more than any other factor.
3. Don’t solely rely on the stated color grades. What you see with your naked eye is much more important than a fixed grade. So, make sure to review the diamond up close, either in person or online, provided the website offers HD pictures. For 4.5 carat diamond rings, we recommend the G-I color grades.
4. Carefully consider the diamond clarity. Since 4.5 carats is a considerable weight, the diamond should belong to the VS2 clarity grade at a minimum. Most blemishes and inclusions are invisible to the naked eye at this grade. However, you can still consider diamonds of lower clarity, provided the inclusions are close to the edge. This way, they will be hidden once the diamond is in its setting.
5. Choose the shape based on the wearer’s preferences. While the diamond’s shape can influence many technical factors, there’s no point in purchasing a shape that’s unappealing to the person who’s likely to wear the ring daily.
6. If the diamond’s size is your priority, choose shapes that look the largest. 4.5 carat diamond rings are already pretty big compared to an average diamond. Still, choosing a pear or oval cut will make them appear even more prominent.
7. Choose a setting that provides stability for your diamond. Due to the center stone’s size, choosing a secure option, such as a bezel setting, is crucial.

Shop 4.5 Carat Diamond Rings

4.5 Carat Weight (CW) vs. 4.50 Total Carat Weight (TCW)

Many diamond rings feature more than one diamond. These additional diamonds are typically placed in a halo, ring’s shoulders, or on the band. As the name suggests, the ring’s total carat weight (TCW) describes the total weight of all these diamonds. In contrast, the carat weight (CW) refers only to the center stone.

At Estate Diamond Jewelry, we list the ring’s carat weight based solely on the center stone. Therefore, when you spot a 4.50 carat engagement ring on our website, its center stone weighs approximately 4.50 carats. Any additional gemstones will be listed separately, so you can quickly determine the ring’s total carat weight.

Also, keep in mind that the center diamond is the chief driver of the ring’s price. As a result, a ring with a 4.50 carat diamond in the center will likely be more expensive than a ring that weighs 4.50 carats in total.

4.5 Carat Diamond Shape and Cuts

No two diamond cuts carry their weight the same way. As a result, round 4.5 carat diamond rings will look infinitely different than their emerald-cut counterparts.

The diamond’s cut determines the number of facets on a diamond and, thus, how light travels and reflects through the gemstone. This means that the cut ultimately determines the diamond’s sparkle.

The cut can affect the diamond’s overall appeal in other ways. For example, elongated diamond shapes like oval or marquise cuts appear larger despite being the same carat weight. Similarly, brilliant cuts, like round, cushion, or pear, hide inclusions well, allowing you to choose a lower clarity grade.

With this in mind, let’s explore each diamond cut in more detail to help you choose the best one for the 4.50 carat diamond ring of your dreams.

4.5 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond

The round brilliant cut is by far the most popular diamond shape for engagement rings, thanks to its timeless appearance and intense sparkle. This is made possible due to many facets that reflect light in a breathtaking way. Basically, a round brilliant diamond is a product of cutting a rough diamond at ideal angles for optimizing brilliance.

For these reasons, the cut quality becomes even more critical than usual. So, when looking at a 4.50 carat round brilliant cut diamond, you should review its GIA report. But remember that even expensive diamonds with higher GIA ratings can have noticeable inclusions. So, it’s always better to look at the ring firsthand and consult an expert regarding its cut.

If you’re determined to purchase a round brilliant cut diamond, be prepared to pay more than for a 4.50 carat diamond of another cut. Since this is the most sought-after diamond shape, its popularity undoubtedly takes part in driving up the price. However, the high price primarily results from the manufacturing process that requires bigger original diamonds since almost 60% of the stone gets discarded along the way.

4.5 Carat Oval Cut Diamond

An oval cut diamond is perfectly proportionate and has a similar brilliance to a round diamond. In a way, this shape represents an elegant combination of the round and the marquise cut. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals looking to express their individuality through a unique ring shape. As an added bonus, the diamond’s elongated silhouette appears larger compared to 4.50 carat diamonds of other shapes.

However, elongated ring shapes also typically have a bowtie. A bowtie is a dark area running across the diamond’s center. So, if you’re interested in an oval cut diamond, consult an expert to help determine if the bowtie is too prominent.

Since they have no pointed edges, oval cut diamonds are also more durable than most diamond shapes.

4.5 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond

The emerald cut is one of the most popular diamond shapes today, especially loved by celebrities. They are sought after for their understated glamour and worldly appearance that effortlessly pairs with any outfit. This cut is also ideal for individuals seeking Art Deco-inspired engagement rings.

Emerald cut diamonds feature parallel, rectangular facets and a large, open table that showcases the diamond’s color and clarity. Due to the size of the table, inclusions can be more noticeable in emerald cut diamonds, especially at larger carat weights.

So, if you’re set on purchasing a 4.50 carat emerald cut diamond, you should eliminate pieces below VS1 or VS2 clarity grades.

Whatever drawbacks this stone has regarding the cut, it makes up for in its size. Namely, the emerald cut showcases size better than other 4.50 carat diamonds, making it a premium choice for individuals desiring a larger rock without a dizzying price tag.

4.5 Carat Cushion Cut Diamond

This cut was appropriately named after a cushion thanks to an exciting combination of a square shape with rounded edges. That’s why you’ll sometimes encounter this shape referred to as a pillow cut. This shape offers a unique twist on the classic round shape and can be designed in many variations. As such, it offers plenty of opportunities for personalization and creativity.

The most significant advantage of choosing a 4.50 carat cushion cut ring lies in its luxurious appearance at a relatively low price. This shape is significantly less expensive than a round brilliant cut diamond of equivalent clarity, color, and cut quality.

4.5 Carat Pear Cut Diamond

The pear-shaped diamond is a timeless and elegant choice that combines the round brilliant and marquise cut styles for an extraordinary display of light. As the name suggests, it’s shaped like a pear or a tapered teardrop. This flattering shape elongates the finger, especially when the point is facing the nail.

When selecting a 4.50 carat pear cut diamond, pay attention to the severity of the bowtie. A jewelry expert can help you determine if this dark area is too prominent within the piece. This shape hides inclusions well and represents a unique alternative to traditional cuts, such as the round diamond

4.5 Carat Marquise Cut Diamond

As the story goes, the marquise diamond shape was initially commissioned by Louis XV, the king of France. He wanted his jeweler to create an entirely new diamond shape that mimicked the shape of his mistress’ mouth. A few centuries have passed since, but the marquise cut has remained a flattering choice for brides-to-be worldwide.

Due to its elongated shape, this cut is especially complementary to individuals with wider fingers since it makes them appear longer and more slender. It’s also the largest diamond shape visually.

Since a diamond of such a unique shape and size will undoubtedly attract attention, you should pay special attention to its symmetry and visible inclusions. The latter will likely be hidden by the prongs holding the stone in place, provided the inclusions are near the tips. As for the symmetry, look for 4.5 carat marquise cut diamonds where the two pointed ends align almost perfectly.

4.5 Carat Asscher Cut Diamond

This cut was named after the Asscher Brothers, who first produced it back in 1902. It was initially popular during the Art Deco era and after World War I. It regained its popularity after its one-hundredth anniversary, thanks to a slight modification to the cut technique

This dazzling stone represents an alternative to the emerald cut and features layered rectangular facets and a smaller table. The trimmed corners give the Asscher cut extra style and stability.

Unfortunately, this cut doesn’t mask the color of the diamond’s rough material as well as other shapes, such as the coveted round diamond. As a result, you should look for a 4.5 carat diamond ring of the H color grade at a minimum.

The same goes for the clarity grade. Since the Asscher cut isn’t great about hiding inclusions, you’ll benefit from choosing a ring of at least VS1 or VS2 clarity grade.

Pros and Cons of a Vintage 4.5 Carat Ring

Vintage 4.5 carat diamond rings can be stunning jewelry pieces, but they might not be the best option for everyone. Understanding the pros and cons of purchasing a vintage engagement ring will help you decide whether this ring fits your happily ever after.

Vintage rings have multiple advantages, including:

• A rich history. Vintage rings are pieces of history that perfectly capture the charm of times gone by.
• A romantic appeal. Vintage rings have dozens of happy anniversaries behind them, giving them a unique allure for couples planning their future together. These rings symbolize a relationship that can withstand the test of time.
• Longevity. Couples might not always know the exact history behind a vintage ring, but they know for sure it is long-lasting.
• A lower price. By their very nature, vintage rings are secondhand pieces. As such, 4.5 carat vintage rings often cost significantly less than their modern counterparts. For this reason, vintage rings are ideal for couples on a tight budget.
• Uniqueness. Vintage rings were crafted before the advent of modern jewelry machines that can easily replicate and mass-produce ring designs. Therefore, these rings are one-of-a-kind and feature exquisite attention to detail. Expert artisans made each ring by hand, creating unique designs, such as lace and filigree detailing and basket setting, which are hard to find in modern pieces. The ring-wearer will stand out and turn heads thanks to these features.
• Superb craftsmanship. No expense was spared when creating rings during the Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco eras. As a result, the craftsmanship of vintage rings is truly on another level, making it almost impossible for any modern replica to compare.
• Lower environmental impact. Vintage rings are perfect for environmentally conscious couples since they don’t require additional mining, shipping, or processing. These processes have several consequences that adversely affect the environment, including greenhouse emissions, habitat loss, and toxic contamination.
• Conflict-free diamonds. Social issues regarding diamonds emerged in the early 1990s. For this reason, older rings don’t feature conflict stones, and couples purchasing them can rest assured their diamond played no part in any historical atrocity.

While there are plenty of reasons to choose a vintage ring, there are some downsides you should know before making your final decision.

• Vintage rings can feature older stones that have become worn and lost some of their brilliance. You can avoid this issue by purchasing the ring from a reliable vendor that hand-picks the offered rings and keeps them in a top-notch condition. A thorough cleaning can help brighten older diamonds considerably.
• Not all vintage rings can be cleaned in modern machines. This especially applies to vintage rings with several types of stones. Instead, it would be best if you cleaned these rings by hand. While this can be somewhat painstaking, it will also keep the ring looking magnificent and sparkling as if it were new.
• Since vintage rings are one-of-a-kind, finding a matching wedding band can be challenging. If this is the case, you can wear your engagement ring and wedding band on opposite hands. Alternatively, the wedding band can be custom-made to match the beauty of your vintage 4.50 carat engagement ring.

Talk to an Expert

Considering the wearer’s unique style and preferences when choosing their ring is undoubtedly important. However, picking a ring solely based on its appearance can turn out to be a costly mistake. Understanding all the aspects that go into purchasing a 4.5 carat diamond ring allows you to select a ring that looks beautiful but also offers good value for the money. This way, you can be sure your loved one will be excited to wear it for years to come, and the ring will remain comfortable and in good condition.

Our guide has provided all the necessary information for making a prudent shopping decision. However, it’s perfectly understandable if you’re still unsure which 4.5 carat diamond ring to buy. If that’s the case, our jewelry experts at Estate Diamond Jewelry will be more than happy to assist you. Just fill in the contact form below, and we’ll get in touch as soon as possible.