Question: I have big / chubby / fat fingers. What are the best engagement rings for larger hands?
For larger hands, a big diamond makes great sense. At the same time, alternatives exist including scattered arrangements of diamonds across a large ring design. As part of our work, we explore all of the options available and present suggestions to help with the dilemma of sourcing the perfect diamond for the perfect ring.
A client recently came to see us. She was in need of help. After trying on countless engagement rings, she found that not a single ring suited the size and shape of her hand. As a result, she was now desperate to find a big diamond engagement ring to suit.
Diamond size compared to finger size
Some ring styles suit a hand and finger size better than others. Also, the size of your stone affects the overall look of the jewellery design. For example, a 4mm 0.25cts diamond appears proportionally smaller on a large hand.
We created a dedicated section for engagement ring styles that are suitable for larger hands. Within this part of our shop, we have style suggestions for large ring designs suitable for large hand or finger sizes.
The Berlin ring design shown with a 1-carat diamond. Berlin features a substantial band, perfect for a large diamond or gemstone.
Big hands deserve big diamonds.
It’s not rocket science to appreciate a large diamond suits a large hand. Unfortunately, big diamond rings fall outside many people’s price range. For this reason, we decided to make some suggestions for anyone looking for big single-diamond engagement ring.
1. Choose a large gemstone instead of a diamond
Consider a large gemstone instead of a diamond. We create big engagement ring sets with coloured gemstones. Moreover, many work out more affordable than a diamond. For example, a 1-carat-sized Aquamarine will create the same striking show for a fraction of the cost of a 1-carat diamond ring.
What is the smallest diamond suitable for big hands?
The smallest diamond sizes we recommend are 0.60 – 0.70cts. Measuring 5.5 – 5.6mm in diameter, the diamond will not be lost. At the same time, it will not look too large either.
One carat works very well, but your budget may not allow the luxury of a one-carat single-stone ring. If you’re fortunate to be looking for large ring styles, the sheer size of a 2-carat diamond will look significant on the largest of hands.
Showing the impressive size of a 2 carat princess cut diamond, held alongside an emerald cut diamond.
2. Get the look of a big engagement ring with an illusion cluster engagement ring
If the carat single-stone ring is out of the question, consider spreading the carat weight across several diamonds within the same design.
They provide the appearance of a single diamond. Up close, the cluster arrangement of diamonds can be seen. In addition to increased size, there is a reduced cost. A carat of smaller diamonds costs far less than a carat within one diamond.
The Starla engagement ring design gives the effect of a much larger diamond.
The ‘Daisy’ engagement ring looks incredible with a cluster of diamonds shown here with a total carat weight of 1.25cts.
3. Choose a large replica diamond
Diamonds are by far the most durable gemstone. However, it is possible to commission a large 2 or 3-carat engagement ring close to the cost of just the engagement ring setting. In addition to natural diamonds, we work with ideal cut crystals to create the effect of an enormous ring in any precious metal.
Platinum engagement ring set with 3 carat equivalent Swarovski Zirconia.
On a cautionary note, we would warn anyone considering this option about durability. Over time, a Swarovski Crystal will wear. As a result, it may need replacing, but at a fraction of the cost of diamonds, this could be a solution for some.
4. Increase size by choosing a Halo Engagement Ring
Halo engagement rings feature a ring of diamonds around the main stone. The centre diamond sits within an inner ring of outer diamonds. As a result, there is a sizeable appearance to most halo engagement rings. Choose double shoulders for greater breadth. Enhance size further by choosing an alternative central gemstone. Furthermore, this adds contrast against white diamonds.
Wider shoulders work well – double shoulders reverse tapered with a larger gemstone for a substantial effect.
We created this bespoke diamond engagement ring with a Fire Opal, surrounded by a halo of small brilliant cut diamonds. The perfect example of cocktail rings!
5. Consider a wide band for big engagement rings
Wider shoulders work better with large fingers. Wide engagement rings are not easy to find, but we have a few very nice suggestions. If you don’t like the look of wide shoulders, consider split shoulders. Some designs fork. They provide a wider design across a double shoulder.
Flow works wonderfully well on larger hands. Set with 0.60cts of diamonds, the ring appears broad without looking too ‘chunky’.
View flow on our website shown with a specially made shaped wedding ring
6. Choose a simple setting with forked shoulders
There are so many simple settings available. Furthermore, many feature split shoulders to give a broader look. Choose a gemstone and ramp up the size. Perfect for a bigger finger. We provide most types of gemstones, from popular to rare. The example below features a rare colour-changing Purple Spinel. This one-of-a-kind gemstone we sourced for a local client visiting our showroom.
7. Choose Diamond Bubble Rings as engagement rings
Diamond bubble rings (sometimes referred to as Raindance styled rings) scatter diamonds across multiple bands. Ideal for big hands, there are several styles, ranging in size from designs below 1 carat to large design. For example, our Carnegie diamond bubble ring is set with a whopping 3 carats of diamonds.
Waverly diamond bubble ring set with just under 1 carat of diamonds.
8. Choose a coloured gemstone instead of a diamond
Choose an affordable coloured gemstone instead of a diamond. As a result, get a big show at an affordable price. By doing this, we help many clients find the perfect engagement ring. Furthermore, we offer Platinum, White Gold, Yellow Gold and Rose Gold for any ring design. In addition, we work with ethical Fairtrade Gold.
Big Aquamarine ring set into Platinum
9. Choose a big lab-grown diamond
Over the last year, the explosion in popularity for lab-grown diamonds has been fuelled by the enormous price difference with natural diamonds. As a result, we regularly source big diamonds, grown in a laboratory and cut in the same way as natural diamonds. By way of comparison, a diamond with a price tag of £8,000-10,000 will likely cost around £1,000 – £2,000 in an identical, yet laboratory-grown diamond. In addition, rings with multiple diamonds can be created in the same way.
For example, our lab-grown diamond bubble rings are now available in all of the original styles once set with only natural diamonds.
Big Diamond Wedding Rings
In addition to big engagement rings, we create big diamond wedding rings for men and women. For men, we make diamond wedding rings set into wide bands. We make many in large plus sized finger sizes. As an example, size Z+1 and larger.
For women, we make most big diamond wedding rings in large finger sizes. For instance, finger size Q upwards. In addition, we make wedding rings with big diamonds.
Remember, the larger the diamonds, the thicker the ring. For this reason, smaller diamonds give more comfort. Also, remember the cost. A big diamond wedding ring with a thick band is more expensive due to the weight of the Gold or Platinum.
Diamond Bubble Rings
Finally, the best seller from our statement ring collection comes from our diamond bubble ring collection.
The Bowery ring features 2 carats of brilliant cut diamonds. The diamonds are arranged over a triple band. In detail, we create each ring in three separate sections. As a result, the ring benefits from a perfect finish once assembled.
Bowery is a perfect example of a large diamond ring suitable for larger hands. It features an impressive show of 2 carats of diamonds.
Getting further advice on big engagement rings
In summary, please get in touch if you need help with big engagement rings. We create most of our designs with big stone sizes. In addition, we make most designs in plus finger sizes.
We provide full help and support for anyone looking for an engagement ring or big diamonds wedding ring. Book an appointment to visit us in our Ryde showroom or chat to us.
Common Questions
A 1-carat round brilliant-cut measures between 6.3 – 6.5mm in diameter from the girdle to girdle.
The Great Star of Africa, or Cullinan I, appears on the late sovereign’s royal sceptre but originates from a private mine in Cullinan, South Africa. Weighing 530 carats, the famous diamond was presented to King Edward VII in 1907.
A 0.5-carat diamond measures 5mm in diameter in a popular round brilliant-cut, but only 4.5mm in diameter across a princess-cut diamond.
The Koh-i-Noor (Mountain of Light), one of the largest diamonds in the world, weighs in at 105.6 carats and forms part of the Crown Jewels owned by King Charles III of England.
Big Diamonds video
Watch our video below, showing a variety of popular diamond shapes in large sizes for easy comparison.
About Mark Johnson
My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.
