DIAMOND CARAT WEIGHT

How Diamonds Are Expressed In Weight

The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats. The larger the diamond, the more the carat weight. A one carat diamond equals one fifth of a gram. For diamonds under a carat, each carat is divided into 100 points, similar to cents in a dollar. For example:

25 points = 0.25ct = one quarter of a carat = 1/4 carat

50 points = 0.50ct = half carat = 1/2 carat

75 points = 0.75ct = three quarters of a carat = 3/4 carat

100 points = 1.00ct = one carat = 1 carat

As mentioned above, carat weight specifically refers to a diamond's weight. However, the carat weight alone does not give a true indication of a diamond's size. To understand diamond size one should consider a) its cut and b) its width in millimetres when viewed from the top (the view one sees when set in a ring).

Cut is important because when a diamond is cut with the proper proportions it gives you the maximum amount of light return (or sparkle) out of the top of the diamond. This can make the diamond appear larger. Conversely a poorly cut diamond may have more weight in its bottom half making it appear smaller than its carat weight would imply.
This means you can actually have a diamond of a lower carat weight that is well cut, appearing larger than a diamond with a higher carat weight that is poorly cut.

There is a common misconception by people that a two carat diamond is twice as big as a one carat diamond. It is twice as heavy however its diameter is not twice the width.

E.g. A well cut one carat round brilliant diamond will have a width of approximately 6.5mm compared to a two carat diamond which will have a width of approximately 8.2mm.
 

Larger diamonds with more carat weight are much rarer and therefore more valuable.

Choosing Your Diamond Size

In order to choose the best diamond size or carat weight you need to consider your budget, the size of her finger, her unique style and her expectations.

1. Your Budget - Viewing our diamond list will help you find the size and quality of the diamond that suits your budget.
2. Finger Size - The smaller her finger is the larger the diamond will look and the converse is also true. Online Ring Sizer
3. Her Unique Style - If she has a conservative personality perhaps the traditional round brilliant cut diamond would be a good choice. If not, consider a fancy shape like the princess cut diamond.
4. Her Expectations - With diamonds size does matter. Most women aspire to a one carat diamond or bigger. We suggest to buy the biggest and best diamond you can afford. Remember that she will be wearing the diamond you choose for the rest of her life and it will probably be inherited by one of your children. It will be seen and admired by family and friends so choose with this in mind.