ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CARAT SIZES
The different carat sizes of a diamond.
Besides the remarkable sparkle of a diamond, one of the very first things you notice about an engagement ring is the size of the diamond. When it comes the 4Cs of a diamond, the carat size remains one of the most talked about characteristics of a diamond. In many cases, a future bride will frequently be asked what the size of her extraordinary diamond is. For a diamond expert, it can come as second nature to establish a diamond’s size. But for everyone else, here’s an easy guide to help you establish and understand the meaning of a carat size.
CARAT SIZE
The word carat comes from the carob seed.
Did you know that a carat, written ‘ct’ usually refers to the diamond’s weight and not the initial size? Carat is a unit of weight in which a diamond is measured; the word originated from the carob seed in which a diamond was originally compared to in the early 1900s. One carat weighs approximately 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams. In most cases, a diamond can have the same weight, but cost entirely different due to the other characteristics of the 4Cs.
As the carat weight of a diamond increases the price of the diamond will increase as well. The reason? The larger the diamond becomes the more exceptionally rare it is to find. Less than one in a million rough diamonds are able to be cut and polished into a faceted 1-carat diamond.
It’s important to note that even though the price increases with the carat weight, the size of the diamond will not necessarily be larger. When the carat weight of the diamond triples, the perceived size will triple along with it, however, the crown area will slightly double and the diameters of the diamond will go up with 45%.
COMPARING THE DIFFERENT CARAT SIZES
The comparison of everyday objects and different carat sizes.
Even though the carat weight of a diamond is the same, the shape and cut of a diamond will have an impact on the size. For example, a one-carat diamond marquise cut may appear larger than a one carat round diamond cut. If the diamond shape is a bit longer, it will automatically appear larger to the naked eye even though a round diamond consists of the same carat weight. Diamond cuts that usually appear larger than a round cut diamond is an oval shape diamond, pear-shaped diamond and a marquise cut diamond. If you’re looking for an engagement ring, the carat weight and diamond size will be up to personal preference. Here’s a comparing of the different carat sizes versus everyday objects:
DETERMINATE THE CARAT SIZE USING THE 4CS
Try out different diamond sizes on your hand to find the right fit for you.
When it comes to making a decision on a certain carat weight first establish who you’re buying the diamond for; start with the size of the diamond since it’s the most visual part of a ring. Take a time trying out different diamond rings and determine which carat size suits you or the wearer’s hand better. The best way to start is trying on a quarter carat first and moving a size up as you try on different size engagement rings. Remember that diamonds with a longer cut such as the pear-shaped or marquise diamond appear larger than a round diamond of the same carat weight. This is important to know if size and carat weight is of great importance. Once you’ve established the perfect size you can fit the colour and clarity according to your unique budget.
CALCULATE A DIAMOND’S WEIGHT IN CARATS
Two diamonds with the same carat weight might appear different due to the cut grade.
The best way to estimate the carat weight of a diamond is simply by weighing the rough stone in grams. Take the amount from the scale and divide it by 0.2 to determine the carat weight of a diamond.
Consider these two factors when it comes to carat weight
- Top diameters of the diamond – measure the distance in millimetres on top of the diamond.
- The diamond cut grade – depending on the way the diamond is cut, a certain amount of light will enter the diamond making it appear larger.
How will these factors influence the size of a diamond?
A smaller carat weight diamond will appear larger with the assistance of a higher cut grade, while a larger diamond will appear smaller with a lower cut grade.
If you’re planning to propose it is necessary to consider your fiancé’s specific style and personality before deciding on the size of the diamond. In the end, the carat weight, cut, colour and clarity all play an important role in the overall size of a magnificent diamond.
