Diamonds - Brilliant Jewelers
Quick Tip:
The most important thing to remember when it comes to a diamonds carat weight is that it is not the only factor that determines a diamonds value. In other words, bigger does not necessarily mean better. All four CsCut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight must be balanced in order to arrive at a diamond that fits your budget. None of the 4Cs is mutually exclusive, nor is any one more important than the others.



More About The Carot:
The word carat actually comes from the word carob (as in carob seeds), which is how ancient cultures measured the weight of diamonds on their scales. In 1913, however, the weight was standardized internationally and adapted to the metric system.


The bottom line:
The carat weight of a diamond is an extremely important determining factor in its value. Diamonds are valued on a per-carat basis. For example, a diamond of exceptionally high quality may sell for $20,000 per carat, while one of lesser quality may sell for $1,000 per carat. So, a three- carat stone could be $60,000 or $3,000, depending on its per-carat price. Diamond values also increase disproportionately as the size of the stone increases. In other words, a two-carat stone will not necessarily cost twice per carat than a one-carat stone. It could cost much more, since diamonds are rarer in larger sizes. As you take a stone of a particular cut, clarity and color and move its carat weight to the next price category, you may see quite a large increase in the price per carat. Remember that size isn't everything. When choosing a diamond, all 4Cs must be taken into account. The key is to strike a balance among them, while still working within your budget.
   Once you've determined what cut, color, and clarity grade you're looking for in a diamond, it's easy to decide what carat weight of diamond you can fit within your budget.


How Big is a Carat?
This chart illustrates the graduation of diamond sizes. Note that a 2-carat diamond does not appear to be twice the size of a 1-carat diamond when viewed from above.



Note: Use this chart as a relative guide only. (Actual sizes will vary with different monitor settings.)

Diamond Value Increases with Size:
Remember that since large pieces of diamond rough are discovered less frequently than small ones, large diamonds are generally more valuable. A two-carat diamond of a given quality is always worth more than two 1-carat diamonds of the same quality.

What Size Is Best?
After you decide on grades of cut, color, and clarity, then consider your recipient's style, the size of her finger, the size of diamond that will fit in your setting, and finally your budget.

If you have a set budget, explore all your options and you'll find that there is a wide range of diamond sizes and qualities available in any price range.

If your recipient is very active or not used to wearing jewelry, she may find herself bumping or nicking her new ring on objects. Consider a smaller size diamond or a setting that protects a larger diamond from getting caught or knocked against anything.

Also keep in mind that the smaller the finger, the larger the diamond will appear a 1-carat diamond solitaire looks much larger on a size 4 finger than a size 8.

If you have already chosen a setting, to make sure you choose a diamond to fit, check the diamond size specifications of your ring.

Finally, if a large carat weight is important to you, yet you're working within a budget, consider a diamond with a good cut, SI1SI2 clarity, and in the near-colorless range.

But the best way to determine what size is best is by secretly getting an idea of what she is expecting.