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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.
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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.
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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.
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