The Diamond Carat Size Chart
May 30th, 2019 / Alese Oldenburg
When it comes to diamonds, there are many terms from carat to brilliance to cut that you may not know the meaning of or how they impact a diamond. Carat is probably one of the attributes most often misunderstood as many believe carat refers to the actual size of a stone. In fact, carat refers to the weight of a diamond as opposed to its physical size, though the two are related. Beyond carat, a variety of factors can influence the apparent visual size of a diamond, including the diamond cut grade and shape of the stone. Together, these elements determine the price at which a diamond is sold to the consumer, whether natural diamonds or lab grown diamond alternatives. Understanding the influence of these factors will help you determine the best option for your budget for simulated diamond jewelry. From cushion cut vs emerald, different cuts carry different influences on a diamond.
For carat size comparisons, it is easiest to see the differences when using a diamond size chart. One way to better understand it is to look at different shapes, like a round cut diamond, and how they will visually appear at different carat sizes. Here is a helpful carat size chart to aid you in visualizing how a diamond’s shape and carat influence how its physical size appears.
While carat is the standard unit of measurement, the millimeter size measurement of a diamond tells you its true physical size. This is important when considering the faceting and shape because, as you can see in the diamond weight chart above, certain shapes will appear larger in size at equivalent carat weights. Oblong shapes specifically, such as emerald, oval, or pear, often look larger than their round counterparts. When shopping for diamonds, the carat weight, as well as millimeter measurements, can always be found on the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) certificate of the diamond.
Looking at charts such as the one above is a great help in deciding whether you want a radiant cut diamond, an emerald cut diamond, a cushion cut diamond, or an asscher cut diamond.
Selecting a Diamond Size
Today, diamonds are often cut using special machinery, which can help eliminate a majority of possible imperfections. However, slight variations can be caused by inclusions or other natural factors within the diamond itself. The depth of the diamond can also impact its physical appearance from a face-up view, as is customary when in a setting. Working directly with a gemologist or other professional can help you ensure that you are getting the right diamond carat size, as these experts will know the ideal proportions for a particular shape. You will most often find diamonds sold at certain cutoff weights or magic numbers as they are known within the industry. These weights occur at regular intervals such as 0.25-carats, 0.50-carats, 0.75 carats and so on.
A diamond’s cut grade should also be considered. When a diamond is well cut, grading Very Good or higher, light is better reflected out of the top of the diamond, thereby making it appear larger. A smaller diamond with a better cut grade can appear larger than a bigger diamond with a poor cut grade.
It’s also critical to consider the diamond clarity and color when choosing a diamond’s size. Compromising on these two factors in an effort to purchase a larger diamond may not be the best choice because a larger diamond will more prominently display color or clarity flaws.
Impact of Carat on Price
After you have determined the cut, color and clarity grade of a diamond, you can easily use the carat weight to find the right diamond for your budget. In general, larger diamonds are much more expensive and valuable because they are discovered less frequently in nature than smaller ones. Despite popular belief, the natural diamond prices increase exponentially as diamond carat weight increases, as opposed to linearly. This means that a 1 carat diamond is always valued higher than two 0.5-carat diamonds, even if all 3 are of the same quality. Generally speaking, a natural diamond of double the weight will cost approximately four times more than the smaller diamond.
Buying Tips
Purchasing a diamond can quickly become a significant investment. However, empowered with a few tips, you can easily find the diamond ring of your dreams that’s still within your budget.
Buy Shy. Typically, the diamond price jumps when you reach a new cutoff weight. Buying just below these weights can provide considerable savings with very little visual difference, thanks to the exponential diamond pricing model. For example, selecting a 1.4-carat diamond rather than a 1.5-carat will look nearly the same in physical size but the price tag could be drastically different.
Consider Depth. Diamonds that have less depth tend to have a larger spread, meaning their millimeter measurements are larger without adding carat weight. Finding these diamonds could mean that your 0.75-carat princess cut diamond looks more like a 1-carat at a lower cost.
Look at Fancy Shapes.
The classic round diamond and fancy diamond shapes are the amongst the most popular choices available, and therefore tends to be priced higher due to market demand. Alternative options include emerald, cushion, princess, oval, radiant, pear, asscher, marquise, and trillion. Understanding the difference between each shape can also help your decision, like knowing the difference between emerald vs radiant for example.
Make Small Sacrifices. When it comes to clarity and color, choosing a diamond that has a slightly lower grade will have a minimal visual difference, but can save you a lot in terms of cost. In fact, a gemologist is likely the only person that will be able to see the variation across the high end of the diamond color scale, with D, E and F diamonds. Those diamonds with G, H or I color grade may have slight tints of yellow that can usually only be detected when next to a diamond with a higher grade. The same is true for clarity grades. Slightly Included (SI) diamonds have imperfections that can only be detected at 10x magnification, as opposed to Very Slightly Included (VS) or Very Very Slightly Included (VVS). VS and VVS are difficult for even a trained professional to see under 10x magnification. These small trade-offs can help you find areas to reduce cost, while still purchasing a beautiful diamond in the actual size you desire.
Think Ring Size. Lastly, consider how a diamond will look on the finger of your future fiancée. A diamond may appear larger on a smaller finger than it does on a larger one. Additionally, the setting you select for the diamond can have an impact on how the size appears once worn on the finger.
Consider Diamond Alternatives. There is a multitude of options available in the fine jewelry market today beyond just natural, mined diamonds. The question, are lab diamonds real, can be answered by increasing your understanding of the different options. From simulated lab grown diamonds to other diamond alternatives like moissanite, these options each have unique qualities when it comes to diamond cut, clarity, color and carat size. In general, diamond alternatives are more affordable no matter the carat size – lab grown diamonds may be up to 30% less than mined diamonds and options like Nexus Diamond alternatives will be up to 80% less than mined diamonds. Even with these cost savings, it is still important to evaluate the other quality factors when assessing an alternative diamond option.
Nexus Diamond alternatives are created with a patented formula intended to simulate the look, weight and wear of a natural diamond at perfect quality. Every one of these diamonds will be completely colorless, IF rated and Ideal cut, in every carat size, thereby ensuring a brilliant diamond at every price point.
Finding the Perfect Diamond for You
Whether shopping for an engagement ring or a ring in general, understanding how all of these factors work together to influence both the look and price of your diamond will help you select the right size stone for yourself or your loved one. Whether you’re considering an emerald shape, princess cut, or a round brilliant cut, it’s important to understand how the diamond shape can impact the diamond carat. If you combine the knowledge of your personal style and quality priorities with the expertise of the diamond carat chart, you will be poised to find the perfect diamond that is meant for you!
At Diamond Nexus, you’ll be sure to find the emerald cut engagement ring, radiant cut simulated diamond ring, or the unique ring you’re looking for not only ethically made but also reasonably priced.
*Diamond Nexus strives to provide valuable information, while being clear and honest about our products. The Nexus Diamond™ alternative is a patented lab grown stone that, among all simulants, most closely imitates the look, weight and wear of a mined diamond, with two exceptions – it is absolutely perfect in every way, and it costs significantly less. Price points and environmental facts expressed in this blog were taken from popular online retailers and may vary. Learn more about the environmental impact of mining by visiting out blog: blog.