Diamond Carat 101

October 4, 2023 • 3 min read

When it comes to diamonds, carat is one of the most well-known and frequently discussed aspects. However, carat isn’t just a measure of a diamond’s weight; it also plays a significant role in determining a diamond’s size, value and overall appearance.

Let’s delve into the world of diamond carat to understand its significance in the world of fine jewellery.

What is a Diamond Carat?

A diamond carat is a unit of measurement used to determine the weight of a diamond. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams or 0.007 ounces. The word “carat” originates from the carob seeds historically used to balance scales when weighing gemstones, due to their consistent weight.

Size and Carat Weight

While carat is a measure of weight, it is often associated with a diamond’s size. Generally, larger diamonds have a higher carat weight, but the correlation between carat weight and size isn’t linear. A 1-carat diamond doesn’t look twice as large as a 0.5-carat diamond; the increase in size is somewhat less than that.

Other factors, such as cut and shape, play a significant role in how a diamond appears to the naked eye. Different diamond shapes have different proportions, which can make them appear larger or smaller for a given carat weight.

An oval, marquise, and pear-shaped diamond engagement ring will often appear larger due to their elongated shapes.

Carat and Value

Carat weight also has a considerable influence on a diamond’s value. As carat weight increases, so does the cost. However, it’s important to note that two diamonds of the same carat weight can have vastly different values based on their other qualities, such as cut, colour and clarity.

A well-cut, colourless, and internally flawless diamond will be significantly more valuable than a diamond of the same carat weight with lesser characteristics.

Certain carat weights are particularly sought after due to their perceived desirability. These include the half-carat, one-carat, and two-carat milestones. A diamond that crosses these thresholds is often considered more valuable. For instance, a 0.90-carat diamond may be less expensive than a 1.00-carat diamond, but the visual difference is minimal.

How to Choose the Right Carat Weight

Selecting the ideal carat weight depends on personal preferences, budget and the recipient’s style. Some may prioritise a larger diamond, while others may prefer a smaller diamond with higher-quality characteristics.

It’s important to strike a balance between carat weight and the other three Cs of diamonds: cut, colour, and clarity. In some cases, a smaller diamond with excellent cut, colour and clarity may appear more stunning than a larger one with inferior qualities.

While a larger carat weight may be appealing, it’s essential to find a balance between carat weight and your budget. Smaller diamonds with high-quality characteristics can be just as stunning as larger diamonds, especially when well-cut. Consider your budget and priorities carefully to make an informed decision.

Understanding the diamond carat is crucial when shopping for diamond engagement rings. It impacts a diamond’s weight, size, value, and overall appearance. However, carat weight is just one of the factors to consider.

To make the best choice when buying a diamond, it’s important to evaluate the interplay of carat weight with the other C’s. By doing so, you can find the perfect diamond that suits your style, preferences and budget.

If you’re thinking of proposing, visit one of the top jewellers in Sydney. With three boutiques located across the city, Midas Jewellery can help you.