CARAT

Diamond Carat Weight refers specifically to a diamond’s weight. A metric carat is defined as 200 milligrams. Oftentimes, one will hear diamond carat weight referred to as “points.” One carat is divided into 100 points in order to allow for very precise one hundredth decimal measurement of each carat.

While this is an exact measure of size, it does not always accurately show a diamond’s size to the eye. This is because you a view a diamond from the top looking down and into the stone. The diamond’s dimensions, measurement across the top in millimeters and finally the diamond’s cut and quality will thus play a part in the size when viewed to the naked eye. When a diamond is well cut, the light and sparkle seen in the diamond is maximized and this extra light will make the diamond appear larger. For example, a diamond with a lower cut grade could appear smaller due to its dimensions or in combination with the amount of light that does or does not shine brightly through the top (also known as the table).

DETERMINING CARAT WEIGHT FOR YOUR BRIDE TO BE

In determining carat weight, consider the following factors:

The size of her finger
The size of the ring’s setting
Your overall budget

Oftentimes, diamond size or carat weight is an important factor in people’s final choice. If this is the case, in order to fit within a very strict budget, one may choose to find a diamond that has a good cut, but move down on clarity and color slightly in order to find a large and “clean”stone that fits the budget.

It is also worth noting that diamond prices have differences as they jump from one full carat size to the next. For example, a 2.95 carat diamond will see a significant jump in price when compared to a 3.01 carat diamond with similar grading. This is because the stone’s total value is determined based from a “per carat” value determined by its characteristics.

A woman’s finger size can also affect how large a diamond appears. For example, the same diamond on a woman with a size 3.5 finger will make a 2 carat round solitaire look much larger than the same engagement ring on a woman with a size 9 ring finger. In determining the perfect diamond, let us help you find the perfect balance as you weigh the many different characteristics of the diamonds you have to choose from.

THE FOUR C’s

COLOR

With white diamonds, the color is graded based on how little color a diamond exudes to the viewer. Diamond’s of similar color are placed alongside each other for comparison to determine an official color grade.

CUT

When balancing the many characteristics diamonds have in picking the perfect stone for your bride to be, the quality of cut is a diamond’s most important attribute.

CLARITY

Diamond Clarity is a way to measure the level of tiny imperfections that exist within almost all diamonds except the very finest.

CARAT WEIGHT

While one initially views a diamond’s size by looking at the stone and how big the table or flat top portion of it appears, a diamond’s size is measured in weight. Carats are a unit that specifically refer to the weight of a diamond.