Whether you're shopping for a see-from-space diamond or a smaller, subtler stone, carat is always front of mind for an engagement ring. Truthfully though, carat is maybe the most misunderstood of the 4 Cs and we're here to clear up all the confusion + get you the biggest, most dazzling diamond in your budget (unless you're on team tiny and we're here for you too)!
Keep reading for:
- What does diamond carat mean?
- How big is a carat?
- Different carat sizes on a hand
- Pro-tips to get the biggest looking diamond
What does diamond carat mean?
Despite what most people think, carat is a measure of weight, not size. One carat weighs 0.2 grams and that 0.2 grams can come in many different shapes and sizes.
Carat is just one of the 4 Cs used to evaluate diamonds - read our blog on diamond cut to learn more about the most important C of all.
How big is a carat?
As we said, carat measures weight and is equal to 0.2 grams. Just like with people, two stones can weigh exactly the same, yet look completely different in size. Even diamonds of the same shape and equal weight can look different depending on how they’re cut.
For example, a typical one carat round brilliant diamond measures 6.5 x 6.5 mm while a one carat oval diamond measures 7.7 x 5.7 mm, and the biggest-looking shape of all, marquise, measures 10 x 5 mm. Read our blog on converting carats to mm to find the actual size of any diamond shape.
Diamond carat vs diamond size
So now everybody in the back knows that diamond carat and size aren’t equal. But why? Let's break it down:
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Shape - elongated shapes like the stretched-out marquise, trick your eyes into seeing a larger-looking diamond. Also, certain cuts pack more weight at the bottom, resulting in a smaller skyward view.
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Stone type - every gemstone has a different density and therefore, a different weight. For instance, a sapphire is weightier than a diamond, so a sapphire of the same carat weight appears smaller.
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Cut - Poorly cut diamonds can be too deep or have a chunky girdle which hides their weight below the setting and reduces their visible size.
Different carat sizes on a hand
The easiest way to see sizes differences in a diamond is to compare them on a hand. Keep scrolling to see the finger coverage of the most popular diamond carat weights.
round brilliant diamonds carat sizes on a hand
emerald cut diamonds carat sizes on a hand
Oval cut diamonds carat sizes on a hand
pear cut diamonds carat sizes on a hand
marquise cut diamonds carat sizes on a hand
PRINCESS cut diamonds carat sizes on a hand
How to get the largest largest looking diamond:
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Got a budget? Perfect, start there!
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Next, figure out what carat weight both fits your budget and your aesthetic.
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Prioritize ‘cut’ before any of the other Cs - a well-cut diamond will not only look larger but will sparkle shamelessly (the whole point of a diamond, am I right?) Opt for excellent or very good cuts as starting point. Read our blog on diamond cut for more!
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Opt for the lowest clarity grade you can find that still maintains an eye-clean look (no visible inclusions to the naked eye). We aren’t in the business of paying for stats we can’t see!
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Opt for the lowest color grade you can while still maintaining a colorless appearance (if that’s what you’re looking for). Remember, a G or H grade can look colorless but costs a lot less.
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Now that you’ve optimized all your Cs, let’s get back to carat. With a lower color and clarity grade (that no one can see), you have more budget to put towards ‘carat’, and with a high cut grade, you’re getting a diamond with the weight where it matters - up top!
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If you're a size queen and you haven’t yet picked your stone shape, consider more elongated shapes like marquise, pear, and oval for a larger-looking diamond.
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Look at diamonds just under the most popular size markers. So, if you’re looking at one carat diamonds, peruse the 0.9 carat diamonds - you will not believe the price difference! Same goes for a 3 carat diamond vs a 2.69 carat diamond - a significant price difference with an almost imperceptible size difference.
Lost in the diamond mine? No worries, we got you!We know where to splurge, where to save, and where to look to find you the most mesmerizing (and biggest) diamond in your budget. Send us a message or book a free consultwith a diamond expert.
Read our blog for more pro-tips on picking the most dazzling diamond for your dollar.
Diamond carat + price
Carat weight has a major impact on price, however diamonds don't play by typical rules - they're not priced on a linear scale.
Sounds nonsensical? Maybe. But for the diamond shoppers with insider knowledge, it's a loophole to snap up virtually identical diamonds for a lot less.
SETTINGS AND STONES to make your diamond look larger
Thin band: slimmer bands will make your center stone appear larger - the contrast is key.
Halo settings: halo settings and half halo settings can create the illusion of a bigger center stone with more finger coverage. This is especially helpful for smaller diamonds.
Switch up your stone:if you’re still not able to find your desired stone size after following all our tips on color, clarity, cut, and shape - think about switching up your stone:
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Rose cut diamonds are not only less expensive than brilliant cut diamonds, they look noticeably larger for the same carat weight - a one carat round brilliant measures 6.5 x 6.5mm whereas a one carat round rose cut diamond measures 7.5 x 7.5 mm. And…. they’re an incredibly scintillating, stunning cut that likely none of your friends will have ever seen up close.
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White Sapphires look almost exactly like a diamond but for a fraction of the price. That means a significantly larger stone for so.much.less cash. They’re more sustainable than diamonds and have a subtler, sexier sparkle. Read our blog for more of our favorite diamond alternatives.
Clean your ring regularly: a sparkling clean ring looks bigger and more impressive than a dull, dirt-covered diamond. You won’t believe the difference a little dish soap can make. Read our blog on ring care for all the pro-tips!
Your diamond carat questions answered
What are the carat sizes for diamonds?
The most common carat weights for diamonds start at 0.25 and go up in quarter carat increments. The savings can be found in the 'just shy' numbers that are just below these more popular carat weights.
Which carat diamond is best?
The best diamond carat is the one you love the most, that suits your aesthetic, the size of your finger, and fits your budget. There are no rules - choose what you love! Scroll up to see every shape and carat size on a hand.
Is 2.25 carat diamond big?
A well-cut 2.25 carat round brilliant diamond will measure about 8.5mm x 8.5mm which is a pretty substantial size, depending on your finger size and preferences. Keep in mind, 2.25 carats will appear smaller or bigger depending on the shape of the diamond and quality of the cut - a well-cut 2.25 carat oval diamond, for example, will measure about 10mm x 8mm. Poorly cut diamonds appear smaller as they hide more of their weight below the diamond girdle where you can't see it.
What size should a 1 carat diamond be?
A 1 carat round brilliant diamond will measure about 6.5 mm x 6.5 mm, whereas a 1 carat oval diamond will measure about 7.7 mm x 5.7 mm, and a 1 carat emerald cut diamond will measure about 7 mm x 5 mm. Read our blog to find the mm measurement for every other shape of diamond.
Why does my 1 carat diamond look small?
Because carat refers to weight and not size, a 1 carat diamond can look very different depending on the shape and cut of the diamond. Diamonds with more weight on the bottom of the diamond will look smaller for their carat weight, and diamonds with elongated shapes will generally appear larger for their carat weight.
Need help sourcing your center stone or designing a delectably distinctive custom ring? Book a virtual consultationwith us anytime!