The 4C's of Bling: Carat

Carat is specifically a measure of a diamonds' weight and by itself may not accurately reflect a diamonds size. We tend to evaluate diamond size by viewing it from the top because that is how diamonds are presented to us when set into jewellery.

To understand diamond size, carat weight should be considered in conjunction with two other criteria:

1. The diameter of the diamond in mm.
   It is important to measure the distance across the top of the diamond as this is how we view a stone when set into jewellery.
2. The diamonds' cut grade.
   A diamond cut grade should also be considered because when a diamond is cut in perfect proportions, the maximum amount of light is returned out of the top of the diamond. Thus, in a diamond with an excellent cut, the light reflected out of the top makes it appear larger than a poorly cut diamond of same carat weight.

It is therefore possible to have a diamond of a lower carat weight but higher cut grade that appears larger than a diamond with a larger carat weight but poor cut.

 The picture illustrates how diamonds of different carat weights look when set in jewellery. Note that a 2 carat diamond does not appear to be twice the size of a 1 carat diamond when viewed from the top.

What Carat Weight Is Right For Me?

To choose the best carat weight of diamond, consider the size of a finger, the size of the setting and the budget.

• If a large carat weight is important to you, yet you're working within a strict budget, consider a diamond with a good cut, SI-1/SI-2 clarity and G-J colour Grade.
• Diamonds prices jump at the full and the half carat weights. Diamonds just below these weights cost significantly less and because carat weight is distributed across the entirety of the diamond, small size differences are almost impossible to detect.
• Keep in mind that more slender the finger, the larger the diamond will appear. A 1.5 carat diamond looks much larger on a size 6 finger than a size 10.

To learn more, visit the column regularly. The next part of the "The 4 C's of Bling" would hold necessary information about Cut of a diamond. Stay tuned.

       At J D Diamond Jewellery, we apply the same high quality standards to all of our diamonds. We have an exceptional collection of traditional round diamonds and we also offer the finest non-round or fancy shaped diamonds. All of our certified diamonds are graded by GIA or IGI to have FL to SI-2 clarity, D to I colour and Ideal, Very Good or Good cut.