While they may sound similar, the size and carat weight of a diamond are actually quite different. You’ll need to consider both of these in order to find your dream diamond!
WHAT IS DIAMOND CARAT WEIGHT?
Diamond size refers to the dimensions of a diamond, including the height and the width of the stone.
Most people will want to know the size of the ‘table’ of the diamond – this is the flat facet on the surface of the diamond.
The height is also an important measurement to keep in mind. If the diamond is too high or shallow, it can impact the sparkle and brilliance of the diamond. It will often appear dull because the light won’t reflect properly.
To put it plainly, two diamonds with the same carat weight can have different dimensions. Likewise, two diamonds with the same height or width can have different carat weights.
HOW DOES THE SIZE AND CARAT WEIGHT IMPACT THE PRICE OF A DIAMOND?
Bigger diamonds are rarer, so their price per carat is higher. However, cutting a diamond is a real balancing act for jewellers.
While jewellers want to cut the diamond in a way that will increase its carat weight, the cut still has to still have good proportions. A poorly cut diamond will impact the look of the diamond, as well as the price.
SHOULD YOU PRIORITISE DIAMOND SIZE OR CARAT WEIGHT?
So often the first question people ask about a diamond is, ‘How many carats is it?’ However, there’s so much more to a good diamond than just its carats. If it’s cut poorly, you won’t get the sparkle and brilliance you expect from a diamond.
While it’s great to have a larger diamond, it’s worth looking beyond carat weight to see the cut grade, along with the clarity and colour.
