Carat weight is the physical weight of the diamond, which is measured on a scale of 100 points. For example, an 80 point diamond would be 0.80 carats. The GIA states that: “Two diamonds of equal weight can have very different values depending on the other members of the Four C’s: clarity, colour and cut.” Therefore, we suggest familiarizing yourself with all of the 4 C’s rather than just focusing on the carat weight. However, here we explain the details of carat weight and what to look out for regarding carat weight in different styles of rings.
What is a carat?
Carat measures the weight of precious stones (such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires etc) or pearls. A carat weighs 200mg, which is just ⅕ of a gram. So for a diamond to be classed as 5 carats, the stone would need to weigh 1 gram. Diamonds (carats) are the hardest mineral that can be found deep in the earth whereas gold (karats) is a much softer mineral found closer to the surface.
What carat weight should I buy?
The majority of engagement rings range in carat weight from 0.5ct to 1.5ct. However, this isn’t the full story as there are other factors to consider. The biggest diamond in any ring has the biggest effect on the price of the ring. Even with vintage halo rings which can have lots of little diamonds, the main part of the price is the centre stone.
Our usual advice is to go for the best diamond for your budget – keeping in mind ALL of the 4 C’s. After all, if you choose a large carat diamond but the colour has a yellow tinge or the clarity is affected by marks (inclusions) then you won’t have as impressive a diamond as you might think. These other factors affect the appearance, sparkle and ‘fire’ of the diamond hugely. You can read all about Cut, Clarity and Colour by clicking on them on the menu at the top of this page.
Our advice is to try see the diamond in person or if that’s not possible, get a video or number of images from different angles, before choosing a diamond.
Total Carat Weight
When choosing your carat weight, consider the style of ring (setting) that you are going for. A solitaire ring is just one diamond so the carat weight you see is just that stone. A three-stone ring, halo ring or side stone ring will show the total carat weight of all the diamonds on the ring and often will show the weight of the largest diamond separately. See below for a clearer example:
Halo Ring – Total Carat Weight is 0.81ct – the Centre Diamond is 0.51ct and the halo and side stones are 0.30ct
Three Stone Ring – Total Carat Weight is 0.75ct – each stone is 0.25ct.
Side Stone Ring – Total Carat Weight is 1.20ct – The Centre Stone (Tanzanite) is 0.80ct and the diamonds in the halo and side are 0.40ct.
Usually, the higher the carat weight of the precious stones used within your ring, the more valuable it is likely to be but remember to check the other qualities too!
FAQs – Diamond Carat Weight
What does “carat weight” actually mean when it comes to diamonds?
Carat weight is a measure of the weight of a diamond. One carat is equal to 0.2 grams, or 200 milligrams. This weight is then used to determine the value of the diamond, with larger diamonds typically being more valuable than smaller ones of equivalent quality.
Is carat weight the most important factor when it comes to a diamond’s value?
No, carat weight is just one of the “Four Cs” that are used to evaluate the quality and value of a diamond. The other three Cs are clarity, colour, and cut. While carat weight can have a significant impact on a diamond’s value, a smaller diamond that is of higher quality in terms of clarity, color, and cut can still be worth more than a larger diamond of lower quality.
How does the carat weight of a diamond affect its appearance?
The carat weight of a diamond can affect its appearance in a few different ways. Generally speaking, larger diamonds will look more impressive and eye-catching than smaller ones. However, the overall appearance of a diamond also depends on its cut and shape. A well-cut diamond that has been shaped to maximize its sparkle and brilliance can look stunning regardless of its carat weight, while a poorly cut diamond may appear dull and lifeless even if it is very large.
Need More Help?
Here at Commins and Co Jewellers, we know that buying jewellery is a special and considered purchase. If you are unsure what carat or karat grading would be most suitable for your next piece, why not pop into our Dublin store for further advice?
Alternatively, you can call us on +353 (0)1 4422472, where our friendly and knowledgeable team are waiting to help.
We look forward to assisting you with your future jewellery purchase, that will be handmade by our expert term here in Dublin, Ireland.
Share the love
