Carat weight is a measure of weight used for diamonds, and is equal to 200 milligrams. Weights are given to the nearest 1/100th of a carat, an amount which is called a "point." For example, a .50 carat(0.5CT) diamond might also be called one-half carat or a 50-point diamond.

It is important to note that carat weight and ‘face up diameter’ does not increase proportionately, and a diamond will increase in weight much faster than it increases in actual "face-up" diameter. For example, while an ideal cut 1-carat diamond measures approximately 6.5mm in width, a 2-carat diamond of twice its weight is only 8.2mm wide.

As carat weight increases, and assuming all other factors are similar, price will increase exponentially. This is why a 2-carat diamond will cost more than twice as much of 2 1-carat diamonds with similar characteristics. This is also the reason why many diamond cutters sacrifice brilliance to maximize carat weight and profit. However, weight does not always equal size or beauty. Poorly cut diamonds intended to maximize size can be dull and lifeless. Some experienced cutters sacrifice weight and focus on cut to obtain the most beautiful and brilliant Hearts and Arrows diamonds on the market today. On the average, cutting a Hearts and Arrows Ideal Cut Diamond requires a 15% greater waste of the original material.

Choosing Diamond Size

What Carat Weight Is Right For Me?

It would depend on various factors: Expectations of your partner (Does she want a 1-carat?), budget as well as the size of her finger.

• If a large carat weight is most important, yet you're working within a strict budget, you could consider diamonds that have a lower color and clarity grade.
• Diamond prices jump significantly at the 0.5CT and 1.0 CT. 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 the smaller the finger, the larger the diamond will appear. A 1.5-carat diamond solitaire looks much larger on a size 4 finger than a size 8.
• Not all settings will fit all diamond carats or shapes. Please contact us for assistance here.

For even more help determining what size is best is to get an idea of what she is expecting. If you research carefully, you can get answers without even raising her suspicions. For ideas and suggestions on how to choose the right engagement ring, read our Engagement Ring Guide.