Are you feeling puzzled by the multitude of diamond sizes available? Choosing the right diamond can be challenging, especially when trying to understand how size influences the overall look and value of your gem.
What makes us your trusted partner
With over 40 years of expertise, Diamond Registry’s CEO and owner, Nissan Perla, is your trusted guide in the diamond-buying world. Recognized by prestigious publications like The Washington Post and Chicago Tribune, Nissan’s extensive knowledge and experience in evaluating, buying, and selling diamonds are unparalleled. Our commitment to integrity, transparency, and delivering exceptional value ensures that you make an informed decision when acquiring your timeless treasure. Choose Diamond Registry for personalized guidance, education, and a curated selection of the finest quality diamonds, backed by decades of industry expertise and dedication to your satisfaction.
This guide aims to simplify the process by breaking down essential tips and insights. We’ll walk you through diamond size charts, explain key factors to consider when selecting the perfect size, and offer practical advice to ensure you make a choice that fits your preferences and budget.
What Is A Diamond Carat?
If diamond carat is not as important as you thought, what is it all about?
A carat of a diamond is the measurement scale for its weight. More than 110 years ago, the diamond industry leaders decided that 1 carat equals 200 milligrams. Since then, this formula has become a basic metric for determining carat weight.
Also, carat is one of the 4Cs of a diamond. Along with clarity, cut, and color, it defines the value of a jewel. It`s the easiest parameter to understand. Thus, customers tend to think that knowing carats means knowing everything needed about the diamond.
But the reality is that the carat is not easy to measure and is not the only important diamond factor.
| “Carat” is about diamond weight, not it’s size! |
So, when we use “carat size,” we mean the weight of a diamond. Also, this term refers to the result you find in a diamond size chart.
What Is A Diamond Size?
Diamond size is the diameter of a stone in millimeters. For the diamond shapes other than a round one, it`s calculated by measuring the length and width ratio.
In the diamond size chart, you can use this parameter to define the carat size of a jewel. You should always check it. Carat weight is more important than its diameter because it allows making conclusions about its possible price.
How To Read A Diamond Size Chart
There are 2 most common mistakes people make about diamonds:
- Thinking the most important thing about a diamond is its carat weight,
- Thinking the bigger diamond always has a bigger carat size.
Why are these two assumptions false? Because here’s the truth:
- You should always check and prioritize diamond cut (not weight or size) to get a valuable stone,
- A diamond size in millimeters and diamond carat size don’t change proportionally.
Why is it so? The classic diamond size chart clarifies the relations between length, width, and carat size of a diamond.
Diamond size chart
As you see in this table, the dependence between the diameter and the carat number of a diamond exists. But this change is unpredictable.
For example, the difference between a 1 and a 1.5-carat diamond is 0.9 millimeters. If you compare a 2 carat and a 2.5-carat diamond, the divergence equals 0.8 millimeters. But the difference between a 2.5-carat and a 3-carat diamond is 0.3 millimeters surprisingly.
In all the cases, the change in carat size is 0.5 carats. But the diameter in millimeters changes by 0.3-0.9 mm without any consistency!
A 2-carat diamond is NOT twice bigger than a 1-carat diamond.
Thus, the only way to predict the carat number from a diamond diameter is to check the diamond carat size chart. Knowing this table can come into practice in different situations.
For example, you can evaluate the carat size of any diamond by yourself. Or imagine how a diamond will look on your finger and how many carats you want it to be.
I Have A Diamond And Can Measure Its Diameter. What Are The Concrete Steps To Check Its Diamond Carat Size?
Here’s a terse instruction to get an insight into the diamond carat size from its appearance:
- Determine the shape of your diamond. Sometimes, the diamond size chart won’t provide you with an accurate evaluation. Make sure you have a round diamond,
- Check if your diamond has at least a Very Good cut (to know this, refer to its GIA certificate). Otherwise, its length to width ratio is spoiled. In this situation, the carat weight mentioned in the table is incorrect,
- Find the widest part in your diamond (it’s the diamond’s girdle),
- Measure its size as accurately as possible (you need to know this parameter to deciles of millimeters)
- Check the result in the diamond size chart (for round cuts) or the cut diamond size chart (for other shapes). surprisingly.
But again: the carat size from the table is simply a rough idea about the diamond weight. Only a specialist can evaluate the stone and tell you its accurate number and real value.
Why Is A Diamond Shape So Important In The Diamond Carat Size Comparison?
The carat weight is not the ultimate factor that determines the diamond value. The sophisticated interplay between various elements results in its beauty and elegance. And the diamond shape is one of them.
A diamond shape is a specific form of a diamond cut. It makes the jewel look like a teardrop or a heart, for example. By introducing uniqueness, this new diamond appearance ruins the classic proportions of a round-cut diamond. To make the unified system for measuring diamond shapes other than round one, the specialists rely on the length to width ratio instead of a diamond diameter.
That’s how a classic diamond size chart has extended into the cut diamond size chart you see below. The table below lists the diamond carat size for a variety of shapes.
If your diamond is not round-shaped, check its carat weight in this cut diamond size chart
How To Make A Diamond Carat Size Comparison?
Knowing the exact carat size of one diamond requires special equipment. And if you try to compare several stones, this task becomes even more complicated. You can get the idea about this parameter by checking each stone in the diamond carat size chart, though.
Nevertheless, it’s tricky. The diamond size doesn’t change with the carat size proportionally. As you can see in the diamond carat size chart, a jewel of 6-carat weight is not three times bigger than a 2-carat diamond. In reality, these stones are 11.7mm and 8.2mm, respectively.
This rule works if only you compare two round-cut diamonds. To compare diamonds of different shapes, you should refer to the cut diamond size chart.
But why do you need this information? It’s simple: the weight of a diamond determines its true value. You should find out the exact diamond carat size, not superficial measuring of its diamond size, to check the diamond price.
| 1 carat ≈ 6.5 millimeters in diameter, 2 carat ≈ 8.2 millimeters in diameter |
What Is More Important: A Carat Size Or A Diamond Size?
The answer depends on the tasks you have for a diamond.
For example, you go shopping for a diamond engagement ring. In this piece of jewelry, the setting and the shape determine the diamond appearance. So, select the jewel of a diamond carat size that is big enough and noticeable to get value for your money.
Here’s the most universal advice possible: Consider both the diamond size and its carat weight ALONG WITH many other factors. This will make your decision informed.
Any diamond task requires the eye of a professional who has both diamond and jewelry knowledge. You can contact such experts in Diamond Registry just fill the contact form below!
What To Use: The Diamond Size Chart Or The Cut Diamond Size Chart?
Seven times out of ten, the classic diamond size chart is enough. This table is designed for round-cut diamonds and contains all the information needed. The majority of diamonds have this shape three fourth of the entire diamond market, to be precise.
So, if you can’t determine which shape your diamond has it’s likely to be a round one.
If you’re shopping for fancy-shaped diamonds (oval, heart, pear cuts, etc.), check the diamond size chart of the cut you’ve chosen. That will lead to better accuracy.
| The diamond size chart is suitable for 75% of diamonds worldwide |
Can I Know The Exact Carat Weight By Measuring The Diamond Size?
Unfortunately, the diamond size chart cannot determine the precise carat weight. All the marks mentioned in the carat size chart are created for the stones of a perfect length to width ratio.
And such a perfect ratio is remote from reality. Frequently, diamonds don’t have an ideal cut.
How the cut quality can change the length and width of a diamond
Cut quality changes the diamond diameter and a worse cut can be tricky by making a stone bigger. Otherwise, a good cut can contradict with a bigger carat size.
Anyway, the cut should become your priority. Everybody loves diamonds for sparkle and brilliance. But going for a bigger glassy rock will spoil all the marvelous effect of this jewel. So, while shopping for a diamond, keep in mind that its price depends on the cut quality and carat weight, not the diameter.
The number of millimeters can help you imagine how big diamonds will appear on your finger and in your ears. This can be useful before and while visiting a jewelry shop.
The Impact Of Diamond Setting On Carat Weight
If you`re looking to make your diamond look larger without increasing the carat weight, the setting you choose can make a big difference. For example, a halo setting, where smaller diamonds encircle the central stone, can make your diamond appear much larger and more dazzling. This style enhances the visual size and sparkle of the main diamond. On the other hand, if you opt for a solitaire setting with a single diamond, it will showcase the stone’s natural beauty but won`t enhance its size. By understanding how different settings affect the appearance of your diamond, you can choose one that gives you the look you want without having to increase the carat weight.
Tips For Choosing The Right Carat Weight For Your Budget
If you`re working with a specific budget but still want a stunning diamond, you can make smart choices to get the most value. Consider diamonds with slightly lower color and clarity grades. For instance, diamonds in the G-H range for color and VS2-SI1 for clarity can look beautiful and still be more affordable. Additionally, think about exploring different diamond shapes. Shapes like oval or pear often appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight because of their elongated forms. By being open to these options, you can find a diamond that fits both your budget and your style preferences.
Are You Ready To Get A Diamond Of Your Dreams?
So, you have the secret tool for checking the diamond price accuracy a metric scale. Now, you’re prepared to visit jewelry shops and check the diamonds like a pro!
Alternatively, you can save your precious time by referring to Diamond Registry specialists. We’ll be happy to help shopping for a diamond! Just fill out the Free Quote request form, and don’t waste time measuring each diamond with a metric scale. We’ll do this job instead of you.
