Carat Weight
Understanding Diamond Carat Weight
Carat is a unit of measurement used to express the weight of a diamond. Historically, diamonds were weighed using carob seeds, which were small and uniform, making them ideal for use as a counterbalance. This practice gave rise to the term "carat" that we use today.
Diamond Size and Carat Weight
The size of a diamond is directly linked to its carat weight. When diamonds are cut and polished, they can lose up to two-thirds of their original carat weight. Since larger rough diamonds of high quality are rarer than smaller ones, a single two-carat diamond will generally cost more than two one-carat diamonds of the same quality.
In the United States, most diamonds used in jewelry, including loose diamonds, are typically one carat or less. Interestingly, the average engagement ring diamond sold in the U.S. weighs less than half a carat.
It’s important to note that the weight of a diamond increases more quickly than its actual size. For example, an ideal cut one-carat diamond measures around 6.5mm across, while a two-carat diamond is only 8.2mm wide—less than a 30% increase in diameter despite the doubling of the weight.
Choosing the Right Carat Weight for You
There’s no definitive answer to which carat weight is best—it’s entirely dependent on personal preference and budget. When selecting a diamond for an engagement ring, what’s most noticeable is the surface area visible from the top of the diamond. Estimating carat weight based on appearance alone is difficult, so it’s often better to focus on the diamond’s cut and diameter, as these qualities have a significant impact on its overall appearance and value.
