Key Info
Carat is the measurement unit of a diamond’s weight on a scale, it often correlates with the dimensions of the stone. Carat is used to refer to the stone size.
A pair of diamonds can be the same weight, but look different in size, this is due to the quality of the cut, i.e if the cut is too deep, shallow or ideal. If the shapes are different, but the same weight, the dimensions vary widely and cannot be compared.
Carat means weight but indicates size, when a carat weight is mentioned, measurements tend to come to mind of the stone size. Carat is also used for precious and semi precious gemstones. 1ct = 0.2g.
It doesn't have to be complicated even though there’s many options to go through.
We recommend shortlisting; explore different shapes with us at different size points, then factor in your daily life, such as work and other activities. Ask yourself, ‘does this shape work with my finger, does this size work with my finger, is it overpowering or underwhelming, is the ring wearing me or am I wearing the ring, will this be practical for me daily, do I see myself wearing this size in 10 years?’ etc. Some prefer big & flashy, some prefer small & subtle, to each their own.
We welcome you to visit us and explore the different shapes and sizes and we’ll find your diamond together this way, it’s a very different experience seeing diamonds in person on your hand. We’ll give you the relevant advice and guidance, taking into consideration your budget, style, preferences and so on.
In the past, gem dealers used carob seed as a balance on their scales, and it always weighed 0.2g, they discovered this to be the case with 1ct sized stones too. 'Carat' is derived from carob.
With natural diamonds, the pricing structure isn’t linear, prices can rise or fall massively at different carats, also with the influence of the other 4C’s. The bigger you go, the bigger the jump. Natural diamonds are price sensitive. With lab grown diamonds, the prices do fluctuate too, but not so drastically.
Larger sized diamonds are in less circulation compared to smaller sizes, therefore the larger the size, the higher the price. For example, the price of one high quality 2ct diamond will be more than the combined price of two high quality 1ct diamonds.
You may have heard of magic numbers when it comes to diamond carat weight. If you haven’t, we’ll run you through it.
Magic numbers are the points in carat weight where diamond prices spike. Smaller price spikes are seen at every 0.25ct, big spikes are at every 1ct. Often, the price increases at every 0.25ct, such as 0.50ct, 0.75ct, 1ct, 1.25ct etc, for instance a 0.96ct costs far less than 1ct.
The big spikes are by every one carat, from 1ct to 2ct, 2ct to 3ct etc.
As we enter a new whole number (i.e from 0.9ct to 1ct, 1.9ct to 2ct, 2.9ct to 3ct etc) is where the big saving or cost happens, the price jump is noticeable.
Premiums are applied to upgrade to the next whole number, they are referred to by some as premium sizes.
Visually there’s very minimal difference in size from e.g 0.9ct to 1ct, however there's a very big difference in price.
How to save? If you like the bigger look without the price tag, then you should opt for a size just below the whole number. For example, you aim to have the look of a 1ct diamond but without the premium price, then go for a 0.9ct, very similar look but with a cool saving involved.
This is essentially undersized diamonds.
The diamond industry has a cut-off weight criteria. Undersized diamonds weigh just below the industry standard cutoff weights (weights such as 0.50ct, 0.75ct, 1ct, 1.5ct etc, known as the magic numbers).
They're harder to find as diamond cutters will favour reaching a magic number/cut-off weight over diamond beauty.
A diamond falling a little short of a magic number can be great value for money, for example the visible size difference between a 0.96ct and 1ct diamond will be minimal, but the price difference is big.
Read aboutCut, Clarity and Colour.
If you want more clarification or have any questions, contact us via Instagram @aylahfinejewellery, call us on 0203 196 1630, WhatsApp us on 07785 924722, email us on info@aylahfinejewellery.com. We'll help you!
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