Four Cs - Carat
When selecting a diamond, carat is commonly the first of the “Four Cs” that most people consider. While it can be a great starting point, there is a lot more to consider when it comes to how a diamond is valued and how it looks to the eye. The value of a diamond increases exponentially as the carat weight increases because larger diamonds are rarer and more sought after. However, a diamond's value is influenced by the combination of carat weight and other factors like cut, colour, and clarity.
A carat is a unit of measurement specifically used for diamonds and gemstones. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams. Carat weight is widely abbreviated as "ct." It's important to note that carat weight does not refer to the physical size of the diamond but rather its mass. However, size does have an impact. Generally, diamonds that appear larger to the eye tend to have a higher carat weight, but other factors like cut, shape, and depth can affect how the carat weight is distributed throughout the stone. A well-cut diamond will maximize the stone’s brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
When deciding between diamond options, try not to get too caught up in carat weight alone and also consider the other three C's. The size between a 0.90ct and a 1.00ct can be marginal to the eye, so depending on your own preferences, it may be worth considering a higher quality diamond versus a larger size. Our jewellery experts will work to understand your personal preferences and source the best diamond for you and your budget.
For rings with more than one diamond, such as three stone or cluster rings, you may see the abbreviation ‘ctw’. This stands for carat total weight and is describing the sum weight of all diamonds in that ring. When comparing prices, it’s important to consider that two rings that have the same carat total weight can be vastly different in price due to the size of the centre stone. For example, a three stone ring that has a total carat weight of 2.0ct will be of less value than a 2.0ct solitaire diamond ring.
It’s important when comparing diamonds to compare like for like. Make sure to ask for information about all quality factors before choosing your diamond.
We invite you to explore our range of engagement rings and fine jewellery. Or if you’d like to keep learning, check out our helpful engagement ring buyers guide for more information or read about our ethical diamond sourcing and precious metal sourcing standards and practices.
