Carat Weight vs. Appearance
You may have heard the term “bigger is better” and, in some cases, that may be true. However, when it comes to purchasing a diamond, it’s important to keep in mind that carat weight is not exactly equivalent to its visual appearance.
What is Carat Weight?
Carat is not a measure of a diamond’s size but rather a measure of a diamond’s weight. One carat can also be divided into 100 points. The most important thing to remember when it comes to a diamond’s carat weight is that it is not the only factor that determines a diamond’s value. To determine a diamond’s actual size, we also look carefully at its spread or measurements. A diamond is also measured in millimeters and tells how large or small the diamond appears face up in relation to its weight.
Carat weight can be less significant when diamonds are cut too shallow or too deep because these cuts can negatively affect the diamond’s brilliance and appearance. A shallow cut can make a diamond look larger but less sparkly, while a deep cut can make it look smaller and darker. Therefore, the cut quality can sometimes be more important than carat weight in determining the diamond’s overall beauty.
Carat vs. Karat
First things first, it’s important to keep in mind the difference between carat and karat. Carat refers to the weight of your diamond. Carat weight plays a role in the price of a diamond; the higher the carat weight, the more expensive the diamond will be.
Karat, on the other hand, refers to the purity of the gold. Because gold is a soft metal, it’s often mixed with other metals to create the jewelry pieces we know and love. The system in which karat weight is measured indicates the percentages of pure gold. 14 karat gold is commonly used in engagement rings, for example, and is made up of 58.5% pure gold.
What’s Your Setting?
Carat weight is a notable factor in how large or small a diamond appears, however, this is not the only factor.
One factor to consider is your engagement ring setting. Depending on the design elements you choose, you may not need a large center stone. In fact, opting for a smaller center stone paired with certain settings can make them appear larger than their carat weight. Two popular options for engagement rings are bezel settings and halo settings, with each offering different advantages and visual appeal.
A halo setting is a design element that creates the illusion of a larger center stone, featuring smaller diamonds that encircle the center stone. This border of diamonds surrounding the center stone makes it appear larger than its actual carat weight. If you’d like a more impressive looking engagement ring without needing to spend more, a halo setting might be the perfect option for you.
2.78 carat Round Lab Diamond Double Edge Halo Ring
A bezel setting not only prioritizes the protection of the center stone but also creates the subtle illusion of a larger diamond. The metal rim encasing the stone enhances its apparent size, although this effect is more understated compared to halo settings. As the most protective option, a bezel setting fully encloses the diamond in metal, providing superior security and making it ideal for those with an active lifestyle.
1.80 carat Cushion Cut Diamond Bezel Set Engagement Ring
*Editor’s pick
All About Diamond Shapes
A second factor to consider is the shape of your center stone. There are certain diamond shapes that can create the illusion of a larger center stone.
Elongated shapes such as the oval, marquise, and emerald cuts are great options for those who are looking for a diamond that appears larger than its actual carat weight. All three of these shapes maximize finger coverage, creating the illusion of a larger stone.
The oval shape stretches along the length of your finger, taking up more visual real estate. The marquise shape has pointed ends on the top and bottom of the diamond, which puts emphasis on its length. With an emerald cut’s hall of mirror’s effect, the symmetrical and parallel lines help to elongate the finger. Diamonds with elongated shapes are a budget-friendly choice that still create a stunning impact.
2.81 carat Oval Lab Diamond Two-Tone Solitaire Ring
3.02 carat Marquise Lab Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
What’s Your Preferred Carat Weight?
While carat weight is a significant factor that affects the price of a diamond, it’s best not to get too caught up in numbers. By understanding how cut, shape, and setting all influence a diamond’s visual appearance, you can find a stone that appears larger than its carat weight might suggest. This knowledge will empower you to find the diamond that is perfect for you and fits your budget.
At Lauren B, our design consultants are always ready to help. Make an appointment to visit our New York City showroom or book a virtual one-on-one to view all our loose diamonds.
