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Jewelry Artisan • Gemologist • Designer
SUPERIOR DETAIL AND ACCURACY
Diamond Carat
DIAMOND WEIGHT & SIZES
DIAMOND CARAT WEIGHT
Carat is a unit that describes the weight of a gemstone. The unit is expressed, or recorded, to the hundredths place. One carat is written 1.00ct. It is equal to 1/5 of a gram; 5.00 carats = 1 gram. Carat weight is a prime factor in determining what you are willing to spend. Heavier, larger diamonds are higher priced.
Carat Weight is typically sought after first. Color, Clarity, and Cut fall in line. Some people say you should focus on Cut before Color and Clarity. My opinion is to look for a minimum Cut grade of Very Good (see Cut) and focus on Color, then Clarity to stay within you budget. After you have selected your Diamond Carat Weight, and you are well within your budget, look into increasing your Color or Clarity grade while maintaining a Very Good Cut or better.
It should be noted that diamonds with the same Carat weight are not necessarily the same size. That is determined in millimeters. Even diamonds of the same Carat weight can differ in size according to their measurements. Consider for a minute all the different cuts and shapes. The size and appearance of a gemstone seen face up is based off the millimeter size of its AGD (average girdle diameter.)
MILLIMETER SIZES
VERY GOOD - EXCELLENT CUT GRADES
Diamond Size should not be confused with Diamond Carat Weight.
Do not get millimeter size mixed up with carat weight.
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Just because a diamond weighs slightly more than another diamond, doesn't mean that it is greater in size. In fact, it could mean the diamond of lesser or greater size has a lower Cut grade than the other.
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"Carat weight should not be sacrified for any diamond below a Very Good Cut grade."
-Matthew Cooper GIA GG, LBJ
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Consider two round brilliant cut diamonds of the same exact carat weight. Cut angles and proportions can vary in the Crown and Pavilion of these two diamonds.
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Given so, the actual diameter of the diamond seen face up can differ in size; making it appear larger.
See the report showing a Very Good Cut (top) that has a steeper Pavilion and lower Crown; compared to an Excellent Cut (bottom) with better corresponding Crown and Pavilion angles.
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You will notice that the Very Good Cut appears larger face up because its diameter has a greater millimeter size.
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However, the Excellent Cut has greater light return and brilliance due to its cut specifications.
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You will have to consider your Carat weight, Millimeter size, and Cut grade. These attributes coincide with one another. Seek out a GIA Graduate Gemologist if you are unsure.
DIAMOND COLOR GRADING
