• Diamond size explained
• Diamond weight vs the price of a diamond
• Selecting your diamond  weight
• The carat size chart
• A video by GIA explaining the carat size

The diamond carat size is the unit of measurement used to indicate the weight of a diamond. Since 1913 diamond carat weight has been measured compared to the metric system with one carat equaling 200 milligrams. The weight of a diamond is measured up to three decimals and rounded to the nearest hundred.

There is no linear link between the weight of the diamond (carat) and the value of the diamond. Most rough diamonds that are mined are either too small or have an inferior quality to produce diamonds that are used in the jewelry market. It can take up to one million rough diamonds to produce one single one-carat diamond.

Due to the rarity of larger diamonds a one-carat diamond can often by 4 to 6 times the price of a half carat diamond.

Carat weight will be one of the most important factors that determine the price of your diamond. Below we listed some tips to consider when choosing which carat weight is right for you:

• Diamond pricing is determined by carat weight and listed in half carat increments. Therefore a diamond with equal clarity and cut of one carat will cost more than a diamond weighing slightly less ( like 0.98 carat)
• Carat indicates the weight of a diamond but the cut ( length and width specifically) determines the actual physical size. For selecting the most diamonds with more visual appearance ( larger surface) select a rectangularly shaped version of same carat weight like the oval or rectangular shaped sizes
• Within the same shape, two one carat diamonds could also have a different diameter. for example, two one carat round diamonds could have a diameter of 6 or 6.5 mm wide. Broader diamonds create a greater visual impact. So the actual size of the diamond is not linked to its weight.
• The price of diamonds rises exponentially when carat weight increases. If your main selection factor is carat weight you could consider diamonds with a lesser clarity grade  or lesser color grade to lower the overall price.
• If you buy a diamond to set in a ring, consider the ring size of the wearer. The smaller the hand or ring size, the lower carat weight you can select ( see our diamond size comparison chart )

The image is an example of the carat scale not representing the actual size of the diamonds.

• First Fix your Budget then Compromise on the other Cs to achieve the biggest possible diamond. 
• Go just below the round number ( ie 0. 95 instead of 1cts or 0.65 instead of 0.70 etc ...) you may find a much better compromise for a negligible smaller carat weight.
• When going for the biggest possible Carat size, do NOT compromise the Cut. Since often, you will get a heavier diamond, which weighs more ( thus more Carats ) but which will look smaller, or in other cases, will look bigger but will not have the right sparkle!

Although the diamond carat size is important, since the first characteristic that the human eye will identify is the SIZE, you mustn't go for the Biggest possible for your budget. Doing this , will imply that you are giving up too much on the other 3 C's. 

Color will be too yellow or the clarity might be so low that the shine of the diamond will be affected, or even the inclusion might be noticeable to the naked eye. Or worse yet, the diamond might be so poorly cut, that even if you find the right Carat Weight, the diamond will appear smaller.

We understand that finding and selecting the right diamond is not an easy task. While we do offer most carat sizes we have limited our selection diamonds with a carat weight above 0.30 carat. This way you are ensured that whatever diamond you select on our site will be of a good quality.

If you ever would like to buy a diamond of a lower carat size, feel free to contact us for our best offer or advice.