Carat weight might not be the first of the 4Cs you consider when buying a diamond, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important. In fact, it’s a crucial factor in deciding whether or not you actually buy a diamond, primarily because it directly impacts the price.
I often receive questions from readers along the lines of, “What’s the best size range to buy?” or “Is a [specific carat weight] diamond too small/too big?” and inevitably, some just can’t simply decide an ideal diamond size.
So, how do you choose the perfect size diamond for your ring? It might sound like a straightforward question, but the answer is entirely dependent on the individual. If you keep the following tips in mind, you should be able to make a confident decision.
1. Your Budget: ALWAYS Start Here!
Budget plays a critical role in making any diamond purchase and is easily one of the first things to consider to help narrow your choices. Remember, in the world of gemstones, the price increase is exponential to the size increase. This is driven by market economics – the bigger and more rare the stone, the higher the price.
To give you a mental image to help you understand this concept, if you purchase a 2-carat diamond, it will not cost double the price of a 1-carat diamond, even if the other qualities are identical.
This exponential growth is most noticeable around the 0.50 and 1.00 “magic” carat marks.
2. The Wearer’s Finger Size:
Think about it: a daintier finger looks best with a smaller diamond. Those trendy “cocktail rings” with enormous stones are just overwhelming on slender fingers. Conversely, a stone that’s too small can look awkward and out of proportion.
If the ring recipient has delicate fingers, consider yourself lucky. You can spend less on a smaller diamond that will still look beautiful.
3. The Ring’s Purpose:
Is it for an engagement? A special anniversary? The significance of the occasion can help you determine the right size. Also, if a diamond ring has already been given, the next one doesn’t necessarily need to be bigger or it could be a different shape to mix things up. In addition, If the first ring was on the smaller side, you can always use this next ring as a way to upgrade.
4. Your Values:
Do you value experiences more than material possessions? Are you extravagant or more frugal? If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and choose a smaller diamond, regardless of what the salesperson might say. Buying a smaller diamond and then upgrading later is always an option.
In fact, I’ve encountered the following situation over and over, with the buyer not sticking to his/her budget. Buyers walk into the store with a predetermined budget only to walk out having spent far more. A lot of the time, these buyers also fall victim to the dreaded buyer’s remorse.
5. Don’t Get Hung Up on the Fractions:
This tip can save you a significant amount of money. If you haven’t noticed already, the price jump at the 0.5 carat and 1 carat mark can cause 20-30% differences in price. Diamonds that weigh just under these “magic” carat marks are often significantly cheaper and a sensible decision for a savvy buyer.
Because carat weight is distributed evenly throughout the diamond, small differences in size (under 0.1 carat) are often unnoticeable to the naked eye. For example, instead of buying a 1.00-carat diamond, consider a diamond that weighs between 0.92 and 0.98 carats – the savings can be substantial.
6. Optical Illusions are Your Friend:
If budget is a concern, prioritize a well-cut diamond with slightly lower color and clarity grades. A superior cut will maximize the diamond’s brilliance and sparkle. This, in turn, can enhance the apparent color and help to mask any inclusions.
Also, daintier ring designs, like those with thinner bands or halo settings, can make a diamond appear larger. As a rule of thumb, the thicker the band, the smaller the diamond will appear. Conversely, anything set on a thin band will naturally look larger.
Making a Thoughtful Choice:
The importance of carat weight should not be the overriding factor when purchasing. This is because carat weight itself can’t tell you much about the ring’s quality or beauty. Instead, it must be considered in conjunction with the other Cs (color, cut, clarity). Spend some time reading our articles and doing some research. Having a good understanding of the 4Cs will help you paint a complete picture to make the best purchase.
Ultimately, only you can decide what carat weight is right for you. Your budget dictates your options, but that is a good thing as it helps narrow your choices. This is just a bit of advice from personal experience, but getting into debt for luxury items isn’t wise if you can’t afford that larger diamond right now. If it’s true love, it shouldn’t require material objects to memorialize it.
Sure, it can be easy to get caught up with people showing off enormous and fancy merchandise and I personally think this isn’t what you should base your worth off of. Always remember, many people still cherish a simple ring received from a bubblegum machine as a prized possession from their youth. Emotionally significant jewelry shouldn’t break your bank, it should be more about the feeling and enjoyment of possessing it.
