Understanding What ‘Carat’ Refers to
When shopping for a diamond, carat is often one of the first details considered. Many think of it as the measurement of size, but in reality, carat refers to weight. This is an important distinction, because two stones with the same carat weight can look noticeably different in size.
What is Carat Weight?
Carat refers to the weight of a diamond, not its size. It is the universal standard used to measure a diamond’s weight, with one metric carat equal to 200 milligrams.
A carat is divided into 100 points, which is why a 0.50ct diamond is often called a 50-point stone, while a 1.00ct diamond equals 100 points.
The key takeaway: carat tells you how heavy a diamond is. All else being equal, a higher carat weight typically means a higher price, but it doesn’t always mean a larger-looking diamond.
What is Size?
When most people think of “size,” they are referring to how large the diamond appears when worn, the visible spread across the top of the stone. This visual footprint is influenced by two main factors:
- Shape
Certain shapes appear larger than others at the same carat weight. For example, an oval or marquise diamond often looks bigger than a round diamond of equal carat due to its elongated silhouette.
- Cut Quality
A diamond’s proportions play a significant role in how large it appears. A well-cut stone reflects light beautifully and achieves an ideal surface spread. A stone cut too deep concentrates weight below the surface, making it look smaller. Conversely, a shallow-cut stone may appear wider, but can sacrifice brilliance, beauty and sparkle.
The key takeaway: size relates to what the eye sees. It is the result of carat weight and how the diamond is cut.
Why Does Cut Matter?
Two diamonds of equal carat weight can appear very different. A poorly cut 1.00 carat stone may look smaller than a finely cut 0.80 carat stone. Cut doesn’t just influence how large it looks, it determines how much light it reflects. A well-cut jewel radiates brilliance that instantly catches the eye, regardless of what the scale says.
Size vs Sparkle
This is why it’s worth looking beyond the number on the certificate. Carat weight alone won’t guarantee the sparkle or beauty you’re seeking. By considering cut proportions alongside carat, you’ll find the perfect piece that feels alive with light.
The Gregory Jewellers Standard
At Gregory Jewellers, all of our gems are chosen for more than its weight. Visit us in a boutique to explore our exquisite collection and experience the Gregory difference.
