What exactly does a Diamond & Gemstones Carat tell us about the stone?
WORKSHOP | Gemstone Carat Weight Explained
The measurement of Carat is used to measure a Gemstone (including Diamonds) weight, size and mass. One Carat equals around 200 milligrams. Remember, while Carat is about size, the value of a gemstone is also influenced by cut, colour, and clarity. Bigger doesn't always mean better. The distribution of carat weight within a well-cut diamond matters for its sparkle. Choosing the right carat weight involves balancing personal preference and the diamond's brilliance.
How do different Gemstones Impact Caract ratings?
Because the carat classification system measures a gemstone's weight and not its size, the type of gemstone and its cut/shape can significantly impact its carat grading. Therefore, it is especially hard to compare diamonds and gemstones when they aren't the same type or cut.
For example, if you had six different gemstones that were the same cut and size, the carat weighting associated with each would be different because of their mineral compositions. This results in them all having different densities and, therefore, Carat classification.
6mm Round Cut
Amethyst
0.70ct
6mm Round Cut
Citrine
0.70ct
6mm Round Cut
Diamond
0.80ct
6mm Round Cut
Emmerald
0.80ct
6mm Round Cut
Topaz
1.00ct
6mm Round Cut
Sapphire
1.05ct
How does the Cut of a Gemstone Impact its Carat rating?
Again, if you had six diamonds that were all 1.00ct, but each was a different cut, you would notice some were larger than others. The six examples below demonstrate how the princess cut would appear to be the most petite diamond due to its shape impacting its weight. Therefore, its length must be shorter to remain a 1.00ct rated diamond. On the other hand, a Marquise cut diamond will give the illusion of being bigger / longer even though the carat weightings of all six diamonds are the same.
1.0ct Diamond
Princess Cut
5.5 x 5.5mm
1.0ct Diamond
Round Cut
6.5 x 6.5mm
1.0ct Diamond
Emerald Cut
6.6 x 4.8mm
1.0ct Diamond
Heart Cut
6.3 x 7mm
1.0ct Diamond
Pear Cut
8.3 x 5.2mm
1.0ct Diamond
Marquise Cut
9.2 x 5.2mm
Comparing Carats of Diamonds
What are the different Carat weightings typically used for?
For the sake of comparison, let's look at how the different Carat weightings look when you look at a single gemstone and cut. In this example, we'll use a Brilliant Round Cut Diamond, which is the most popular gemstone and cut featured in jewellery.
Melee Diamonds & Gemstones
Melee or accent diamonds are small diamonds or gemstones used to embellish jewellery. They are often used to enhance the sparkle of a larger diamond or set as hidden stones on the underside of a larger solitaire or halo ring configuration.
Budget Friendly Diamonds & Gemstones
This carat grouping between 0.2 and 1.0 carats is the sweet spot between size and price. The lower part of the carat scale in this group is ideal for internity rings, secondary stones in a trinity ring, or rings that feature a cluster of diamonds where a single, larger gemstone would have traditionally been placed.
At the upper end of this range, you start to see gemstones... especially diamonds, that might feature in a budget-friendly solitaire, shoulder set or halo-style engagement ring.
Carat weights that are in demand!
1.00ct is the most popular carat for engagement rings or first-time diamond buyers. At 1.5ct, the diamonds begin to look very large, and their sparkle will start to draw attention... as will the price tag.
In the upper range of this category, you would be looking at a gemstone over 8mm in length, which will significantly impact the piece of jewellery and your finances! Budget-wise, you could quickly look at £35,000 just for the gemstone!
Celebrity sized Carat Weights
In this category, gemstones and diamonds are not only highly eye-catching and prominent but equally rare and more challenging to procure your exact specifications of colour, clarity, and cut alongside the carat. Budgeting must now be over the £100k mark for the gemstone alone.
Workshop Pages That May Interest You
Gemstone Shapes Explained
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Diamond Colour Grading Explained
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Fancy Diamond Colours Explained
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Diamond Clarity Explained
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