DIAMOND CARAT - WORTH THE WEIGHT
The diamond carat weight of your ring is an entirely personal choice. It is important to consider the setting style that you have in mind. Some settings, like halos or bezels, can enhance the size of your center stone while others, like solitaire settings, rely entirely on the diamond to determine the look of your diamond on your finger. It can be helpful to try on rings with different diamond carat sizes and diamond shapes to get an idea of what you like best. We like to think of choosing a diamond as a recipe combining your preferred cut, color, clarity and carat weight to find your perfect match. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or to schedule an engagement ring consultation.
Choosing the right diamond carat weight
There’s no universal “right” diamond carat weight—it’s all about your style, lifestyle, and priorities. Whether you’re drawn to a dramatic solitaire or an elegant and understated design, we’re here to guide you.
We’ll help you consider:
- Your finger size and how the diamond will look in proportion.
- Your preferred diamond shape and how it distributes carat weight.
- Your daily lifestyle and comfort with different stone sizes.
- Whether you’d prefer to invest in a slightly smaller but higher-quality stone—or the largest, most balanced look possible within your budget.
In Context
The visual impact of diamond carat weight is also influenced by design choices. A classic halo setting can elevate a smaller diamond, while a sculptural bezel adds modern weight and presence. In multi-stone rings, we often play with proportion by combining different diamond carat sizes to achieve harmony and balance. At Lindsey Scoggins Studio, each ring is custom made to order—we never adapt an existing setting to fit a stone. That means we design around the diamond you choose, creating the perfect scale and silhouette for your vision.
Carat Weight vs Visual Size
It’s a common misconception that a higher carat weight always means a bigger-looking diamond. In reality, visual size is determined by how a diamond is cut. A well-cut 1.5 carat diamond may appear larger and sparkle more brightly than a poorly cut 2.0 carat stone.
Other factors that affect how large a diamond appears include:
- Shape: Oval, pear, and marquise shapes often look larger than round diamonds of the same weight due to their elongated profiles.
- Cut Proportions: Shallow or deeply cut diamonds may carry more weight in areas that don’t affect visible surface area (like depth), making them appear smaller.
- Setting Style: Certain settings, like halos or thin bands, can enhance a diamond’s perceived size and presence.
How Carat Impacts Price
Diamond carat weight is one of the biggest drivers of a diamond’s price—but it’s not a linear increase. As you move up in carat, especially at “magic numbers” (like 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, or 3.0 carats), prices jump significantly. This is because larger diamonds are increasingly rare in nature. Choosing a stone just under one of these milestones—such as a 0.90 ct or 1.45 ct—can often offer exceptional value with minimal difference in appearance. We work closely with you to explore options that balance carat with cut, color, and clarity. Our goal is to find a diamond that makes a statement while reflecting your personal taste and values.
Do you have questions?
Does a higher carat mean a bigger diamond?
Does a higher carat mean a bigger diamond?
Not always. Diamond carat measures weight, not size. Two diamonds with the same carat can look different depending on their cut, depth, and shape.
What is the difference between carat and karat?
What is the difference between carat and karat?
Carat measures a diamond’s weight. Karat refers to the purity of gold (e.g., 18k gold is 75% pure gold).
Is carat more important than cut or clarity?
Is carat more important than cut or clarity?
Carat matters, but cut plays a bigger role in how bright and beautiful a diamond looks. A well-cut smaller diamond can appear more brilliant than a larger, poorly cut one.
Can a smaller diamond look bigger with the right setting?
Can a smaller diamond look bigger with the right setting?
Yes. Certain settings—like halos, thinner bands, or bezel styles—can enhance a diamond’s presence and make it appear larger than its carat weight suggests.
How do I contact your team with additional questions?
How do I contact your team with additional questions?
We’re here to help. You can contact our team directly by email at inquiry@lindseyscoggins.com or call or text us at 917-409-7123. You can also schedule a consultation through our website to discuss a custom design, diamond selection, or any questions about the process.
The 4Cs
Curation
Learn more about our diamond curation process and additional factors that we consider when selecting a diamond.
Color
A diamond’s color grade measures how white or colorless it is. Less color means higher quality. D means that a diamond is colorless.
Cut
Diamond cut refers to how well a diamond has been shaped and faceted from its rough form. The only specification made by human hands.
clarity
Clarity refers to the tiny natural marks called inclusions that are inside a diamond. Stones that look flawless to the eye are the most rare.
