Diamonds and other gem stones are measured in carats, a word derived from 'carob' meaning seed, the first measuring unit for diamond traders. One carat equals 200 milligrams of weight. Carat weight is the fourth of the 4Cs in the Monroe Yorke Diamonds Diamond Education. The term 'carat' is often abbreviated to 'ct' and will refer to the weight of a single diamond. Carat TW or ct TW refers to total carat weight and is used to represent the weight of a number of diamonds that are presented together in one piece of jewellery. The word 'caratage' is an expression of purity for gold. Below is a diagram of how carat weight is expressed:
The term 'carat weight' is also used for other gemstones, such as pearls and fancy coloured diamonds. Gems of similar weight are not always the same size, because by virtue of their unique qualities, gemstones have different densities. Therefore, to clarify :~
- Carat weight does not in itself determine the size of a diamond.
- The carat weight of a diamond should be taken into account along with cut, colour and clarity when determining the value of a diamond.
To clarify size and weight, refer to the:~
Monroe Yorke Diamonds Diamond Size Comparison Chart
As one would expect, the larger a diamond's carat weight, the higher the price. But the price you pay is also determined by those other important factors, the 4Cs that are displayed on the GIA or HRD Diamond Grading Report.
If, when purchasing your diamond, size is important, then the 'carat weight' will be the grading that you will be most interested in. As the carat size increases, then so does it's price, but even in larger more expensive diamonds, there is a differential in quality. Less than one in one million rough diamonds will be large enough to produce a finished diamond that weighs one carat.
A diamonds carat weight is not only priced per total of weight, but the unit price of the carat will also increase.
Diamonds should always be viewed from above and it's measurements should also be taken into consideration as it's cut proportions will vary. The length and width of a diamond is an important indication of the how the diamond will look when viewed from above. The diagram below explains this in more detail:~
A diamond that has been cut with a greater depth, has a larger distribution of weight contained in the depth which will result in a diameter that is smaller. Although the differences between a number of diamonds will be small in comparison to the overall scale, they will be noticeable, even to the naked eye.
The chosen cut of the diamond such as round, cushion, emerald or heart is also paramount to the appearance of size and it's overall carat weight.
Different shapes of diamond should not be compared when assessing the size of a diamond. A 1.00 carat round diamond may appear smaller than a 1.00 carat marquise, for example.
All diamonds should be assessed by and for their unique qualities. For more information and advice regarding 'carat weight,' contact Monroe Yorke Diamonds on 1800 766 567 and speak with one of our professional diamond specialists.
Compare diamond sizes here:
How to Maximize Your Budget with Carat Weight
As your personal jeweller, we believe the most important part of our role is to help you find the absolute best value for your budget. When it comes to carat weight, there are two key strategies that savvy buyers use to get a visually stunning diamond without overspending.
First, consider a lab-grown diamond. Because the creation process is more efficient, a lab-grown diamond can be 60-80% more affordable than a natural diamond of the exact same quality. This means for the same budget, you can often select a lab-grown diamond that is significantly larger in carat weight, giving you a much bigger and more impressive stone without compromising on cut, colour, or clarity.
Carat Weight in Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds: The Value of Modern Choice
For many buyers, the carat weight of their diamond is a top priority. This is where the choice between a natural and a lab-grown diamond becomes most significant, offering a powerful advantage to the modern, informed customer.
The primary difference comes down to value. Because lab-grown diamonds are created with cutting-edge technology in a matter of months, their cost is substantially lower than that of natural diamonds, which are finite resources formed over billions of years and require extensive mining operations. Australian buyers can typically expect a lab-grown diamond to be 60-80% more affordable than a natural diamond of the exact same size and quality.
This price difference directly empowers your decision-making. It means you can prioritise a larger carat weight, securing a bigger and more impressive diamond without having to compromise on the other crucial C's like Cut, Colour, or Clarity. For example, a budget that might afford a beautiful 1-carat natural diamond could potentially secure a stunning 2.0 or even 3-carat lab-grown diamond of exceptional quality.
It's essential to remember that this choice is about origin, not quality. A lab-grown diamond is physically, chemically, and optically identical to its natural counterpart, possessing the same fire, brilliance, and durability. The decision ultimately comes down to what you value most: the timeless rarity of a natural stone or the modern value and impressive size offered by a lab-grown diamond.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carat Weight.
Does a higher carat always mean a bigger-looking diamond?
Not always. Carat is a measure of a diamond's weight, not its visual size. A diamond's shape and, most importantly, its cut quality play a huge role in how large it appears. An expertly cut diamond will reflect more light and can appear larger and more brilliant than a poorly cut diamond of the same carat weight.
This is why we are uncompromising on cut quality. Every Monroe Yorke Signature Natural Diamond is certified by GIA with an 'Excellent' cut, ensuring it has ideal proportions. This commitment results in a diamond that is visibly brighter, more radiant, and full of life with amazing brilliance, fire, and scintillation, making your jewellery truly exceptional.
Every Monroe Yorke Signature Lab-Grown Diamond is certified by IGI with an 'Ideal' cut, ensuring it has ideal proportions. This commitment results in a diamond that is visibly brighter, more radiant, and full of life with amazing brilliance, fire, and scintillation, making your jewellery truly exceptional.
Every Monroe Yorke Signature Lab-Grown Diamond comes with a guarantee of superior brilliance. We select only IGI certified diamonds with a perfect 'Ideal' cut, ensuring flawless proportions for maximum light performance. This commitment results in a visibly brighter, more radiant diamond that dazzles with amazing brilliance, fire, and scintillation, making your jewellery truly exceptional.
What is the most popular carat size for an engagement ring in Australia?
While it varies by personal preference and budget, the most popular range is typically between 0.50 and 1.20 carats for natural diamonds between 1.00 and 3.00 for lab grown diamonds.
How can I get the biggest diamond for my budget?
Consider a lab-grown diamond, which offers a larger carat weight for the price. Also, choosing a diamond just under a popular weight (like 0.90ct instead of 1.00ct) and selecting a shape like an oval or marquise can create the illusion of a larger size.