Even if you’ve never set foot in a jewelry store before, you’ve probably heard that diamonds are graded using the four c’s: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. While all four elements affect the diamond’s worth it is often the carat that makes the biggest difference.
What Does Carat Weight Mean, Anyway?
As you might guess, the carat of a diamond refers to its weight. One carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams, or 100 points. The points system is how jewelers are able to determine a diamond’s weight. For example, a 45-point diamond is one that weighs a little less than half a carat.
Understanding carats is important because it allows you to judge exactly how heavy and valuable a diamond is. But, does it really matter the most? Well, that answer comes down to personal preference.
Why Do Carats Matter?
It’s true that many people, including some who work in the jewelry industry, do consider carat weight to be the most important of the four C’s. After all, it’s the measure used to determine a diamond’s size, and larger diamonds are worth more than smaller ones.
However, you should look beyond carats when choosing the perfect diamond. For one thing, weight doesn’t tell the whole story. A heavier diamond that is poorly cut and has a murky yellow tone may be worthless (and be less appealing to look at) than a lighter gem that is well cut and nearly colorless but has a smaller carat weight.
Here’s the biggest reason why carats probably won’t be a huge concern while diamond shopping: unless you have your heart set on buying a diamond with a huge price tag, you’ll find that the gem’s appearance is probably the most important deciding factor. If that’s the case, carat weight may actually be the least important of the four C’s to you.
If you’re buying a diamond for your partner, try to figure out how much carat weight matters to her. She may have her heart set on a 2-carat gem, or she may be perfectly happy with a smaller diamond of high quality.
All of the four C’s matter, and which one matters most will depend on what you’re looking for. Sitting down with a diamond broker at The Diamond Reserve is the first step. A broker can help you determine the shape, size, and quality of diamond you’re looking for and help you find the best one that fits into your budget. Contact The Diamond Reserve today to get started!