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4C's of Diamonds - Carat Weight

The industry-standard unit of weight for diamonds is carats. Diamonds are bought and sold on a pricing concept known as "per carat".

As diamonds get larger, the price per carat increases due to a rarity factor. Smaller stones are discovered much more frequently than larger stones. This is the primary variable that makes diamonds with greater carat weight considerably more expensive. For example, when comparing two stones of similar quality (color and clarity), the diamond weighing 2 ct. will be worth more than twice as much as the diamond weighing 1 ct.

When it comes to carat weight, Mariloff offers a selection of diamonds to fit within your budget AND bring a smile to her face.

There are several factors to consider when selecting carat weight.

Expectations. Perhaps the most important factor to consider is what size of stone she is expecting. It may not be necessary to purchase the exact size she is expecting, but getting as close as possible within your budget is always a wise idea.

Tips from the Trade: If a large diamond is what she desires most, consider selecting a stone with a lower grade color and clarity.

Lifestyle. Also consider her lifestyle. Is she active? On a daily basis, are there potential opportunities where a diamond may be chipped? If so, consider a smaller stone or a setting where the stone is encased in precious metal and protected.

Finger Size. It may sound strange, but the size of her fingers can play quite a role in selecting carat weight. The smaller the fingers, the larger the stone will appear when worn. The opposite is also true. If she has long or wide fingers, a small stone will appear even smaller when worn.

Setting. It's not uncommon for a setting to be selected first. If this is the case, be sure that the diamond you select will fit in the setting. If you are unsure what carat weight will look best in the setting selected, contact a Mariloff Personal Advisor at 1-888-MARILOFF for guidance.