This multi-part series on the engagement ring covers the various aspects of choosing THE diamond. The aspects of a diamond to consider are called the 4 C’s: Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat.

Ah, the carat. The one aspect of a diamond that today’s society is fixated on. Very simply, the carat of a diamond is essentially the weight and size of a diamond. [Please note: this is not the same as “karat”, which is the purity of gold.] One carat is equal to 0.2 grams, which is roughly 0.007 ounces. A point system is used also where 100 points is equal to a 1.0 carat diamond, 50 points is equal to a 0.5 carat diamond, etc.

If all else is perfect, such as cut, color, and clarity, the price of a diamond rises with carat weight because larger diamonds are rare and versatile in jewelry. Demand for a specific carat weight can also effect the price. For example, a 0.95 carat diamond may cost significantly less than a 1.05 carat diamond just because of that milestone of 1.0 carat. This is why the cost per carat changes with milestone weights such as 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, 5.0, etc., with 0.5 carat starting at around $3,000 USD per carat, resulting in a total cost of around $1,500 USD and 1.0 carat starting at around $6,500 per carat. So how would a consumer keep up with diamond prices? Well, at BrideFu, we check the Rapaport Diamond Report, a weekly price list for various diamond cuts, clarity and weights. Here’s a tip, jewelers sometimes trade diamonds at negotiated discounts off that report.

Another term that may be helpful is “total carot weight (tcw)”, which is defined as the total weight of diamonds and/or other gemstones in a piece of jewelry when more than one gemstone is used, ie: three stone rings and diamond earrings.

Check out the other three sections of our Engagement Ring Series to find out more about your diamonds!

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