Round Diamond Carat Size Guide

 Round Diamond Carat Size Guide

Round Diamond Carat Size Guide by By Bonnie. Trying to imagine how a 2 ct round diamond ring will look on your finger before buying it? You’ve come to the right place!

If you are looking for the perfect diamond ring and want to make sure that your chosen gem size is just right, then you’ve come to the right place! Carat weight is an important factor when choosing the ideal round-shaped diamond. It can have a significant impact on the cost, color, and clarity of the stone. Having access to a round diamond carat size guide can come in handy when it’s time to go ring shopping!

Let's explore carat weights of different round diamonds so that you can find out which one best suits your needs. With this knowledge in hand, we hope that you’ll be one step closer to choosing the ring of your dreams!

Understanding Carat Weight - What Does it Mean and How is it Measured?

One of the most important factors to consider when buying a diamond is carat weight. But what does it really mean and how is it measured? Oftentimes mistaken for visual size, carat weight is a scale of measurement used to measure the raw physical mass of gems and diamonds. It is a unique unit that is only applicable to precious stones. 

However, it's important to note that carat weight does not necessarily determine a diamond's overall value, as other factors like cut, color, and clarity also play a role. Carat weight is measured using a highly precise instrument called a diamond scale, which can detect even the slightest changes in weight. Understanding carat weight is crucial in making an informed decision about purchasing a diamond, and ultimately, choosing the perfect piece of jewelry.

How Does the Carat Weight Impact Budget?

When it comes to buying diamonds, one of the main factors that affect the price is the carat weight. Carat weight refers to the size of the diamond, and the larger the carat weight, the more expensive the diamond will be. This is because larger diamonds are rarer and more valuable.

However, it's important to remember that a high-carat weight doesn't necessarily mean a better diamond. Other factors such as color, clarity, and cut can also play a role in the quality and value of a diamond. But customers with a fixed budget who cannot afford many variations generally have to sacrifice an aspect of the diamond if they wish to improve on another.

Amongst the 4Cs of the diamond, many people feel that carat weight matters more than the cut of a diamond. And they keep concentrating on getting their hands on the biggest-looking diamond that falls within their budget. However, most jewelers hold the opinion that the cut of a diamond should never be sacrificed for its size or carat weight. 

So while carat weight is certainly a consideration when setting a budget for a diamond purchase, it's important to also weigh the importance of other factors to ensure you're getting the best value for your money.

Round Diamond Carat Size Guide

compare different carat sizes side by side

When it comes to selecting the perfect diamond, carat size is an important factor to consider. And when it comes to round diamonds, carat size can greatly affect the overall appearance and value of the diamond. It's important to note that carat size refers to the diamond's weight, not its size or diameter. This means that two diamonds with the same carat weight can actually have different dimensions.

With that in mind, it's always helpful to compare different carat sizes side by side to get a better sense of how they look in person. By doing so, you may be surprised to find that you prefer a smaller carat size over a larger one, or vice versa. Ultimately, choosing the right carat size comes down to personal preference and what looks best to the individual eye.

1 ct Round Diamond On-Hand

If you want a beautiful sparkle on your finger without it being too large, a nice starter size is 1 carat. Also having a lower carat gives you more opportunity to splurge on the other 4 C's.

Next is 1.25 carat. This will be a good in-between size for the range of 1 - 1.50 carat. You get a bit of a push over a 1 ct that will be close to a 1.50 but you will get the savings of it being under.

Here we have 1.50 carat. This is definitely a more popular starting carat weight at By Bonnie. This size is particularly popular if you are a teacher or nurse because it gives you just enough carat size without it being in the way when you're doing things.

Up next, is a 1.75 carat. Compared to the 1.50 this is definitely an in-between size that's closer to 2 carats. If you're thinking of getting a ring that's 1 - 2 carats, it's really important to know these in-between sizes so you can know what looks better on your finger. You can also learn more about where you can save money by being under a certain carat weight.

2 ct Round Diamond On-Hand

2 carat is the number one most popular size at By Bonnie. Compared to a 1 carat, this is where you're really going to see the significance of an increase in finger coverage.

When searching for an engagement ring, you should be asking yourself... Do I want more finger coverage or a larger diamond? Am I willing to give up a bit more on color and clarity or would I rather have a smaller diamond that has the highest color and clarity? Do I want a little bit of both? It is up to you to find your perfect balance. (Check out our video on how to budget for an engagement ring for more info! Also if you are not sure which diamond shape you'd like, we also have another video where we show different shapes on hand!)

Moving on to 2.50 carats! This is our next popular size for engagement rings at By Bonnie. With the recent introduction of laboratory grown diamonds, people are now able to have access to much larger carat sizes for less amount of money. But always remember-- it's not just about the diamond or the carat, but also the craftsmanship. If you have the world's most perfect diamond but it's not set correctly, you're not going to the same sparkle you see on our rings.

You'll see that as we get larger, 2.75 carats looks very similar to a 3 carat. If you're thinking about a diamond in between 2-3 carats, it's very important to learn about the in-between sizes. Price range between the 2 carats and the 3 carats can be drastic. 2.75 You'll see that as we get larger, 2.75 carats looks very similar to a 3 carat. If you're thinking about a diamond in between 2-3 carats, it's very important to learn about the in-between sizes. Price range between the 2 carats and the 3 carats can be drastic. 2.75 

3 ct & 4 ct Round Diamond On-Hand

3 carats is an amazing size for someone who wants something substantial and doesn't want to upgrade over and over again.

If you are bold and you like something big, definitely start there. Besides considering the weight itself, it's really important to also think about the proportions on how it's going to appear on your finger. Another important factor to consider is your lifestyle. For example, if you're in the medical field and you have a 3 carat diamond on your finger, it might get in the way of your work. But if you have a desk job where you're just typing away…  you know what I say! "The bigger, the better". 

Now let's talk about all the different sizes in between 3 to 4 carats. Being a big diamond lover, there is no such thing as too big at By Bonnie Jewelry. Getting into the larger carats, sometimes you might be considering another diamond shape besides round. In general, a round diamond can appear large, but it can also be different when you are comparing it to an elongated diamond (oval, elongated radiant, emerald, etc). Judging based on carat weight to envision the size on your finger will not be enough. You also have to consider the millimeter measurement on each stone to get a real comparison.

Final Thoughts on Finding the Right Round Diamond Carat Size for You

Picking the perfect diamond carat size for an engagement ring can be a daunting task, but don't let that discourage you from finding the right one for your significant other (or for yourself). After all, it's an investment in your future together. 

When it comes down to it, the size of the diamond is a personal preference and should ultimately make your partner happy. Don't let the opinions of others influence your choice. Take into consideration your budget, their style, and finger size, as well as their occupation/lifestyle. Choose the diamond carat size that you think they’ll love for years to come. It's a symbol of your commitment to each other, so choose wisely!