We have hidden a cubic zirconia somewhere in Chichester city centre. Follow three clues, bring it to our South Street store by 5pm, and choose your own 0.50ct gemstone.
Why Carat Weight Isn't Everything in a Bespoke Ring
This is the final post in our 4Cs series, and we've saved the most famous "C" for last: Carat.
When you picture your dream engagement ring, you probably have a size in mind. But "Carat" is often misunderstood. It is specifically a measure of weight, not size.
One carat is equal to 0.2 grams (or 200 milligrams). A 2.0-carat diamond weighs twice as much as a 1.0-carat diamond.
Of course, weight and visual size are related. A heavier diamond will generally look larger. However—and this is critical—a diamond's visual size is also dramatically affected by its Cut.
The "Magic" Sizes & Quality vs. Quantity
You will notice that diamond prices jump significantly at certain "magic" weights: 0.50 ct, 0.75 ct, 1.00 ct, 1.50 ct, etc.
This creates a common pitfall. Many people will sacrifice the other Cs (especially Cut) to hit that magic 1.0-carat number. The result? A 1.0-carat diamond that is poorly cut will look dull, lifeless, and smaller than a 0.95-carat diamond with an "Excellent" cut that sparkles brilliantly.
A poorly cut diamond doesn't reflect light properly, making it look "dead" in the center. A well-cut diamond (like we discussed in our first post) uses all its weight to create brilliance, making it appear larger and more impressive.
The Griffin & Co. Philosophy on Carat
Our opinion is simple: We will always recommend quality over quantity.
Our promise as your bespoke jeweller is to create a ring that is beautiful, balanced, and a testament to our craftsmanship. We would never allow a client to walk away with a large diamond that has a dull, "fish-eye" cut or a distracting yellow tint just to hit a certain number.
The "insider's tip" we give our clients is to consider diamonds just under the magic weights. A 0.90-carat diamond, for example, can be visually indistinguishable from a 1.0-carat diamond but may cost significantly less. This frees up your budget to invest in the Cut, Colour, or Clarity that truly makes the ring shine.
Carat in Your Bespoke Ring: It's All About Proportion
Carat isn't just a number; it's a key component of your ring's overall design. This is where bespoke shines.
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Proportion to Your Hand: A 2.0-carat diamond will look different on a size 4 finger versus a size 8. Our job is to find a stone that is perfectly proportioned to you.
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The Setting: A delicate solitaire setting will make a diamond look larger, while a halo setting adds its own sparkle to enhance a smaller centre stone.
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Balance: A 3.0-carat diamond on a paper-thin band may be impractical for daily wear. We design for beauty and durability, ensuring your ring is balanced, comfortable, and secure.
The 5th C: Craftsmanship
This concludes our 4Cs series. But the truth is, there's a 5th C that holds them all together: Craftsmanship.
The 4Cs are just a guide. You can't build a ring from a certificate. The real magic happens when an expert designer and master jeweller take these components and balance them perfectly to create a single, breathtaking piece of art that tells your story.
That's what we do at Griffin & Co.
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When it comes to diamond colour, 'D' isn't the only answer. The GIA's D-to-Z scale grades the absence of colour, but the secret to finding the best value lies in how you set your stone. Did you know a yellow gold band can make a G-colour diamond look just as icy as a D? We decode the 'sweet spot' for your bespoke platinum or gold ring.
What is the most important C for your engagement ring? It's not what you think. While many focus on size, a diamond's Cut is the true engine of its sparkle, fire, and brilliance. A large, colourless diamond can appear dull and lifeless if it has a poor cut. Before you start your bespoke journey, learn why our Griffin & Co. jewellers believe you should never compromise on Cut.