Carat - The 4Cs of a Diamond

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.