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The 4 C's (cut,
color, clarity,
CARAT WEIGHT) (Click
to view each)
Diamonds are Graded - and Valued - on the basis of what is commonly
referred to as "The 4 C's"
- Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight.
Decide on Carat Weight.
The next decision (the size you can afford in your preferred quality) is mathematically complicated and requires extensive knowledge about diamond pricing.
Carat weight is actually the last of the four C's to consider, surprising as this may seem. Although size will be the single most important factor in the price
of a stone, it does not affect the beauty. First, decide on the quality you want (the first 3 C's above), then decide on the largest size you can afford to meet
those guidelines.
Following are some points to help you decide the budget and size for your diamond:
Most people budget between 1 to 3 months' salary for a diamond engagement ring, depending on what will make her happy while keeping your bank
account open. Only you can determine the right amount to spend. Set your budget, then continue to the next step.
The most popular sizes are 3/4 Carat, 1 Carat, and 2 Carat diamonds. The most popular styles of engagement rings are the traditional "solitaire" in
either a 4 Prong or 6 Prong "tiffany" setting or with a "halo" design of small round diamonds encircling the center stone or with small round or princess
cut (side) diamonds, channel-set, down the sides of the band.
Invest the time to learn about diamond prices. You'll notice many rules that are unique to the gemstone market. For example, a 2 Carat diamond is
much more costly than two 1 Carat diamonds of the same quality.
You should find out what she prefers for the size. Ask her best friend to find out if possible.
CARAT
WEIGHT: WHERE BIGGER DOESN'T ALWAYS MEAN BETTER.
Carat weight is the easiest of the 4 C's to determine. It is the
weight of the diamond measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100
"points", so that a diamond of 50 points weighs 1/2 carat.
But two diamonds of equal weight can have very unequal value, depending
on their cut, color, and clarity. At Bennett's, we want you to have the
diamond you want. We also want you to know what you're getting for your
money. Our objectivity in reviewing the 4 C's with you lets you make that
choice an intelligent one - as well as one from your heart.
The two charts illustrated below show - exactly to scale - the
sizes of Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds from 1/4 Carat to four Carats, as
well as the exact weight range. One you've determined what cut, color,
and clarity grade you're looking for in a diamond, it's simple to decide
what carat weight of diamond you can fit within your budget. You will
note that a two-Carat diamond does not appear to be twice the size of
a one-Carat diamond when viewed from above.
Diamond
Physical Carat Sizes
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Diamond
Value Increases with Size.
Remember that
since large pieces of diamond rough are discovered less frequently than
small ones, large diamonds are generally more valuable. A two-carat diamond
of a given quality is always worth more than two 1-carat diamonds of the
same quality.
What
Size is Best?
After you
decide on grades of cut, color, and clarity, then consider your recipient's
style, the size of her finger, and the head-size of your setting.
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If
your recipient is very active or not used to wearing jewelry, she
may find herself bumping or nicking her new ring on objects. Consider
a smaller size diamond or a setting that protects a larger diamond
from getting caught or knocked against something.
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Also
keep in mind that the smaller the finger, the larger the diamond will
appear - a 1 1/2-carat diamond solitaire looks much larger on a size
4 finger than a size 8.
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Finally,
if you have already chosen a setting, to make sure you choose a diamond
to fit, look for the diamond size specifications of your ring in the
product catalog.
Weight
Vs Carat Size
Carat
Size
Exact Weight Range |
Carat
Size
Exact Weight Range |
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| 1/5 Carat
- .18 - .22 |
3/4 Carat
- .69 - .81 |
| 1/4 Carat
- .23 - .28 |
7/8 Carat
- .82 - .89 |
| 1/3 Carat
- .29 - .35 |
Light Carat
- .90 - .94 |
| 3/8 Carat
- .36 - .44 |
1 Carat
- .95 - 1.10 |
| 1/2 Carat
- .45 - .58 |
1
1/2 Carat - 1.45 - 1.58 |
| 5/8 Carat
- .59 - .68 |
2 Carat
- 1.95 - 2.10 |
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What's the Best Way to Determine Size?
The
best way to determine what size is best is by secretly getting an idea
of what she is expecting.
The 4 C's (cut,
color, clarity,
CARAT WEIGHT) (Click
to view each)
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