September 25, 2009
Why Would a 1 Carat Diamond Appear Smaller Than Another?
Samantha recently remarked that her friend’s diamond looked smaller than hers even though it was a 1 carat diamond like hers.
What most consumers may not understand is that carat weight is a weight designation not one that describes the physical size. A one carat diamond if it is cut deep will appear smaller because the weight is more vertical than a one carat diamond that is cut shallower and more horizontal.
This brings up an important associated subject, the importance of cut. An ideal cut diamond having the right proportions will return the most light and have the most brilliance and sparkle. A diamond that is cut too deep or too shallow will appear smaller or larger than the ideal cut diamond of the same weight and will not have as much sparkle or brilliance. Diamonds that are cut too deep or shallow will also have a lower value than an ideal cut.
The following diagram will illustrate light return in the different cut proportions of a diamond.
More than just size the cut is the most important aspect in defining brilliance and sparkle. What would you rather have?
Russell Oshita, the diamonddude
The Diamond Specialists Inc.
Diamonds Hawaii
