For many people a diamond’s carat weight is one of the most important factors when choosing a stone. Many seem to think, the bigger the better. However, with natural fancy colored diamonds the color should be considered the most significant characteristic. Furthermore, bigger isn’t necessarily better, since a heavy diamond does not always equal a large diamond . How large a diamond appears depends a lot on the cut, shape and where the diamond’s weight is being carried.
Since the carat weight increases a diamond’s value significantly, it is wise to focus on the carat weight of the color diamond rather than its size. There is plenty to know regarding a diamond’s carat weight, from what determines the weight, to what each carat weight implies — along with what part a diamond’s shape plays. Here is some important information relating to color diamond carats.
What is a Carat?
A carat is the unit measurement specifically used for diamonds. Long ago, due to their similarity in size to carob seeds, diamonds were weighed together with these seeds on precision scales to determine their weight. Although we now use electronic scales, the tradition passed through till’ today, and thus diamonds are measured weight-wise by carats.
Every carat is broken down to one hundred points. This means that if a diamond weighs ¾ of a carat, it is 0.75 carats. Also, because the price increases significantly the bigger the diamond is, the cost is broken down per carat. Although in a jewelry store you will often see the total cost, within the trade, prices are always discussed P/C (per carat).
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Carat Weight and Stone Size
Though often used interchangeably, a diamond’s carat weight and size is not the same thing, though they do have much to do with one another. The part of the diamond that catches the eye most is the table. It is what determines the visual size of the stone to the general public. While a stone with a large table can also be quite deep — making it a significantly heavy diamond carat-wise — it does not have to be. Diamonds with large tables can be shallow, though it might contain a window in the table as a result.
It is very important to inspect each diamond individually since each fancy colored diamond is unique. In general, if a stone is deeper, there is more area for the light to remain within the diamond for a longer period of time, which naturally enhances the color display. However, if the color is strong, a shallower diamond may appear much larger than its carat weight would normally show, and still have an intense or vivid color.
Carat Weight and Diamond Shape
Just like carat weight and diamond size have much to do with each other, so does the shape of the diamond. Some shapes by nature give off a larger appearance than others. For example, an oval-shaped diamond will look bigger than a round diamond, and a marquise-shaped diamond will look impressive as well. If you are more interested in a large look, as opposed to a specific shape, then look into those shapes that give off the impression of being a bigger stone.
A diamond’s carat weight has a significant impact on its price and value. However, it is not just the heavier it is the more expensive it will cost, but more how close to the next carat it is in weight. This means, a diamond that has surpassed the 1-carat mark will be far pricier than a diamond just below one carat. The trick in getting a terrific price for a diamond is to go for one that is below the cutoff mark for the next price category. Similarly, when looking for an investment stone, try to find something priced well that is just above the ‘next’ carat mark. For example, a 2.02-carat will be substantially more valuable than 1.98-carat diamond. If you can negotiate a decent buying price, it will be easier to liquidate later on when the time comes. Heavier stones generally generate more value, but always remember to focus on the color and intensity of the diamond.
This article was written by Benji Margolese, Marketing manager of Leibish & Co. Founded in 1979, Leibish & Co. is the world’s premier online resource for natural fancy colored diamonds. Based in Ramat Gan, Israel, and with customers around the globe, Leibish enjoys an unparalleled reputation for integrity and service. The Company offers a wide array of GIA-certified colored stones as well as a unique collection of multi-colored diamond jewelry designed in-house such as fancy yellow diamonds. The Leibish & Co. website features a comprehensive knowledge center for the Fancy Colored Diamond Industry, including informative articles about diamonds as an investment and also offers a direct purchasing channel for global buyers.
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