How to Choose a 1 Carat Diamond

Carat weight is one of the 4 Cs of diamond ranking, along with color, cut, and clarity. It refers to the weight (and ultimately, the size) of the diamond, with a 1 carat gem being a popular choice.

There are so many diamond vendors out there and so many options when it comes to a diamond, and this can make the process quite overwhelming. If you have your heart set on a 1 carat diamond, you want to be sure you’re getting what you pay for. Here’s a step by step guide to finding your dream diamond.

Choose a Style

Before buying a diamond, you should have some idea of what you want it to look like. Do you want a solitaire setting so the diamond stands out or a halo setting to enhance its sparkle and shine? What shape or cut do you want – princess, emerald, marquise, or pear etc? Do you want a thin band or a thick one? Platinum or gold? Having a style in mind helps you figure out which diamond will suit you best among the many you will see and inspect.

Think About the Shape

Diamonds can be cut into a variety of shapes, including square, circle, or pear cuts. Oval and cushion cuts are other options but the shape is not limited to those mentioned here.

In general, round diamonds are the most costly so if you want to save money and find something unique, consider other shapes. Keep in mind that some fancy shapes aren’t graded for cut so make sure you check their quality before buying.

Look at the Color Grade

One of the things that greatly influences a diamond’s value is its color. Generally, a colorless diamond is worth more than one with a hue, although deep or brightly colored gems are highly prized.

However, some diamonds that aren’t ranked as colorless still appear so unless you have a high-powered tool to examine them with. That means you can get a diamond that appears colorless without spending so much. If you have a setting with more than one stone, make sure they are all graded the same when it comes to color.

Choose a Lower Clarity Grade

Most experts say that you won’t need a flawless clarity for a 1 carat diamond. In fact, higher grades add to the cost without really adding value for this weight of diamond. However, it’s still a good idea to examine the diamond and make sure there aren’t any obvious blemishes or inclusions. Look for one with a high degree of sparkle and brilliance.

Choosing a diamond is both fun and stressful. A 1 carat diamond is a great choice as they aren’t as rare as other larger weights so they’re easier to find. They also look spectacular in a variety of settings that enhance their appeal and make them look bigger than they are. With more selections, it is so much easier to find a diamond you love.