Diamond Carat Size Comparison Videos
A helpful way to determine your preferred diamond shape and carat size is to visualize how it appears on a hand. For this purpose, we have created this page showcasing videos of all the popular diamond shapes on a hand, categorized by shape and shown in each carat weight increment. See below or watch this video here
A helpful way to determine your preferred diamond shape and carat size is to visualize how it appears on a hand.
Round
When it comes to cutting style, round brilliants are known for their exceptional precision and consistency. As a result, the dimensions provided below can be considered highly accurate, when based on an excellent cut stone.
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Oval
This shape can exhibit a wide range of appearances depending on how it is cut. The examples here are based on a desirable length to width ratio of around 1.45:1 and a well-proportioned stone in terms of depth.
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Radiant
This dazzling diamond cut shape can also have varying degrees of length to width ratios. Below are examples of stones that have a ratio of approximately 1.4:1 which provides a well-balanced and visually pleasing appearance.
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Elongated Cushion
The below examples are based on cushion brilliant style diamonds with a rectangular length to width ratio of approximately 1.2:1.
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Square Cushion
The dimensions provided below are specific to the cushion brilliant style, known for its expansive face-up appearance and dazzling sparkle. The stones showcased here exhibit a perfectly square length-to-width ratio of 1:1, resulting in a balanced and symmetrical shape.
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Emerald
This step cut diamond can have varying degrees of length to width ratios; within an acceptable range of 1.3:1 for a wider look, up to a more elongated appearance at 1.5:1. The diamonds showcased here are in the middle of this spectrum.
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Elongated Antique Cushion Cut
The antique cushion cut diamond separates itself with its old world charm characterized by its chunky faceting style and open culet in the center. These diamonds shown have a ratio of around 1.2:1.
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Pear
This diamond is naturally elongated and noted for its rounded top and pointed tip. The examples displayed here exhibit a sought-after length-to-width ratio of approximately 1.55:1 to 1.6:1.
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Hybrid Step Cut
This diamond has step cut facets of an emerald cut along with the brilliance and soft corners of a cushion diamond. This unique blend results in an elongated shape that typically has a length-to-width ratio of around 1.5:1.
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Marquise
The most elongated of all the diamond cuts, the stones below show marquise shapes with length to width ratios of around 1.9:1. The marquise cut offers a unique and distinctive look.
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Asscher
Also known as a square emerald cut, this is the second shape which is truly square by nature. Unlike the princess cut, it features cut corners and step cut faceting. It offers a unique blend of vintage charm and modern sophistication.
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Heart
This shape features a pointed tip and two arches at the top separated by a distinctive cleft in the center. This shape is instantly recognizable and carries a symbolic meaning of love and affection.
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Princess
One of the few diamond cuts that are meant to be exclusively square, its sharp corners and fiery sparkle give it a distinct appearance.
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Diamond Carat Size on Hand (Video Comparisons)
Diamond shopping might seem intimidating at first. However, familiarity with the Four Cs of Diamonds makes comparing the quality of different stones easier. These standardized characteristics include cut, color, clarity, and carat. This guide is dedicated to understanding carats.
A Guide to Carat Weight
Contrary to popular belief, diamond carat and size are not directly linked. Carat (ct) is a unit of measurement used to determine how much a gemstone or pearl weighs. As a point of reference, one carat equals 200 milligrams. A carat is divided into 100 points, with one point equaling 1/100th of a carat. A diamond that weighs less than one carat is referred to by its number of points, 75 points, or .75ct. Carat is only one contributing factor to how large the stone will look on the hand. A diamond’s proportions and shape also dictate its physical dimensions. The features that matter most when determining the right carat weight can vary based on individual preferences. The size of the wearer’s hand matters, too. For example, a 4 carat stone might not sound bigger, but is noticeably larger in size than a 2 carat sparkler and might look disproportionate on a small hand. When making a diamond size comparison, carat is actually one of the biggest influences on the price. The cut should be your next priority. A stone with an Excellent or Ideal grade cut will look the liveliest on the hand.
What Else Influences How a Diamond Looks on the Hand?
Structural Elements & Depth
A diamond is divided into sections, each with measurements that contribute to the stone’s fire, brilliance, and appearance on the hand. A stone’s brilliance shines through its facets, or the flat surfaces that make up its geometry. The top facets make up the crown while the bottom are referred to as the pavilion. The girdle acts as the equator of the gemstone and separates the crown from the pavilion. One common misconception is that the total depth of a diamond is the same as its carat weight. However, the total depth of a gemstone is the distance from your table (flat part at the top of the diamond) to its culet (the pointy part at the bottom). Another thing to keep in mind is pavilion depth—the distance from girdle to culet. Shallow pavilion depth does not allow for as much brilliance as a stone with a deeper pavilion.
Shape
Two diamonds with the same carat weight will also have physical size differences based on differing diamond shapes. Certain shapes can look larger than others, even if they have the same carat weight, which will influence how proportionate they appear on the hand.
Understanding Diamond Shapes
Round Brilliant diamonds
are lauded for their brilliance, which is attributed to 58 facets. Rounds have, over time, become synonymous with diamonds in general and thus will always be one of the most popular shapes.
Square Cushion diamonds
are square with rounded corners. The most famous square cushion diamond in the world is The Hope Diamond.
Elongated Cushion diamonds
are more rectangular with rounded edges. When searching for more elongated cushions, we recommend cushions with ratios between 1.07:1 to 1:1.2.
Oval diamonds
are elongated round cuts but with a larger surface area. For the past few years, ovals have maintained their number one spot as the most popular diamond shape.
Pear diamonds
resemble a teardrop, with one round and one pointed end. Fun fact: no two pear shapes in the world are cut the exact same!
Emerald cut diamonds
have an elongated, rectangular shape with a large table and step cuts, giving it a hall of mirrors effect.
Radiant diamonds
were created to combine the brilliance of a round with the elongated, rectangular shape of an emerald cut. With 70 facets, they are one of the most brilliant and popular shapes on the market.
Princess diamonds
are square with sharp corners. What makes each princess unique are the variations in terms of the chevrons, or central faceting, within each diamond.
Marquise diamonds
resemble a more elongated oval with pointed ends. The length and slenderness can make the stone appear larger.
Heart Shape diamonds
are a romantic choice. This fancy diamond is really a pear shape with a cleft at the top.
Asscher cut diamonds
are square versions of emerald cuts. However, the additional step cut facets create more sparkle and fire than its emerald cut counterpart.