At first glance, the difference between a two carat and one carat diamond may not be totally visible. This is because “carat” is often confused with visual size, when it actually refers to the measurement of weight, used exclusively to weigh gemstones and diamonds. A stone that is visually substantial does not necessarily indicate a higher carat, because carat weight is not discernible to the naked eye.

So, perhaps you have found yourself getting ready to ask the person of your dreams to marry you and they are asking for a two-carat ring – don’t be shocked when the price is much greater than that of a similar looking stone. It has everything to do with the stone’s weight which is, in turn, affected by many factors, including density, shape, and formulation of the jewel itself.

The Four Cs and How They Affect the Price

We can’t talk about carat without talking about its three counterparts, which make up the Four C’s. If you’ve begun researching diamond engagement rings, no doubt you’ve read all about them, as they are the four biggest influences on the value of a stone.

Cut refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond that reflect light back to the viewer. The cut of a diamond is what determines its brilliance, in turn, making the cut the foremost determining factor for the beauty of a diamond. A beautiful cut will offset shortcomings in clarity, color, and carat, meaning a good cut can raise the price of a diamond.

Clarity refers to how many inclusions or imperfections are present in the stone. Stones that are flawless will be much more expensive because they are rarer and more beautiful.

Color is a measure of the amount of color that can be seen in the stone, usually a yellow or brown hue. Colorless diamonds are more valuable because they reflect more color, have more brilliance, and are so uncommon.

Carat, as previously mentioned, refers to the unit of measurement for the weight of a diamond.  A stone’s weight affects its price because larger stones are discovered less frequently.  While carat weight can have the biggest influence on how much you pay, diamonds are not linearly priced. Meaning, a single stone weighing two carats could be up to four times more expensive than multiple diamonds that equal two carats.

Two Carats vs. One Carat

If your spouse-to-be has expressed to you that they want a two-carat stone, it's important to understand what they’re really asking for. Do they want the look of a two-carat?  The shape of the diamond can play an important role here, as some shapes retain more of the original stone and there is higher demand for fancy shaped diamonds, which means higher prices. Do they want the weight of a two-carat? Consider a diamond halo setting: by adding a ring of smaller diamonds around the center diamond, it not only creates the illusion of a much larger stone but could measure up to two carats in weight.  Consider adding diamonds along the entirety of the ring’s band, achieving the weight and sparkle of a two-carat ring.

A final option is to find a slightly lower carat diamond with a high-quality cut, achieving the look of a two-carat while you spend less.  It’s important to find a jeweler you trust to go through the various options as there are so many ways to achieve what you and your future betrothed want without having to sacrifice. Stop in to our Winston-Salem or Greensboro locations and see us today!