{"id":20763,"date":"2022-12-06T07:00:35","date_gmt":"2022-12-06T12:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/?p=20763"},"modified":"2023-04-17T10:20:06","modified_gmt":"2023-04-17T14:20:06","slug":"lets-talk-about-1-carat-diamonds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/lets-talk-about-1-carat-diamonds\/","title":{"rendered":"LET’S TALK ABOUT 1 CARAT DIAMONDS"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Lets<\/div>\n

One Full Carat<\/h2>\n

\nA one carat diamond is 100 points of pure carbon<\/strong> (the same stuff in a No. 2 pencil). Only solidified with intense heat and pressure<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\n100 points is divided up just like pennies to a dollar<\/strong>. The one carat being a dollar, all the points being pennies. So 50 points is a half carat. 25 points is a quarter carat…<\/p>\n

\nAnd the full carat; 100, is written as 1.00 carat<\/strong>, or simply 1 ct<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nWhen a diamond is smaller than a one carat, jewelers often refer to them as points (i.e. 36 points<\/strong>). When a diamond is over 1.00, they are referred to as a “carat<\/strong>“, or “carats” (i.e. 1.36 carat<\/strong>… or 2.51 carats<\/strong>.).<\/p>\n

A 7 Point Range<\/h2>\n

\nOne carats can also come in a seven point range<\/strong>. Which means, if you’re within seven points<\/strong> of 1.00 ct (in either direction), it’s still considered a 1 carat diamond. In other words, a 93 point diamond<\/strong> can still be called a one carat. As well as a 1.07 can be called a one carat. This is because most diamonds (like most people) do not come in these exact magic <\/em>sizes<\/strong>. It’s like trying to find a person that’s exactly 150 lbs<\/strong>. You’ll find 1.54, 1.60, 1.44… You see how difficult it would be to find one dead on?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nDiamonds are the same way (like everything made in nature), so actually getting one right on the dot<\/em><\/strong>, is not the easiest task. So the FTC allows a leeway of 7 points<\/strong> up or down to still legally <\/strong>be called a carat (also meaning, if you truly wanted a one carat diamond; 100 points, then make sure to ask what the true carat weight<\/strong> is of the diamond you’re buying).<\/p>\n

Light Carat Weights<\/h2>\n

\nStones that are slightly under 100 points<\/strong>, as in 94, 95, 97… Are actually what they call “light carats<\/strong>“. Meaning, shy of a full carat<\/strong>. And these stones which are slightly smaller (but visibly face up the same<\/strong>) will actually be a little bit cheaper <\/strong>too. Light carats are a good way to still get that look, but save some bucks<\/strong> at the same time.<\/p>\n

\nLikewise, when you jump higher than a carat, the price jumps too<\/strong>. Big stones are a premium<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nAnd, any diamond that’s actually 100 carat or bigger is considered rare<\/strong>. Especially when you’re looking at higher quality stones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

One Carats can be Deceiving though…<\/h2>\n

\nThis is because salespeople, fliers, catalogs, websites, like to call a one carat ring<\/strong>; “one carat<\/em>“. Making you think that the center stone is a carat<\/strong>, when in fact, it might only be 30 points… Their “one carat” is the weight of the entire ring combined<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

\nA one carat diamond should mean one carat in the center<\/strong>, and then the side diamonds total even more…<\/p>\n

\nBut “one carats” are still a good way to get her a one carat ring<\/strong>, and not pay the price of one. <\/p>\n

\nA diamond that’s one full carat, and a ring that has one carat total weight<\/strong>, are two totally different stories.<\/p>\n

A Big Difference in Price<\/h2>\n

\nWhen the diamonds are broken up into smaller stones (and sometimes tons of them), the cost comes down greatly. Where as a one full carat (called a solitaire<\/a>), holds its value much better<\/strong>, but costs much more.<\/p>\n

Compare the Rings below…<\/h2>\n

\n\"Compare<\/p>\n

It’s so Dreamy…<\/h2>\n

\nOne carat diamonds are “the dream diamond<\/strong>“. It’s the carat weight that all women want<\/strong>. The funny thing is, the center stone (sold on average across the country<\/strong>), is only 38 points<\/strong>. That’s it. See below…<\/p>\n

\n\"Compare<\/p>\n

“There’s Something in my Diamond…”<\/h2>\n

\nOne carat diamonds face up large<\/strong>, but because of their size, they often show inclusions and color much easier<\/strong> than the smaller diamonds do. Meaning, when you get into bigger carat weights, you’ll probably have to step up in quality<\/strong> as well. Otherwise, imperfections may get noticeable<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

“Is that a Black Spot in my Diamond?”<\/h2>\n

\nOne carat diamonds can vary in appearance too<\/strong>. This is because of the way that they are cut. Some are cut deep<\/strong>, others shallow<\/strong>. So two one carat diamonds side by side, can look totally different<\/strong> because of their mm sizes…<\/p>\n

\n\"Compare<\/p>\n

\nThey’re like people. Two people can weight 150 lbs<\/strong>, but one is tall and skinny<\/strong>, the other short and squat<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

It’s all about Proportions<\/h2>\n

\nYou could buy a one carat diamond, get a really good deal<\/strong>, and find out later that the stone is deep and looks more like a 3\/4 carat diamond<\/strong> instead (hence the reason you got the good deal).<\/p>\n

\nTo make a one carat diamond look like a one carat diamond, check the mm size<\/strong>. The mm (for a round stone<\/strong>) should be 6.5mm<\/strong> (or close to it). <\/p>\n

\nMillimeters will be listed on a diamond report<\/strong> under measurements<\/em><\/strong>… (They measure round stones in 3 positions: the mm width<\/strong> from top to bottom. The mm width<\/strong> from left to right. And the depth <\/strong>of the stone from table to culet)<\/p>\n

\n\"1<\/p>\n

If your diamond’s mm is bigger than 6.5, your stone could face up more like 1.25 carat<\/strong>. Which sounds good (and may even look good), but be warned<\/strong>; When diamonds get too shallow and thin, they are more prone to chip and break<\/strong>. You have to be careful. You do get what you pay for<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nIt’s wise to stick with standard mm carat weights<\/strong>, just to be safe. That way you won’t have to worry about damage.<\/p>\n

Shape Matters MORE!<\/h2>\n

\n1 carats, of various shapes, will face up much different<\/strong> as well.<\/p>\n

\nPrincess cuts tend to look LARGE<\/a> (because of their square corners<\/strong>), while Marquise Cuts look longer and thinner, and Cushion Cuts appear more smaller and deeper… As seen below:<\/p>\n

\n\"1<\/p>\n

Price in fancy cuts<\/strong> (which are every other cut of diamond other than the round brilliant<\/strong>), will be cheaper too. This is because the round is traditional, the shape that’s the most popular, so demand drives the price of the round up<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nBut if you stray into square, oval, rectangle, pear or heart stones…<\/p>\n

You’ll Save Big Bucks!<\/h2>\n

\n\"1<\/p>\n

(All diamond prices shown are for an average clarity and color; SI1, G-H<\/strong>)<\/p>\n

\nOne of the best features <\/strong>of the round stone though, is something that it excels in<\/strong> over any other shape…<\/p>\n

Symmetry<\/h2>\n

\nNo other shape compares<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nThe round brilliant is perfectly symmetrical<\/strong>, and that leads to the wonderful Tolkowsky cut<\/strong> (most often referred to as IDEAL<\/strong>). And cutting a stone to perfection like this brings on those stunning hearts and arrows patterns<\/strong> (as seen with a special diamond proportion scope<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\nAn excellent diamond, cut to its maximum potential<\/strong> (achieving the best brilliance and fire) is often called a “Super-Ideal Cut<\/strong>“. It’s just beautiful<\/em><\/strong>. Compare this excellent cut, vs an average cut, and poor cut below…<\/p>\n

\n\"Compare<\/p>\n

\nThe hearts and arrows are superb<\/strong>… Crisp. Clean…<\/strong> (called TRUE HEARTS at James Allen<\/a>, and Signature Series at Blue Nile<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\nThey will shine and sparkle<\/strong> like a thousand stars in the sky<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Simply Breathtaking!<\/h2>\n

\nMind you, diamonds of this carat weight SHOULD ALL be certified<\/strong> (come with a diamond report). In fact, I would never buy a one carat diamond that wasn’t<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

\nAnd big stones, 1 carat or larger, should come with a full diamond report<\/strong> as well. This bears the actual plot<\/strong> of the stone (map of inclusions<\/strong>), that show you what and where each and every flaw is. When diamonds get smaller than a 1 ct, they often get a smaller diamond report (called a Dossier<\/strong>).<\/p>\n

\n\"1<\/p>\n

And when it comes to reports, trust only 2 reports in the world: GIA and AGS<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nGIA<\/strong> is the Gemological Institute of America<\/a> and are the most respected, admired and trusted certificate<\/strong> you can buy. GIA actually devised and standardized the 4C’s<\/strong>. They wrote the book when it comes to diamonds, education, grading and technology. They are also the most strict diamond reporting company on Earth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nAGS is the second best<\/strong>. They grade a little bit differently though (which many find confusing). They give 0’s as their highest grades<\/strong>, but their reports are just as accurate too.<\/p>\n

\nAll of the rest of the reports; EGL, IGI…<\/strong><\/p>\n

FORGET THEM!<\/h2>\n

\nThey are often wrong<\/strong> and always questionable<\/strong> (meaning, you’re not getting what you’re paying for).<\/p>\n

\nAnd if you’re buying a certified diamond, do try to buy a stone that’s laser inscribed<\/strong> too. That’s where the diamond report is actually engraved directly onto the girdle<\/strong> of the diamond. As seen here…<\/p>\n

\n\"1<\/p>\n

\nThat way, you can loupe<\/a> your diamond, anytime, anywhere, read your inscription<\/strong>, and know that your diamond wasn’t swapped, switched or stolen!<\/strong> (which is peace of mind)<\/p>\n

One Last Bit of Advice…<\/h2>\n

\nMake sure you buy a diamond that’s un-mounted<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Buy it Loose <\/em>first!<\/h2>\n

\nThat way you can scope the diamond<\/strong>, spin it around, view it from all sides and angles…<\/p>\n

\nIt’s so important to view a diamond at 10x magnification<\/strong> (or higher magnification). You want to make sure that the stone isn’t chipped<\/strong>, cracked or damaged (which can happen after <\/em>a diamond is graded<\/strong>). <\/p>\n

\nSo check that the stone is free of fractures<\/strong> first… And then have it set into the mounting of your choice<\/strong> (and then once again, scope it after <\/strong>it’s been set just to verify that it’s still your stone<\/strong> and that your stone hasn’t chipped during the process – accidents happen<\/strong>).<\/p>\n

\nThen put your certificate in a safe place <\/strong>(a safe), and hold onto the original copy<\/strong>… Those are issued, laminated and hologrammed<\/strong>, and cost money to replace (a couple hundred dollars<\/strong>).<\/p>\n

Also Remember…<\/h2>\n

\nIf you exchange, trade, or sell your stone, you’ll need to hand over the certificate<\/strong> with it. That ups the value and verifies the diamond and quality!<\/p>\n

\nAnd as always, make sure you also add your big purchase to your home owners or renters insurance policy<\/strong>. That way if something happens to it; it gets lost, stolen, chipped… It will be covered! (Note that so-called “diamond warranties<\/strong>” do NOT<\/strong> cover if your entire ring is lost or stolen)… <\/p>\n

Here’s my Favorite:<\/h2>\n

\nVS1-VS2, D-E-F, Excellent Cut Round Brilliant Diamonds<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\"Loose<\/a><\/p>\n

\nThose stones are top-notch<\/strong>, impressive<\/strong>, and will knock your socks off<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nSee ALL the VS, Colorless Diamonds HERE at James Allen!<\/a><\/p>\n

\nCheers! :)<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

One Full Carat A one carat diamond is 100 points of pure carbon (the same stuff in a No. 2 pencil). Only solidified with intense heat and pressure. 100 points is divided up just like [Read More…]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":20773,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,9,29,3,10,16,20],"tags":[788,550,47,752,291],"class_list":["post-20763","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-carat-weight","category-certification","category-diamond-guide","category-diamonds","category-engagement","category-guides","category-loose-diamonds","tag-1-carat-diamonds","tag-diamond-certification","tag-diamonds","tag-gia-diamonds","tag-loose-diamonds"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20763"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20763"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20763\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20773"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20763"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20763"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewelry-secrets.com\/Blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20763"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}

Lastly…<\/h2>\n

\nKEEP IT CLEAN!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nPlease<\/em> keep it clean…<\/p>\n

\nIt’ll shine like the day you bought it<\/strong>. Get yourself an ultrasonic cleaner<\/a> if you have to… It only takes a minute to make that puppy bling<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nAnd if you want a recommendation of what quality of stone to buy<\/strong>…<\/p>\n