1 Carat Vs. 2 Carat: A Guide to the Ideal Diamond Size

Written by Karen Dunn

Want to purchase your new diamond ring? One can never stop the heart from desiring more when it comes to diamonds. Considering the smaller details, figuring out what suits best to your needs from the various sizes that these sparkling jewels come in and choosing your preferred cut for a diamond engagement ring is essential. If you are someone who has delved deeper into the diamond world and wants to know how 1 carat diamonds differ from 2 carat diamonds, we've got you covered.

TABLE OF CONTENT

What Is Diamond Carat?

A diamond carat or CT stands for the size of a diamond. It is measured in terms of weight, and the unit used to measure the diamond weight is referred to as a ‘carat’ or ‘CT’. It's crucial to understand that a diamond's carat weight is not the same as its size. Depending on how they are cut, shaped, and proportioned, two diamonds of the same weight may appear to be of various sizes. In addition, several elements beyond carat size influence a diamond's value including its color, clarity, and cut. The price per carat often rises as the diamond's carat weight increases since diamonds are sometimes sold in fractions of a carat. Considering all other factors are equal, a larger diamond will cost more than a smaller one.

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1 Carat Vs. 2 Carat: Which Is Better?

Akin to natural diamonds, a 2 carat lab grown diamond will be bigger and more noticeable than a 1 carat diamond, making it a more appealing choice for individuals seeking a statement piece or a precious stone that stands out. Since a 2 carat diamond will be bigger than a 1 carat diamond, it has a more striking and remarkable look. A bigger diamond set as the center stone may also make a more statement jewelry piece, particularly if it is set in a visible and eye-catching style. On the other hand, for people looking for a diamond that is both exquisite and reasonably priced, a 1 carat lab grown diamond could be a more sensible option. Smaller diamonds are typically simpler to cut and polish to a higher degree. Also, they tend to have a higher quality (color, clarity, and cut grades) than a 2 carat lab diamond. However, the choice between a 1 carat and a 2 carat diamond will ultimately come down to personal tastes, financial constraints, and essentially the 4 C’s of a diamond.

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1 Carat Vs. 2 Carat: What Is the Difference?

The only difference between a 1 carat vs. 2 carat diamond is weight. A diamond with a larger carat weight would not necessarily have more brilliance, color, or clarity than a diamond with a lower carat weight. While a 2 carat diamond weighs higher than a 1 carat diamond, the chances of it appearing larger than a 1 carat diamond depend on the other factors. A 1 carat round cut diamond holds a diameter of about 6.4 mm, whereas a 2 carat round brilliant cut diamond showcases a diameter of around 8.1 mm. That may not sound like a huge difference, but even though the stone is only 1.7mm bigger in diameter, a 2 carat stone will have a much bigger visual effect when mounted on a ring. The difference in carat size between a 1 carat and a 2 carat diamond is less pronounced in fancy shaped diamond cuts like the heart, cushion cut, or princess cut because the weight of the diamond is distributed evenly across the whole surface.

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1 Carat Vs. 2 Carat: What Shape Diamond Suits Best?

Personal tastes can influence which diamond shapes appear best with 1 carat diamonds, however, some designs tend to showcase the stone's size and brightness more than others. The most common diamond shape is the round brilliant cut, which is well-known for reflecting an outstanding amount of light. Hence, it is a popular option for 1 carat diamonds. The princess cut is a square-shaped diamond with pointed edges and its unique blend of fire and brightness makes it a favorite option for 1 carat diamonds. While a 2 carat diamond frequently enhances the dazzling traditional diamond shapes, they tend to increase the stone's size, giving it a bigger appearance and more brightness.

Popular diamond cuts that look best in a 2 carat diamond include the following:

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An elongated version of the round brilliant cut, the oval cut brilliantly showcases the 2 carat diamond effect. It has a good deal of brightness and fire as well, making it an adored option for people seeking a distinctive and attractive appearance. The emerald cut is a rectangle cut with stepped facets that look elegant and royal on bigger gems like a 2 carat diamond. The stone's size may be highlighted and given a dramatic appearance by the cut's long, straight lines.

Understanding the Difference between 1 Carat and 2 Carat with the 4 C’s

The term 4 C’s refers to a group of characteristics that are frequently used to assess the worth and quality of diamonds. Below is a brief explanation of all the 4 C’s and what they stand for. Firstly, the carat weight of a diamond is the weight of the diamond. It is one of the most significant factors affecting diamond pricing. As a diamond's carat weight increases, a 2 carat diamond inevitably becomes more expensive than a 1 carat diamond. The color of a diamond can also significantly affect its price of a diamond. Diamond color is measured on a scale of D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). So, if your 1 carat diamond has a colorless quality, its value and pricing may increase compared to a 2 carat diamond with a slightly inferior color.

The quantity and amount of imperfections and flaws on a diamond are referred to as its clarity. Less inclusions and flaws are said to increase the value and cost of a diamond respectively. Last but not least, a diamond's cut grade describes its dimensions, symmetry, and polish. A well-cut diamond will have better light performance and sparkle than a lower cut diamond. With all the above factors affecting the authenticity and brilliance of the 1 carat and 2 carat diamond, finding a sparkling stone that highlights all these elements can be tricky. Hence, an eco-friendly online brand like Friendly Diamonds is the ultimate go-to for all your diamond needs. This New York based online jewelry brand takes pride in its sustainable lab diamonds and stunning jewelry designs. So, if you are seeking a gorgeous destination for all your diamond desires, check out our website now!