A diamond’s quality and value is graded by the 4Cs – cut, colour, clarity, and carat. The higher a diamond grades in the 4Cs, the higher the value. While each ‘C’ is vital, the importance of carat and clarity is often questioned more than cut and colour.
When buyers are choosing a diamond, the most common dilemma they may have is whether to choose the heavier diamond and save on clarity, or vice versa. If you’re in the market for a diamond and have wondered the same thing – find out the difference between carat and clarity to make the best decision for your jewellery piece.
What is it?
A carat is a unit of measurement. The diamond industry uses this unit to identify the weight of a diamond – influencing the overall value of the diamond. A carat is equal to 0.2 grams or 200 milligrams.
Why is it important?
Diamonds are valued on their weight rather than size. This is because heavier diamonds are more rare than larger diamonds – therefore, the more a diamond weighs, the higher it costs. For example, a diamond that has a diameter of 6mm and a 0.10 carat weight will be valued less than a diamond with a 4mm diameter and 0.50 carat weight.
What is considered “big” in engagement rings?
Any diamond with a carat weight of 3 carats and above would be considered a “big” diamond. The average engagement ring has a 1 to 2 carat diamond, so anything larger can increase both the diamond's size and brilliance.
How does carat affect diamond price?
As we know, when the carat weight of a diamond increases, the more it can cost. At the end of the day, diamonds are valued based on their rarity – and heavier diamonds are more rare than lighter ones. On average, a 1 carat diamond can cost between $3,000 to $20,000+.
What is it?
One of the main characteristics of a diamond is its clarity. Clarity measures the purity and rarity of the stone, graded by the visibility of any inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (external flaws).
Why is it important?
Clarity grade determines how “clean” a diamond is from any kind of inclusions and blemishes, which changes how the diamond presents. When light is reflected off the surface of a diamond with high clarity, the result is a mesmerising sparkle and intriguing brilliance. On the other hand, a diamond with a low clarity grade will hinder the diamond’s light performance, and result in a more dulled appearance.
What is a “good” clarity grade for diamonds?
A diamond that is clear from inclusions and blemishes to the naked eye is determined as a “good” clarity grade. The clarity of a diamond is graded on the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Clarity Scale – starting at Flawless (FL) where a diamond is completely free of inclusions, to Included 3 (I3), where diamonds possess heavy inclusions visible to the naked eye.
How does clarity affect diamond price?
Diamonds with higher clarity grades will generally cost more than diamonds with lower clarity grades. A diamond with fewer inclusions and blemishes are more rare than ones that have these characteristics. Not only are they more rare, but high clarity diamonds are (naturally) more appealing to the eye.
The carat and clarity of a diamond both contribute to its overall value, however, some may appreciate one over the other. There is no “right” answer when deciphering the importance between carat weight and clarity grade – this is a personal decision.
In saying this, the things that might influence a person's decision include:
Personal preference
All in all, choosing a diamond is completely based on your personal preference. Choose a diamond based on what appeals to you the most – whether that’s a diamond with more blemishes but is heavier, or a diamond that is clear from inclusions but is smaller.
Budget
To get the most valuable diamond out of your budget, balance the price per carat with the price per clarity. For example, a diamond with a smaller carat weight with higher clarity may appear more with more sparkle, than a larger diamond with more inclusions and blemishes.
Diamond cut
A diamond cut refers to the Polish and Symmetry of a diamond. The Polish and Symmetry of a diamond influences how the light is reflected. Like a mirror, a diamond bounces external light off – affecting its sparkle and visibility. If a diamond cut is poor, the overall quality of a diamond is hindered.
Setting
As the diamond is the main attraction, the setting can showcase it to its full effect. A jewellery setting is how the diamond is held in place. For example, a ring has four main settings: solitaire, 3-stone, halo, and cathedral. Depending on the type of setting chosen, the needs of size and clarity of the ring changes so the diamond can sit on the ring securely and brilliantly.