Why is a 1 Carat Diamond Ring the Best Choice For Your Engagement?

When it comes to diamonds, bigger is not always better. 

So, you must be wondering: Why choose a 1 carat diamond ring over a 2 carat diamond ring?

Here’s the obvious answer. 

Not only is it a cheaper option, but also a smarter choice.

What is so great about 1 carat diamonds?

Let’s bust the myth about size right away. A diamond with a higher carat weight is not always bigger than a diamond with a lower carat weight.

A carat is a unit that measures the physical weight of diamonds. One carat is 0.007-ounce avoirdupois. So it’s conclusive that a carat has more to do with weight than size. By physiology, more weight does not always equal bigger size. For example, a man weighing more than another, might not be visually bigger than him. The same logic applies to diamonds.

Why focus on carat weight then?

You don’t have to if you don’t want to! 

Two diamonds of equal carat weight might not be worth the same. Carat weight only stands for one of the 4Cs, which are used to deduce the value of diamonds. Also, the 4Cs are dependent on one another.

The size of a diamond has to do more with its visual appearance. Different aspects like depth and surface area affect the size of a diamond. For example, a 1 carat Marquise cut diamond might appear bigger than a 1 carat Cushion cut.

The primary focus on carat weight comes in when you are setting the price of a diamond. Diamond prices increase exponentially with the rise of carat weight. This is based on the per carat price for a diamond. 

For instance, a 1 carat diamond might be worth $4000 or more per carat, whereas a 2 carat diamond might be worth $7000 or more per carat. This is generally because diamonds of higher carat weights are rarer.

Now you know getting a big diamond isn’t always the best move. 

Here’s what you should be focusing on when choosing a 1 carat diamond.

Cut quality is key

The cut of your diamond is emblematic of its fine craftsmanship. Not only does the cut of your diamond conceal inclusions, but it also determines its fire and brilliance. This is the most important factor to consider when buying your one-carat diamond. 

Different cuts have varying radiance and thus have different prices. For example, a premium 1 carat Round cut diamond will cost more than a Pear cut or an Asscher cut.

So what should you be looking for?

• Fire
• Brilliance
• Scintillation
• Proportions (depth, table, and width)
• Symmetrical facets
• Finish
• Polish

The GIA grades cut quality from Excellent to Poor. It is very important to check the GIA-certified cut grade of your diamond before buying it. The more inclusions or blemishes that a diamond can hide, the better the cut grade. 

When looking for 1 carat diamond it is important to not only focus on the cut but choose an eye-clean diamond. 

What does that mean? Let’s find out.

Choosing the right clarity grade

The highest clarity grade that you can have for a diamond is IF, which stands for, internally flawless. Clarity is a diamond’s ability to hide inclusions. 

The more blemish-free the diamond, the higher the grade. Don’t assume a higher clarity grade is a good investment. Diamond inclusions are hard to identify unless you’re an expert. 

It is very difficult to distinguish between a VVS2 diamond from an SI1 diamond unless seen under a microscope at 10x magnification. In such a case it turns out to be a redundant investment. 

In our humble opinion, you should always go for an eye-clean diamond. An eye-clean diamond may have inclusions, but they are not visible unless seen under 10x magnification. This way you don’t need to spend a bomb. 

Buying eye-clean 1 carat diamonds is the most affordable option. For a 1 carat ring you can get a diamond with a clarity grade that hides imperfections but is also within your budget. 

Does color matter?

The absence of color is a good indicator of a diamond’s quality. This, however, does not mean that you have to buy diamonds of the highest color grade. 

The GIA grades color from D-Z, D being colorless and most expensive. There are a few things you need to keep in mind while choosing the color grade of a 1 carat diamond:

• The color grade of a diamond needs to be determined by an expert.

• The ability of a diamond to hide that signature yellowish tint is determined by its cut quality. 

• For example, a round cut is excellent at hiding color, whereas an emerald cut is not.

• There is hardly any visible difference between close color grades, like a G and an H grade.

• The setting of the ring plays a key role in the perception of color.

Which shape suits you best?

The shape of your one-carat diamond will determine its fire, clarity, and price. A well-cut 1 carat diamond of any shape would look spectacular in a beautiful setting.

But it is best to compare surface areas as well. Owing to the table sizes, the flat surface of certain 1-carat diamonds might seem bigger than others. Here is a chart showcasing the surface areas of different diamond shapes.

Diamond Shape	Approximate Table Surface for 1 Carat Diamond
Princess-Cut Diamond	5.5 x 5.5mm
Round Cut Diamond	6.5 x 6.5mm
Asscher Cut Diamond	5.6 x 5.6mm
Cushion-Cut Diamond	5.8 x 5.8mm
Oval Diamond	8.1 x 5.4mm
Radiant Cut Diamond	5.7 x 5.7mm
Emerald-Cut Diamond	6.7 x 5.0mm
Pear-Shaped Diamond	9.0 x 5.5mm
Heart-Shaped Diamond	6.6 x 6.6mm
Trillion Diamond	7.7 x 7.7mm
Marquise Diamond	10.4 x 5.2mm

 

Things to Consider While Buying Your 1 Carat Diamond Ring

Your goal is to get an amazing engagement ring with premium quality diamonds at the best possible price. There are a few things to keep in mind while shopping for the engagement ring of your dream.

• Always buy diamonds that are GIA or AGS certified to ensure your diamond’s quality.
• Your diamond’s cut will be accountable for your diamond’s radiance 
• A diamond between the G-I range will appear just as colorless as one in the D-F range to the naked eye.
• VS1 and VS2 clarity grades will suit your one-carat diamond the best. 
• Most inclusions will not be perceivable to the naked eye in this clarity grade.
• Select a shape that compliments the metal band.
• Choose a setting that secures the diamond in place.
• Always buy from a trusted jeweler. 

The right jeweler will provide a 1 carat diamond ring within your budget.

What is the price of a 1 carat diamond ring?

Needless to say that different 1 carat engagement rings are priced differently. 

For e.g. 1 carat round brilliant engagement ring in a white gold setting might be worth $8000. A 1 carat vintage ring in a platinum setting will cost around $9000.

It is our recommendation to always keep the setting in mind when opting for a 1 carat diamond ring. 

Going for a high-quality diamond with a complimentary setting might be a good option but certain factors have to be taken into account.

Is a 1 carat diamond a good investment?

Diamonds are forever! They are the best way to show your love and affection towards someone special. However, they aren’t monetary investments but rather sentimental investments. 

Over time diamonds depreciate, unlike gold or silver. If you were to sell your diamond, you would approximately get 60-70% of the original price as returns. 

Why is a one-carat diamond an ideal choice?

The average carat weight of an engagement ring in the United States is 0.9 Carat. Choosing a 1 carat diamond is ideal because it can fit within your budget without being visually overpowering. 

Premium diamonds of higher carat weights are also very rare. You will get a host of options when shopping for an eye-clean 1 carat diamond ring having a premium cut quality.

Choosing the right setting for your 1 carat diamond ring

The right setting for your one-carat diamond will be dependent on the diamond’s cut and color. The choice of metal for your ring setting is also important. 

Let’s take a look.

Solitaire Ring Setting

This makes your 1 carat diamond the star of the show. We recommend that you go for this setting if you are looking to buy a round brilliant cut. In certain cases like the Princess cut, this setting may not be the best option. The sharp edges of the Princess cut tend to chip unless they are protected by a four-prong setting on the edges. A four-prong setting is ideal for most cuts because it exposes your diamond more than a 6 prong setting. If you are looking to turn a few heads, this is the setting for you. A white gold or platinum ring setting works best with clear diamonds.

Halo Ring Setting

Surrounded by smaller diamonds in a concentric circle, this setting will step up your ring’s sparkle. You can make your 1-carat diamond appear bigger using this setting. Halo settings are paired with Pave settings to maximize the brilliance. This setting has a vintage feel to it and a touch of royalty. Marquise Diamonds and Pear shaped diamond rings look exquisite in this setting.

Three Stone Settings

In this setting, your 1-carat diamond is flanked on two sides by two other diamonds or gemstones. A three-stone setting highlights your center-stone, especially when you pair it with colored gemstones. We highly recommend this setting when dealing with a diamond of a low color grade. The flank stones and the ring setting can help hide the flaws of your diamond. This ring setting will also make your diamond appear bigger and increase the total carat weight of your ring. The three-stone setting gives you the option to experiment with different colored and shaped diamonds and gemstones.

Channel Setting

This setting is very similar to a Pave setting. This setting uses melee diamonds on the ring which are encased within a metal strip. In the case of a Pave setting, they are attached to the ring using prongs. This is an ideal setting for a 1 carat Princess cut diamond as it has no gaps. The Channel setting is durable and recommended for people with active lifestyles.

How to get the best deal on your 1 carat diamond ring?

A trusted jeweler paves the way for novices. When you’re looking for the engagement ring of your dreams, you need all the help you can get. This is where we come in. 

Jewel Hero connects eager buyers like you with reputable jewelers near you. You can connect online with these diamond experts and get the best deal on your 1 carat diamond ring. 

So what are you waiting for? Tell us what you need right away!