The Complete Guide to A Lab Grown Diamond Carat

Let's start by clearing up a common confusion – lab diamond carat is not about the size of the diamond but its weight. It's a way to measure how heavy the diamond is. Think of it like weighing apples at the grocery store – a 5-pound bag is heavier than a 3-pound bag. Similarly, a 5-carat lab grown diamond is heavier than a 3-carat one.

The concept of carat weight dates back to the use of carob seeds as counterweights on scales by traders. Today, the carat size is universally calculated using milligrams. Each metric carat weighs 200 milligrams and is divided into 100 points for precise measurement, with gems below 1 carat often defined by points.

In this blog, we will delve deep into the intricacies of carat weight calculation, explore how it impacts diamond pricing, and make comparisons with the other 3 Cs of diamonds.

Understanding Lab Grown Diamond Carat Weight Calculation

The calculation of lab diamond carat weight follows a straightforward yet meticulous process. With each metric carat weighing 200 milligrams, diamonds are intricately divided into 100 points for accurate measurement. For diamonds below one carat, these points become a defining factor. Here's a quick look at how we measure diamonds:

·        A 0.5-carat diamond weighs 0.1 grams, which is about as light as a small paperclip.

·        A 1-carat diamond weighs 0.2 grams, similar to a small button on your shirt.

·        A 2-carat diamond is heavier at 0.4 grams, like two paper clips together.

Jewelers use a chart to compare these sizes, and you might hear them say "carat points." For example:

·        A 0.60-carat diamond is the same as 60 points and weighs 0.120 grams.

·        A 1.40-carat diamond is 140 points and weighs 0.28 grams.

·        A 2.18-carat diamond is 218 points and weighs 0.436 grams.

The above precisions in measurement are crucial for a lab grown diamond manufacturer to ensure consistency and accuracy in their creations.

How Lab Grown Diamond Carat Weight Influence The Prices?

When it comes to lab diamonds, the rule is straightforward: the heavier the diamond (measured in carats), the higher the lab grown diamond carat price tag. However, it's essential to understand that even small changes in carat weight can lead to significant differences in cost, depending on the quality and size of the diamond.

1.      Understanding the impact of lab diamonds:

Lab created diamonds with larger carat weight, like those found in a 5-carat diamond ring, are typically cut from larger and coarser crystals. The cost of a diamond is closely tied to its rarity, and a diamond cut from a rare and exceptional crystal will be more expensive.

2.      Non-Linear Pricing:

It's crucial to note that the pricing is not a simple linear progression. For example, a 3-carat lab grown diamond won't cost three times more than a 1-carat diamond, and a 4-carat diamond won't be priced double a 2-carat diamond. The pricing is influenced by various factors, including clarity, color, and cut.

3.      Consideration of Other Factors:

While carat size is a significant factor in determining the lab grown diamond price, it's not the only consideration. Other elements, such as the clarity (how clear the diamond is), color (the absence of color or presence of subtle tones), and cut (the diamond's shape and how well it reflects light), also play a crucial role in the overall value and cost of the diamond.

Is the weight of a diamond (carat) more or less important than other Cs?

When it comes to choosing a diamond, there are four important things to consider: carat, clarity, cut, and color (4C diamonds). Carat refers to the weight of the diamond. Now, while a bigger diamond might seem better, it's not always the case.

Imagine you have a 4-carat diamond and a 3-carat diamond. The 4-carat one might be larger, but if it's not cut well, it might not sparkle as much. On the other hand, the 3-carat diamond could look amazing if it's cut nicely, making it shine and appear even more beautiful.

If you like different shapes, like rectangles or ovals, they can make your diamonds look bigger than they actually are. The way the diamond is set in the ring also matters. A halo or bezel setting can make the diamond look larger.

So, it's not just about how many carats the diamond has; it's also about how well it's cut, its shape, and how it's set in the ring that makes it truly shine.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have learned that while carat weight is important, it doesn’t solely define a diamond's beauty. A thoughtful balance of factors, including cut and clever choices in shapes and settings, can make any diamond, big or small, shine brilliantly.

So, whether you are drawn to the luxury of a larger carat or prefer the sparkle of a well-cut, smaller one, the magic lies in finding the perfect blend. In the world of lab created diamonds, each piece holds a unique charm, waiting to tell a story that resembles your individual style and grace.