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There are many factors to address when choosing an engagement ring. What type of metal is preferred? How wide should the band be and is there a setting which your significant other has already fallen in love with? While these are all valid questions, there is no doubt that you are understandably concerned with the size of the diamond.

Many consumers automatically jump at the possibility of purchasing a one-carat stone. While this is undoubtedly the most popular choice (if nothing else due to the fact that 1.00 carats is a nice, round figure), there is a bit more to take into account. If you have been struggling to make a decision, the advice found below should help.

The Appeal of a One-Carat Diamond

One-carat stones are able to offer a unique synergy of brilliance, size and reflectivity. While these are not truly massive diamonds, they are still large enough to catch the eye of onlookers. A one-carat gem is also excellent for many engagement rings, as its shape will help to accentuate nearby precious metals and the underlying setting.

Of course, there are many different types of cuts, colors and clarity grades to choose from. It should nonetheless be mentioned that a one-carat stone will generally cost around $4,500 dollars (at the time that this article was written).

Above or Below? A Look at Additional Options

Let’s imagine for a moment that your current budget is not flexible enough to accommodate a one-carat diamond. Why not instead choose for a 0.90 carat stone? The simple fact of the matter is that there is little visual difference between a diamond of 1.00 carats and 0.90 carats. The majority of onlookers (and your special someone) will still be amazed at its beauty.

We also need to remember that consumers will experience a massive price jump between a 0.90 carat diamond and a one-carat stone. This is mainly due to the popularity of 1.00 carat weights. So, you might very well be able to save as much as $1,000 dollars by opting for a slightly smaller option.

What about a diamond weighing 1.25 carats? Moving towards the other end of the spectrum, bigger could very well be better. A gem of a slightly higher carat weight will appear undeniably larger that a single carat. The stone itself will still be scintillating to in terms of aesthetic appeal. A diamond weighing 1.25 carats will normally cost between $4,000 and $6,500 dollars (this once again depends upon how much you can afford to spend).

Diamond Carats: Embrace a Flexible Approach

While diamonds are graded in part due to their carat weight, remember that you have a bit of leeway in terms of the size of stone that you prefer. This will depend upon your budget, the engagement ring setting and the look that you are trying to achieve. As always, speaking with an expert will provide you with even more insight when making such an important decision.