What Is Diamond Carat?
Carat refers to a diamond’s weight, not its visual size. A diamond can weigh more without appearing larger, and two diamonds of the same carat may differ in apparent size if one is cut deeper than the other.
Does a Higher Carat Weight Mean a Better Diamond?
Carat weight alone doesn’t determine a diamond’s value. For instance, two diamonds of one carat can have very different prices once clarity, color, and cut are considered. Diamonds that are both large and of exceptional quality are rare.
The Orrling Difference
Orrling's Carat Standards
Regardless of its carat weight, an Orrling diamond is sure to catch the eye and sparkle across the room. Unlike other jewelers, our diamonds are cut to maximize brilliance, and our artisans never focus on carat alone.
Diamond Education
Diamond Carat Chart: Weight Rather Than Size
Carat weight can look different depending on the diamond’s shape, including round brilliant, princess, pear, oval, cushion, marquise, emerald, radiant, or heart.
Images are for proportional reference only and do not represent actual carat size.
Speak With A Diamond Expert
Orrling’s diamond specialists are here to guide you as you begin your engagement ring journey—offering clarity on the 4Cs, helping you explore our ring designs, or assisting you in creating a bespoke piece crafted just for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is a diamond carat?
Carat refers to a diamond’s weight, not its visual size. Orrling measures diamonds to 1/1000th of a carat, with one carat equal to 0.20 grams. Orrling diamonds are always cut to maximize beauty, not carat weight.
What does "tw" mean?
“TW” stands for total weight, referring to the combined carat weight of all diamonds in a piece of jewelry. Online, “TW” is often used to describe the total carat weight included in a piece.
How big is a one-carat diamond?
Carat weight can look different depending on the diamond’s shape, including round brilliant, princess, pear, oval, cushion, marquise, emerald, radiant, or heart. A diamond with a higher carat weight may not appear larger, and two diamonds of the same carat can vary in size if one is cut deeper than the other. In short, carat weight does not always indicate size.
How are diamonds weighed?
Diamonds are measured in carats, which reflect the diamond’s weight rather than its size. Orrling measures diamonds to 1/1000th of a carat; one carat equals 0.20 grams.