Infographic of Actual Diamond Size – Diamond Sizes Compared

Popular diamond sizes

Comparing actual diamond sizes

How do you compare two different diamonds according to size? For example, how do you tell the difference in size between a quarter carat and a half-carat diamond?

Not all jewellers carry visual aids to show different diamond sizes.

Seeing diamond sizes on the finger

Within our showroom, we have a wide range of tools. From diamond colour sets to examples of popular diamond sizes. Also, by using a ring-clip with loose diamonds, buyers see how their diamond looks on the finger.

Diamond sizes on the finger

Use our interactive diamond size tool to see diamond sizes on the finger

Keeping things nice and simple, we have photographed several popular sizes of a diamond, typically chosen for engagement rings. We have also factored into this image, (not so useful to our overseas clients – sorry!) a British five pence piece purely for reference. This is the only time that we will relate the value of five pence with a diamond!

The sizes below are references to the diameter of each diamond size. As the carat weight of each diamond increases, the physical size of the diamond will also increase. This infographic will be particularly applicable to the round diamond solitaire since varying fancy shapes of the diamond will exhibit varying dimensions to the round diamond illustrated.

Diamond Size Infographic

Popular Diamond Sizes - Diamond Size Comparison Infographic

What are the most popular diamond sizes?

The most popular diamond size includes the half-carat diamond (0.50cts.) The reason for this is not only cost, but this diamond typically hits a budget that many people can realistically aspire to. When we focus on diamonds above one carat in weight, especially in higher colour and clarity grades, the cost rapidly escalates.

Most popular diamond sizes for engagement rings

Budge aside, most buyers choose a diamond close to 5mm in size. This equates to 0.40 – 0.50 carats.

Ava 0.40 carat diamond engagement ring with a 4 claw setting

The Ava engagement ring appears here, set with a 0.40-carat diamond. 

For a half-carat diamond engagement ring, it is possible to achieve a beautiful example set into 950 Platinum for around £2000.

For those wishing to further reduce the spend on such a ring, the 0.40cts size offers a significant step down in price, but a size difference that is hardly detectable by eye. As a result, 0.40cts round brilliant cut diamonds offer outstanding value for money.

0.75-carat diamond engagement rings

For those with a more substantial budget, the 0.70 – 0.80cts size is also a lovely choice.

Choose 0.70 carats over 0.75 carats. Most buyers pay a hefty premium for the magic 0.75-carat diamond weight. By comparison, you will save by choosing a diamond between 0.70 to 0.74 carats.

The diamond size contrasts greatly with the width of most engagement ring bands. Even those set with diamonds across the shoulders.

A narrow band on an engagement ring makes a diamond look larger. For this reason, most engagement rings feature slender narrowing shoulders.

1-carat diamond sizes and prices

The iconic diamond size measures 6.5mm in diameter and weighs 1 carat. Many consider this the ultimate diamond for an amazing engagement ring.

Our video below shows our Destiny engagement ring set with a 1 carat diamond. 

Today, lab-grown diamonds make an affordable choice. One of our recent quotes offered our client a natural 1 carat diamond. At the same time, we offered the same grade 1 carat F colour VS1 clarity Platinum ring with a lab-grown diamond. The difference spanned from £12,000 to £4,000 from natural to lab-grown.

There is something magical about a full one carat in weight. For those willing to sacrifice only a small few points from the overall weight, the dip below this magic weight will often reduce cost substantially.

About Mark Johnson

My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.

About Mark Johnson

My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.