How to Understand the Carat Size of a Diamond

With all of Bario Neal’s rings made to order, and so many customizations to choose from, one of our most frequently asked questions is often, “Well, how many carats is it?”

It can be easy to think that carats— which roughly translate to millimeter measurements— can be easily used to determine how large the diamond on a ring is going to be. And that’s true! But, from diamond to diamond and shape to shape, carat weight and size can vary, and knowing the shape of your diamond before determining how many carats you want it to be is an important part of making design decisions.

Bario Neal’s on-hand guide to different diamond sizes is an excellent tool to help you through the process, so whether you’re looking for a subtle and simple marquise or a bold princess diamond, we have the tools available to guide you towards finding the perfect ring!

We’ll use two classic diamond cuts to help you best understand the difference that cut and shape can make in determining just how many carats you’re looking for. 

As two of the most popular choices for engagement ring diamonds, Princess and Emerald cuts might seem similar. However, when put side by side, it’s clear that their cut and shape have an effect on how their carats present. You can see on our sizing model how, from princess to emerald, the size of a two carat diamond varies. 

And so, while it might be easy to say “I want a 1.5 carat diamond,” how that sounds and how it looks will differ from cut to cut, from shape to shape. We’re focused on getting you the right size and the perfectly personalized design for your diamonds, so with the confusion cleared about what exactly a diamond’s carats entail, we can work with you to ensure that you’re picking the perfect ring for whatever the occasion, whatever your style. Regardless of whether you’re looking to make a bold statement, or your style favors simpler, smaller diamonds, knowing the carats will help us guide you toward a design that’s truly you! 

With a sustainable and progressive design process, Bario Neal guarantees that, no matter the size, your diamonds will be lustrous for years to come. The shape of a diamond and its brilliance are not contingent on carats— it’s just a matter of size preferences. We guarantee that, however large or small, our diamonds will meet the highest standard for both ethical sourcing and quality.
You can view all of our carat size guides on our website, and view our online gallery with all of our diamond cuts and ring offerings as well.