2 carat diamond solitaire engagement ring
2 carat diamond solitaire engagement ring

1 Carat Diamond Rings: Your Go-To Guide

Kimberly Zerkel | September 22, 2022

A 1 carat diamond engagement ring is often the perfect way of declaring your love. This standard weight is big and bright enough to garner attention while being more budget-friendly than larger carat sizes. Others choose this carat weight for a subtle and classic look.

Whatever your reason may be for shopping engagement rings with a 1 carat lab-grown diamond, here are tips to help you discover the VRAI created diamond that’s meant just for you.

What Is A 1 Carat Diamond Ring?

A 1 carat diamond engagement ring features one single center stone that weighs 1 carats. Most 1 carat engagement rings are solitaire rings, but a Toi et Moi or Three Stone setting could highlight 1 carat diamonds as well.

How Big Is A 1 Carat Diamond Ring?

Although many equate carat with size, it actually refers to a diamond’s weight. 1 carat is equal to 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams. Each diamond shape displays their carat weight differently. A Round Brilliant diamond is considered to be the truest to size; a 1 carat Round Brilliant will often be around 6.4 mm in diameter. Marquise shaped diamonds usually maximize their carat and appear larger on the finger; a 1 carat Marquise measures 4.9 x 8.8 mm on average.

1 Carat Vs 1.25 Carat Diamond Ring

Deciding between carat weights is a personal choice that should be based on your budget and style.

On average, a 1.25 carat Round Brilliant cut diamond will appear around 16% larger than a 1 carat diamond of the same shape. Consider how your preferred diamond shape displays its carat weight before opting for a lighter or heavier stone.

1 Carat Vs 1.5 Carat Diamond Ring

On average, a 1.5 carat Round Brilliant cut diamond will appear around 30% larger than a 1 carat diamond of the same shape. This will create a noticeable difference in size while also costing considerably less expensive than a 2 carat diamond.

How Much Is A 1 Carat Diamond Ring?

The price of a 1 carat diamond engagement ring is determined by many factors. The style of ring and metal choice can greatly influence the price of the setting. Once the setting is purchased, the diamond(s) must be bought to complete the ring.

Carat weight is only one of many factors that influences a diamond’s value. The other 4Cs — including cut, color, and clarity — play an important role. On average, a 1 carat Round Brilliant diamond can cost anywhere between three to five less than a 2 carat Round Brilliant diamond with the same grade of cut, color, and clarity. This shows how much carat weight can impact the overall price.

Top 1 Carat Diamond Shapes

Diamond shapes will display 1 carat differently. Read on to discover which shape is the perfect fit for your very own 1 carat diamond engagement ring.

1 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Ring

A Round Brilliant cut diamond is the most popular diamond shape in the world. Its perceived size is considered true to its carat weight. A 1 carat Round Brilliant cut diamond engagement ring is classic, elegant, and highly coveted. It creates a look that can be passed down as a family heirloom for generations to come.

1 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Ring

The Emerald cut is one of the oldest diamond shapes in the world. It is considered a classic shape that is sought after for its clean lines and step-cut facets that create a “hall-of-mirrors” effect. Because of its elongated form, it often appears larger on the finger than a Round Brilliant cut diamond of the same carat weight. A 1 carat Emerald cut diamond engagement ring exudes strength and beauty.

1 Carat Princess Cut Diamond Ring

Princess cut diamonds first appeared in the late 20th century and steadily grew in popularity as a center stone. Because of their square length-to-width ratio, Princess cut diamonds can actually appear smaller than most diamond shapes of the same carat weight. But their large table can occasionally make them seem slightly larger than a Round Brilliant. A 1 carat Princess cut diamond engagement ring creates a look of modern sophistication and elegance.

1 Carat Marquise Diamond Ring

Marquise cut diamonds are considered the best shape for maximizing carat weight. Out of all other shapes of the same weight, they appear the largest (followed by Pear, Oval, and Emerald). This means that a 1 carat Marquise engagement ring will look more substantial and slenderize the finger when worn.

Top 1 Carat Diamond Ring Settings

Selecting an engagement ring setting means finding the best style to put your 1 carat diamond on full display. Which style of engagement ring will you choose?

1 Carat Solitaire Diamond Ring

A Solitaire engagement ring is perhaps the best way to highlight the beauty of a 1 carat diamond. Whether choosing between a traditional setting or a more contemporary design, there’s a 1 carat Solitaire engagement ring for every style.

1 Carat Halo Diamond Ring

A 1 carat Halo engagement ring is perfect for those with vintage-inspired taste. This setting, which was a popular Art Deco engagement ring style, outlines the center stone with a “halo” of melee diamonds. This added layer of shine means that your 1 carat Halo engagement ring looks even larger when worn.

Speak With Our Diamond Experts

Ready to take the next step in finding a 1 carat diamond engagement ring? Book an appointment with our diamond experts who will guide you through settings, provide you with in-depth diamond education, and help you find the ring that’s right for you.