When shopping for an engagement ring, one of the most important decisions is the carat weight of the center diamond. While a 1 carat diamond is considered a milestone, a 1.5 carat diamond takes things up a notch, providing significantly more sparkle and presence on the finger.
But is the 50% size increase worth the added cost? Here’s an in-depth look at the differences between 1ct and 1.5ct diamonds to help you decide which is best for your budget and style.
| Feature | 1 Carat Diamond | 1.5 Carat Diamond |
| Average diameter | 6.5mm | 7.4mm |
| Face-up size | Large | Very large |
| Total carat weight | 1.00 ct | 1.50 ct |
| Cost (approx) | $5,000-$8,000 | $12,000-$18,000 |
| Sparkle factor | High | Very high |
| Presence on finger | Substantial | Bold & outstanding |
As you can see from the table, there are some clear differences when it comes to size, sparkle, and price between a 1 carat diamond and a 1.5 carat diamond. Keep reading for an in-depth exploration of each factor.
When it comes to diamond carat weight, size matters. A 1.5 carat diamond is 50% larger than a 1 carat diamond, which makes a big difference in terms of face-up size and overall presence on the hand.
On average, a 1 carat round brilliant cut diamond will measure about 6.5mm in diameter. This is considered a large stone that will have noticeable sparkle and make a bold statement. However, a 1.5 carat diamond takes things to the next level, averaging 7.4mm in diameter. This increase of just under 1mm might not seem like much, but it results in a diamond that looks substantially bigger face-up.
A 1.5 carat diamond has approximately 56% more surface area compared to a 1 carat diamond. This added real estate allows the 1.5 carat stone to really maximize light return and face-up size. As a result, the 1.5 carat diamond will have outstanding presence on the finger, making a very bold impression. The large size gives the diamond a luxurious, substantial look that turns heads.
If making a statement is important, the 1.5 carat weight is sure to attract attention and lend an opulent feel to the ring. For those prioritizing size but working within a budget, a 1 carat diamond still provides a substantial look with high sparkle.
Carat weight isn’t the only determiner of sparkle. The cut quality is extremely important for light performance. However, as a general rule, larger diamonds exhibit more brilliance and fire than smaller diamonds. This is simply because they have larger surface area to refract and reflect light.
Well-cut 1 carat diamonds have excellent light return and flash, providing plenty of sparkle. A 1.5 carat diamond builds on this with roughly 50% more surface area, allowing even more light to interact with the stone. This translates to higher brightness, increased fire, and more sparkle. You’ll notice the difference in dimensionality and brilliance, especially in low lighting.
If maximum sparkle is the goal, the 1.5 carat weight has the advantage. However, a 1 carat diamond still provides beautiful radiance and flash, especially with an excellent cut grade. The choice comes down to just how much sparkle you desire. For many ring sizes and styles, a 1 carat diamond will provide plenty of brilliance.
Carat weight has the single biggest impact on diamond prices per carat. Because large diamonds are rare, costs rise exponentially with carat weight. As a general guideline, you can expect to pay about 2.5x the price for a 1.5 carat diamond compared to a 1 carat diamond.
For a round brilliant cut, GIA Excellent cut, D color, and VS.2 clarity:
The average price per carat for a 1.5ct diamond is around $8,000 to $12,000. Meanwhile, a 1ct diamond will average around $5,000 to $8,000 per carat. As you can see, there is a significant price jump between the two sizes.
However, opting for a slightly lower color grade, like G-H, or clarity grade like SI1 can help reduce costs considerably for a 1.5 carat diamond. There are also savings to be had by choosing an elongated shape like an oval or pear shape, which feature a larger face-up area per carat compared to a round brilliant.
No matter what size you choose, working with a trusted jeweler and doing your diamond homework is essential to finding quality and value.
Whether a 1.5 carat diamond is too big comes down to personal preference and finger size. Here are some factors to consider:
Hand Size – Larger diamonds tend to look best on longer, wider fingers. Petite hands run the risk of being overpowered by an extra large center stone. Try different carat sizes to find the most proportional look.
Style Preference – Some prefer understated elegance, while others want maximum sparkle. If you gravitate toward daintier styles, a 1 carat or smaller stone may suit you best. For major impact, a 1.5 carat-plus is ideal.
Lifestyle – Do you lead an active lifestyle? Very large diamonds (2 carats+) can be prone to damage with rough wear. For lower maintenance, stick with 1 carat to 1.5 carat range.
Setting – A solitaire setting can safely accommodate a 1.5 carat diamond on most finger sizes. But for three-stone settings, a 1-1.25 carat center may be ideal to maintain proportions.
Budget – Larger diamonds have higher costs. Decide what size you can comfortably afford while meeting other quality factors.
At the end of the day, chooase the diamond size that makes your heart sing! If you love the statement of a 1.5 carat diamond, don’t second guess yourself. With proper care and styling, it will be stunning.
Also Read: Comparison Between 2ct And 3ct Diamonds.
When comparing 1ct Vs. 1.5ct diamonds, it’s also important to take the diamond shape into account. Here are key points to know for oval and pear shapes:
Oval cut diamonds are elongated to create a flattering illusion of size. As a result, they face up larger than round brilliant diamonds of the same carat weight. Here are the key differences between 1ct and 1.5ct ovals:
Like ovals, pear shapes appear larger per carat compared to round brillians. Here’s an overview:
The elongated silhouettes of oval and pear shapes can make a 1.5ct diamond feel even more substantial in size compared to a round brilliant cut. Their larger surface areas also boost perceived sparkle.
Yes, there is a significant visual difference between a 1 carat diamond and a 1.5 carat diamond. The 1.5 carat diamond is approximately 50% larger by surface area, with a diameter about 0.9mm wider. This size increase results in substantially more sparkle and presence on the finger. The 1.5 carat diamond will feel clearly more opulent and substantial compared to a 1 carat diamond.
Whether a 1.5 carat diamond is too big comes down to finger size and personal style. On an average to long, slender finger, a 1.5 carat diamond tends to look beautiful and proportional without being overwhelming. However, on very petite hands, a 1.5 carat may overpower the finger. For those who prefer more understated designs, a 1 carat or smaller stone may be a better fit. It’s best to try different sizes in person to find the most flattering fit.
The main difference between a 1 carat and 1.5 carat oval diamond is face-up size. A 1.5ct oval will average about 7.9 x 6.0mm while a 1ct oval measures roughly 7.0 x 5.0mm. The 1.5 carat oval will face up noticeably larger and have increased sparkle. Its elongated shape also magnifies the size difference compared to a round brilliant diamond.
Like ovals, 1.5 carat pear shaped diamonds have substantially larger face-up size over 1 carat pears. A 1.5ct pear averages around 7.4 x 5.0mm while a 1ct pear is approximately 6.5 x 4.0mm. The teardrop shape and pointed end of the pear creates an illusion of greater size as well, so the 1.5ct looks especially dramatic. Proportions between 1.50 to 1.75 help maximize brilliance.
Also Read: Differences Between MoissaniteCo And Forever One.
When it comes to choosing an engagement ring diamond, the carat weight decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget. A 1 carat diamond makes a beautiful, substantial statement on the finger.
But for those seeking maximum sparkle and presence, the 1.5 carat weight is hard to beat. Its 50% larger surface area delivers outstanding brilliance and fire.
While 1.5 carat diamonds come at a premium cost, they provide that extra dose of luxury perfect for celebrating a lifetime commitment. Whichever carat size you choose, focus on optimizing cut quality to unlock a diamond’s full beauty and light performance. Careful selection is key to getting the best stone for your ring size and style.
In the world of luxury home design, few materials can match the elegance and sophistication… Read More
As car enthusiasts, we understand the importance of maintaining the interior of our beloved rides.… Read More
Greetings, fellow string enthusiasts! Whether you're a seasoned violinist or a budding virtuoso, the choice… Read More