Is a Bigger Carat Really Better?
- Pearlyn Wong
- Jul 22
- 3 min read
The Quiet Truth Behind One of the Most Asked Questions in Jewelry
“Should I go for a bigger carat?”
“Will it look more impressive?”
“Does size mean better?”
In a world where sparkle is equated with status, it’s easy to feel like bigger must be better. But at Cherish & Co, we believe something different; that beauty isn’t always loud, and meaning isn’t measured in millimetres.
So before you commit to carat weight alone, let’s explore what really matters when choosing your diamond.
What is a carat?
A common misconception: carat refers to size.
But in truth, carat measures weight not how big the diamond looks.
One carat equals 200 milligrams. But how that weight is distributed (deep vs shallow cut, shape, table size) plays a big role in how large the diamond appears to the eye.
This means a well-cut 0.90ct diamond can sometimes appear larger and more brilliant than a poorly cut 1.00ct stone.
Why bigger may not be better
There’s nothing wrong with loving a bold, showstopping diamond. But choosing based on carat alone can come at a cost (literally and visually). Here's why:
Carat cost jumps a milestone Prices spike at key carat milestones (1.00ct, 1.50ct, 2.00ct), even for stones with the same visual spread.
Choosing a 0.90ct or 1.40ct stone with excellent cut can give you nearly the same presence for noticeably less.
Trade-Offs in Quality
A higher carat with lower cut, clarity, or colour may sparkle less than a slightly smaller, better-quality stone. At Cherish & Co, we always prioritise cut and balance.
Design Harmony Matters
A large stone isn’t always the most flattering choice for every finger or setting. Some styles pair best with delicate proportions. Bigger can overwhelm the design. The goal? Balance. Where stone and setting work in harmony.
Other ways to maximise "Presence" (without just chasing size)
If you love the idea of something that looks larger without simply increasing carat weight, here are a few quiet tricks we use in our bespoke designs:
Choose elongated shapes Oval, Radiant Rectangle, Pear. These shapes carry more surface area and often look larger than round diamonds of the same weight.
Opt for thinner bands
A dainty band can make your diamond appear more prominent.
Consider a halo or reverse tapered setting
Subtle framing adds visual size.
Look for ideal proportions, not just numbers
A well-cut 0.80ct can outperform a deeply cut 1.00ct any day.
So...Is a bigger carat really worth it?
Of course, if it aligns with your priorities.
If a bold, statement look makes your heart flutter, and quality isn't sacrificed in the process, then yes. Embrace the drama.
But don’t let arbitrary numbers define your joy. Because at the end of the day, what makes a ring meaningful isn’t its carat weight; it’s the story behind it, the way it was chosen, and how it reflects you.
Ready to Find the Diamond That's Truly Yours?
In love (as in jewelry) what’s quietly thoughtful often outshines what’s merely loud. It only needs to feel like you.
At Cherish & Co, we don’t sell size, we craft significance, and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Let’s begin designing something timeless.
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