Diamond Carat Dimensions: Size Guide for Top 5 Popular Shapes
When shopping for a diamond, one of the most important considerations is the carat weight. However, carat weight doesn't always give you the full picture. The actual size and appearance of a diamond can vary significantly depending on its shape. To help you make an informed choice, we've compiled a guide that details the approximate dimensions for diamonds ranging from 0.3 carats to 4 carats in the top five most popular shapes: Round, Emerald, Pear, Princess, and Oval.
Understanding Diamond Dimensions
Before we dive into the tables, it’s important to understand that diamond dimensions are usually measured in millimeters (mm). The dimensions provided include the length, width, and in some cases, the depth of the diamond. These dimensions give you a better idea of how large the diamond will appear when set in jewelry.
Top 5 Diamond Shapes and Their Dimensions
Below are tables that outline the approximate dimensions for each diamond shape at different carat weights.
1. Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Dimensions
| Carat Weight | Diameter (mm) | Depth (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.3 Carat | 4.30 - 4.40 | 2.60 - 2.65 |
| 0.5 Carat | 5.00 - 5.20 | 3.10 - 3.20 |
| 1.0 Carat | 6.30 - 6.50 | 3.90 - 4.00 |
| 2.0 Carat | 8.00 - 8.20 | 4.80 - 4.90 |
| 3.0 Carat | 9.10 - 9.30 | 5.60 - 5.80 |
| 4.0 Carat | 10.0 - 10.20 | 6.20 - 6.40 |
The round brilliant cut is the most popular diamond shape, known for its exceptional brilliance and fire. Its symmetrical shape makes it easy to predict the dimensions across different carat weights.
2. Emerald Cut Diamond Dimensions
| Carat Weight | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Depth (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.3 Carat | 4.80 - 5.20 | 3.10 - 3.30 | 2.20 - 2.40 |
| 0.5 Carat | 5.50 - 6.00 | 3.70 - 4.10 | 2.70 - 2.90 |
| 1.0 Carat | 6.80 - 7.10 | 4.70 - 4.90 | 3.40 - 3.60 |
| 2.0 Carat | 8.70 - 9.20 | 6.00 - 6.40 | 4.40 - 4.60 |
| 3.0 Carat | 9.90 - 10.40 | 7.10 - 7.50 | 5.20 - 5.40 |
| 4.0 Carat | 11.0 - 11.50 | 7.90 - 8.30 | 6.00 - 6.20 |
The emerald cut is loved for its elegant, elongated appearance and the “hall of mirrors” effect created by its step-cut facets. This shape tends to appear larger than its carat weight might suggest, especially in higher carats.
3. Pear-Shaped Diamond Dimensions
| Carat Weight | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Depth (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.3 Carat | 6.50 - 6.70 | 3.80 - 3.90 | 2.30 - 2.40 |
| 0.5 Carat | 7.70 - 7.90 | 4.50 - 4.70 | 2.80 - 3.00 |
| 1.0 Carat | 9.50 - 9.70 | 5.70 - 5.90 | 3.50 - 3.70 |
| 2.0 Carat | 12.0 - 12.20 | 7.20 - 7.40 | 4.70 - 4.90 |
| 3.0 Carat | 13.80 - 14.00 | 8.40 - 8.60 | 5.60 - 5.80 |
| 4.0 Carat | 15.40 - 15.60 | 9.30 - 9.50 | 6.20 - 6.40 |
The pear shape is a unique blend of the round and marquise shapes, offering a teardrop silhouette that is both timeless and trendy. Its elongated form can make the diamond appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight.
4. Princess Cut Diamond Dimensions
| Carat Weight | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Depth (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.3 Carat | 3.50 - 3.70 | 3.50 - 3.70 | 2.40 - 2.50 |
| 0.5 Carat | 4.00 - 4.20 | 4.00 - 4.20 | 2.90 - 3.10 |
| 1.0 Carat | 5.30 - 5.50 | 5.30 - 5.50 | 3.70 - 3.90 |
| 2.0 Carat | 6.90 - 7.10 | 6.90 - 7.10 | 4.80 - 5.00 |
| 3.0 Carat | 7.90 - 8.10 | 7.90 - 8.10 | 5.50 - 5.70 |
| 4.0 Carat | 8.60 - 8.80 | 8.60 - 8.80 | 6.10 - 6.30 |
The princess cut is the most popular square-shaped diamond, known for its sharp corners and brilliant sparkle. Its square or slightly rectangular shape makes it a bold and modern choice for engagement rings.
5. Oval Cut Diamond Dimensions
| Carat Weight | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Depth (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.3 Carat | 6.00 - 6.20 | 3.80 - 4.00 | 2.40 - 2.50 |
| 0.5 Carat | 6.80 - 7.00 | 4.40 - 4.60 | 2.90 - 3.10 |
| 1.0 Carat | 8.10 - 8.30 | 5.30 - 5.50 | 3.70 - 3.90 |
| 2.0 Carat | 10.20 - 10.40 | 6.50 - 6.70 | 4.90 - 5.10 |
| 3.0 Carat | 12.00 - 12.20 | 7.70 - 7.90 | 5.80 - 6.00 |
| 4.0 Carat | 13.10 - 13.30 | 8.40 - 8.60 | 6.40 - 6.60 |
The oval cut is a beautiful, elongated version of the round brilliant, offering a larger appearance and great brilliance. Its length-to-width ratio can vary, allowing for a range of looks from more rounded to more elongated ovals.
Conclusion
Understanding diamond dimensions is key to selecting the perfect stone for your jewelry. While carat weight gives you a sense of a diamond’s mass, the dimensions provide a clearer picture of how large the diamond will actually appear. The tables above offer a helpful reference point for the most popular diamond shapes at different carat weights, from the understated elegance of a 0.3-carat stone to the bold brilliance of a 4-carat gem.
Whether you’re looking for a classic round diamond or something more unique like a pear or emerald cut, this guide can help you visualize what to expect in terms of size. Keep in mind that these are approximate dimensions—variations will occur based on the specific cut and proportions of each diamond.
Happy diamond shopping, and may you find the perfect gem that suits your style and budget!
