One Carat Engagement Rings

What is One Carat

The carat is the unit of measure for diamond size, with one carat being equivalent to 200 milligrams, or one-fifth of a gram. For many couples, however, the bland definition of a measurement unit does not convey the significance of one carat engagement rings: choosing a smaller ring is to settle for a fraction of the whole rather than a round number. To many people, that is unacceptable, and only a full carat is suitable for such a significant piece of jewelry. To purchase a full carat, however, does not necessarily mean choosing a single stone.

Single Carat or Total Carat Weight?

Many engagement ring designs incorporate multiple stones that, when combined, are equal to or greater than a single carat. The term total carat weight describes the diamond weight of a ring with multiple stones; the total, then, is the sum of all the weights in that design. Some couples like this flexibility, which gives one carat engagement rings nearly endless configurations of diamond shapes and accents, but other couples feel that a total carat weight is less valuable than the weight of a single, glorious stone. Those preferences are entirely personal, however, and there are many styles for engagement rings that add up to one carat either with a single diamond or a combination of diamonds.

Styles of One Carat Engagement Rings

Engagement rings come in many different sizes, and one carat rings can be found in numerous styles depending on whether the couple is interested in a single large stone or multiple stones that add up to that coveted weight.

Style options for one carat diamond solitaire engagement rings include:

• Classic or Unusual Diamond Shapes. Round gems are the most popular, while emerald, oval, and marquise shapes are also traditional choices. Heart, princess, and Asscher shapes are more unique, particularly for solitaires.
• Exotic Precious Metals. While gold and platinum are the top choices, opting for rose gold, titanium, or multi-tone engagement rings adds more flair without distracting from the exceptional gem.
• Bridal Set Engagement Rings. A stunning solitaire pairs well with either a plain or a diamond-accented band without diluting the power of the one carat focal stone.
• Unusual Settings. Choosing a tension or flush setting instead of the more common tiffany setting is a sure way to set a single one carat stone apart.

Style options for one carat total carat weight rings include:

• Bridal Set Engagement Rings: Multiple stones can create a luxurious setting of accents surrounding a smaller center stone.
• Three Stone Engagement Rings: Choosing three similarly sized stones instead of a single focal point is a way to increase a ring’s total carat weight with elegance and sophistication.
• Accented Rings: A few small accents on a ring can greatly enhance the beauty of the jewelry while adding to the total carat weight.
• Art Deco Engagement Rings: The elaborate styles and multiple stones characteristic of the 1920s art deco period can easily add up to a full carat.

These examples are only a taste of what couples can find when they look for one carat engagement rings. Before arbitrarily choosing a ring based on size, however, it is important to understand how that number affects the engagement ring cost.

One Carat Costs

One total carat bridal set.

Because one carat solitaire diamonds are far more rare than smaller sizes – particularly if they do not have flaws or inclusions – there is a hefty price jump once that decimal point is crossed. A high quality one carat engagement ring solitaire can easily cost thousands of dollars, whereas a one carat total weight ring is usually less expensive because smaller diamonds are more abundant. Furthermore, most one carat solitaires are set in prongs or other open engagement ring settings to enhance their visibility, whereas multi-stone rings can be designed to be more forgiving of lower diamond grades. Rings that use slightly lower quality stones, then, will be less expensive, even if there are no immediately visible differences in the diamonds’ appearances.

One Carat Optical Illusions

After examining different rings and sizes, many couples find that one carat engagement rings are out of their budget. There are several ways to purchase three-quarter carat diamond rings, however, that look just as substantial as full carat designs.

• Opt for a longer diamond shape such as a marquise or pear that elongates the stone and makes it appear larger.
• Choose accents that cluster around the center stone rather than along the band so they seemingly increase its size.
• Choose a white metal such as white gold or platinum that will not contrast as harshly with the stone’s edges, blurring where the stone and setting meet.

To the naked eye, these optical illusions will not look significantly different than true one carat rings, but they can create a substantial savings when considering engagement ring prices.

The best advice for one carat engagement rings is not to get caught up in a measure of size. Even a large diamond can be dull and unattractive if it is poorly cut or has an unwanted tinge of color, and all the stone’s characteristics should be properly balanced for a stunning engagement ring.