To begin with, let's clarify what carat weight means. A carat is a unit of weight used to measure diamonds and other gemstones. The word derives from 'keration', an Ancient Greek term for the pod of the Carob tree. The Ancient Greeks grasped that this pod had a relatively constant weight and as such was ideally suited for precision measurements. With that said, be sure not to confuse this with the gold karat. Gold karat indicates the clarity of the precious metal, rather than its weight.

One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams. It's important to note that carat weight is not the same as size; two diamonds of the same carat weight can appear different in size due to their cut and shape.

While there is an indirect relationship between carat weight and size, it is not always straightforward. Generally, a heavier diamond will often be larger, but this is not always the case. The dimensions of a diamond can be influenced significantly by the quality of its cut. For instance, a deep cut can make a diamond appear smaller from the top view, while a shallow cut might make it look larger. Additionally, different shapes (round, oval, princess, etc.) distribute weight differently, affecting perceived size despite having the same carat weight. Thus, carat weight is a crucial factor, but not the sole determinant of a diamond's size and appearance.

An average carat weight is between 0.50ct and 1ct. Those sizes can be called commercial, not only because they are highly popular but also because they offer all the brilliance and shine people look for in diamonds. Also, they are still big enough to be easily noticed.

A diamond is often considered larger than average when it exceeds the 1.25-carat mark. Diamonds weighing 1.5 carats or more are generally seen as substantial and make a bold statement. Of course, the perception of what constitutes a "big" diamond can be subjective and varies among individuals.

Whether you live in a large metropolis, such as New York or London, or a smaller city in a rural area, your expectations of the average carat weight of a diamond engagement ring may be different without necessarily being related to your financial situation or taste. As expectations are primarily influenced by the differences in lifestyles, it makes sense that a person’s expectations in terms of the carat size of an engagement ring may differ.

It seems that in more rural areas, the preferred size varies between 0.50ct and 1ct, with, on average, a tendency towards the lower range of half a carat. In contrast, people in large cities, such as London, have higher expectations that start with at least 1.50cts.

The average carat size of an engagement ring in the UK is closer to 0.9 carats. British consumers often prioritize quality and craftsmanship over sheer size.

Are you on the lookout for a big and stunning diamond engagement ring for your partner? BAUNAT has an elegant collection of engagement rings that you will certainly find your dream ring. Do not hesitate to browse through our considerable online collection or contact us directly should you require assistance with your purchase.

Selecting the perfect carat size for your diamond involves considering several specific factors to ensure you make the best choice such as budget, style preferences, setting and finger size. Read more about choosing the right carat size for your diamond engagement ring.