The weight of a diamond is measured in carats, abbreviated as "ct." or "cts". One carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams, and is divided into 100 points. Therefore, a 50 point diamond is equivalent to ½ carat. Carat weight is different than size. Although a 2 ct. diamond has twice the weight of a 1 ct. diamond, a 2 ct. stone is not twice the size.

Carat alone does not determine a diamond's value. Two stones of equal weight can vary in price because of quality differences in color, cut and clarity. In the mining process, larger diamonds are rarer than smaller diamonds, therefore larger diamonds cost more per carat. When considering a diamond of equal quality, the larger stone will naturally have more value.

We recommend choosing a diamond with a balance of quality and size. We guarantee that all of our diamonds listed are of the highest quality and of the best value. Whether you choose a ½ ct. diamond or 5 ct. diamond, you can be assured that you are getting unsurpassed quality with our best-price promise.

The two-month salary rule can be a good starting point, but you will find that even if you have a set budget, there is a wide range of carat weights and qualities available within your budget.

Diamond stud earrings are an essential wardrobe item for any woman. When set in durable platinum or 18k gold, they can be worn comfortably and securely on a daily basis.

When choosing the best carat weight for diamond stud earrings, choose a size and style that best suits your lifestyle and your budget and that can be versatile to go from day to evening. Please use our size chart to see what your diamond studs will look like on your ears.

• Our four-prong earring is an elegant, classic setting for round diamond stud earrings of any size.
• The three-prong setting sits closer so the ear and is especially nice for larger stones over 1 carat.
• Our bezel setting is a contemporary style that makes any round diamond appear larger.

We offer our diamond solitaire pendants in every diamond shape and size. We offer the largest selection of styles and metal types so you can choose the best size to suit your taste. You can also choose to build your own pendant with any certified diamond in our collection.

When choosing the best carat weight for your pendant, decide whether you want to wear your pendant on daily basis or only for special occasions. You can coordinate the pendant style and metal type with your diamond stud earrings to create a matching set.

A three-stone ring is a symbol of your past, present and future and is used to celebrate not only anniversaries but engagements as well. If your three-stone ring is an anniversary gift, choose a center stone that is only slightly larger than the side stones for a nice balance. For example, if your side-stones are ½ carat each, choose a center stone around ¾ ct. to 1 ct.

If you are creating an engagement ring, the center stone should be noticeably larger than the side stone accents. For example, if your side-stones are ½ carat each, choose a center stone between 1 ¼ to 1 ½ carats.

We offer nine fancy shaped diamonds in a range of sizes, all of the highest quality. These include the oval shape, pear shape, heart shape, marquise, princess cut, asscher cut, cushion cut, emerald cut and radiant cut.

Search our advanced diamond database for an exquisite diamond that will reflect your personal style. Most fancy shapes with the same carat weight as a round-brilliant diamond appear to have a larger size.