The carat influences the price of the diamond dramatically. The reason is simple, if excavating for diamonds, the odds of finding a one carat diamond is approximately one out of a million. To produce a 1.00 carat finished round diamond, you need to mine a 2.00 carats rough diamond.

WHAT IS THE BEST SIZE FOR ME?

1-Keeping in mind that the diamond industry often pushes to sell big diamonds of 1 carat and larger, it is important to understand that with jewelry, watch making or gemology, bigger is not always better. Your choice of diamond must fit with your personal taste and lifestyle. Several renowned jewelry designers choose to only use smaller diamonds under 0.25 carats to make their designs.

2-At Avalon Diamonds & Jewelry and Titanium Era Inc., we believe diamonds over 4 carats (10.4 millimeters) should be avoided on an engagement ring, unless you do not mind having to take extra precautions every time you are wearing it.

3-For sportive and active people, we recommend rings with a lower profile, incorporating stones that do not weigh more than 0.50 carats (5.2 millimeters). Aircraft grade titanium tension settings will protect diamonds very effectively. Also gold and platinum “closed settings” are very efficient at protecting stones. (Check charts below for more information about the different types of settings).

4-Smaller fingers and hands should choose smaller sized stones to obtain a balanced look.

A 1.00 carat diamond on a size 3.5 finger will look much larger and bulkier than on a size 8.5 finger.

5-Click on the link to read and print out the Carat versus dimension chart for each diamond shape.

6-Check the Security versus type of setting chart below, it will give you an idea about the different types of settings.

	BEZEL SETTING: The most secure closed setting available, fine to wear while performing most sports, from running to bungee jumping.
	BURNISH SETTING: A strong closed setting very well suited for active people.
	CHANNEL SETTING: Comparable strength to a burnish setting.
	TENSION SETTING: The strongest setting available while still showing off the entire diamond. Perfect for active people; so long as the stone does not come into any direct impact it will hold up extremely well.
	CORNER PRONG SETTING: Stronger than regular prong settings. Care must be taken so not to get any of the prongs caught on clothing, if just one of the prongs loosens, the security of the stone could be jeopardized. Still it is well suited for most everyday wear. If possible remove ring when doing sports and other activities that may damage the ring.
	PRONG SETTING: Care must be taken so not to get any of the prongs caught on clothing, if just one of the prongs loosens, the security of the stone could be jeopardized. Still it is well suited for most everyday wear, unless your diamond is larger than 1 carat. If possible remove ring when doing sports and other activities that may damage the ring.