When choosing a diamond, carat weight is often seen as a key factor in determining size and value. However, many don’t realise how diamond weight also impacts brilliance—the dazzling sparkle diamonds are known for. At Skydiamond, we know that weight is just one piece of the brilliance puzzle, and it doesn’t always work the way you might think.
What is Diamond Brilliance?
Brilliance refers to the white light reflected from a diamond, which is created through two processes:
- Reflection: Light enters the diamond and reflects back.
- Refraction: Light bends as it passes through the diamond, reflecting off different facets before exiting.
Together, these processes create the diamond’s iconic sparkle. While the cut of the diamond controls how light moves, weight plays a role too.
How Does Diamond Weight Impact Brilliance?
A bigger diamond doesn’t always mean more sparkle. While a higher carat weight gives the diamond more size, it’s the cut and proportions that really affect how much it shines. A larger diamond that isn’t cut well can actually look duller than a smaller, perfectly cut one. The key is to strike the right balance between size and cut.
The depth of the diamond, or the distance from its top (table) to its point (culet), plays a crucial role in brilliance too. If a diamond is too deep or too shallow, light escapes and the sparkle is diminished. Sometimes, diamonds are cut to keep more weight, but this can come at the expense of brilliance.
How a diamond looks from above—its surface area—also matters. A well-cut diamond with a larger surface area can look bigger and sparkle more, even if its carat weight is lower.
Finally, the diamond’s facets—the small flat surfaces that reflect light—need to be just right, especially for larger stones. Bigger diamonds need more precise facet placement to maintain the same brilliance as smaller ones. So, no matter the size, cut quality is always the most important factor for a diamond’s sparkle.
Carat Weight vs. Cut: Finding the Right Balance
When choosing a diamond, always prioritise cut over weight, as a well-cut diamond will shine far brighter than a heavier, poorly cut one. Ideal proportions, such as the right depth and table percentages, are key to reflecting light properly and maximising brilliance. Additionally, two diamonds with the same carat weight can look different depending on their surface area, with a larger face-up size giving the appearance of a bigger stone. Finally, consider the diamond's shape—round brilliant cuts are designed for maximum sparkle, while shapes like emerald cuts tend to highlight clarity over brilliance.
Discover the Perfect Balance at Skydiamond
While carat weight is an important consideration, it’s the combination of weight, cut, proportions, and facets that determines a diamond’s true brilliance. A well-cut, smaller diamond can shine brighter than a larger one. At Skydiamond, we offer lab-grown diamonds with exceptional cuts, ensuring that every stone radiates its full brilliance, no matter its weight.
Explore our collection of man-made diamonds and let our experts guide you to the perfect piece that balances weight, cut, and sparkle.