1 Carat diamond rings
A 1-carat diamond ring can be achieved in different ways. For example, a diamond cluster, or three-stone ring will be a very different size to a single 1.00ct diamond solitaire ring.
The shape of the diamond will also affect the physical size. For example, the Marquise cut has a longer axis compared to the width and provides a completely different ratio of size to the round brilliant cut.
Example of a 1 Carat Marquise diamond ring. Marquise diamond engagement rings
Gaining a better idea of the physical size of a diamond ring is much easier when a ring is seen in the flesh.
Where this is not possible photographs are a great alternative.
Finding the perfect setting for a 1-carat diamond
With so many ring designs and styles available it can be very tricky to work out which style will be best for a 1-carat diamond. Traditionally, we see Round Brilliant diamonds set into simple 6 claw ring settings.
However, this shouldn’t be a setting style to settle for if it really isn’t to your taste. Shown below is our Unity diamond engagement ring. Holding a 1.00ct diamond tensioned between each side of the setting. The Diamond is open to the passage of light – revealing brilliance and scintillation.
1 carat diamond ring – our Unity Diamond Engagement Ring
Are 1 carat diamonds considered big?
Many buyers consider a 1 carat diamond to be a big diamond. But diamonds go far larger than just one carat. Personally, the largest diamond I have sold came in at just over 5 carats! Now that is big!
1 carat Princess cut engagement rings
1-carat Princess cut diamond rings measure approximately 5.5mm across the diamond. Their size contrasts with slim ring shoulders. For this reason, a 1-carat Princess cut makes quite a show.
The Skye engagement ring – a beautiful example shown with a 1 carat diamond
Alternatives to 1-carat diamond rings
Two of our recent additions gives buyers the chance to own durable, hard-wearing alternatives to diamond.
Both lab-grown diamonds and our latest Starlight Moissanite options make 100% ethical alternatives with equal sparkle to diamonds.
Anyone looking for the look of a big 2-3 carat diamond might consider a Starlight Moissanite. This choice comes at a mere fraction of the cost of a 1 carat diamond.
2 carat Starlight Moissanite available from Serendipity Diamonds

About Mark Johnson
Mark attended Liverpool University and went on to pursue a career in the diamond industry. After more than a decade working in polished diamonds, Mark moved to the Isle of Wight where he launched Serendipity Diamonds. He works most days from their busy Ryde showroom, photographing jewellery and writing for the Serendipity Diamonds website.