How big is "two carat"?
Below are some gemstones in comparison to Euro and US coins.
This illustration provides only a general idea. To judge the specific measures of a gemstone, find the size of each gem in the grading report under "Measures".
There, e.g. 8.10x6.33x3.55 means 8.10 mm long 6.33 mm wide and 3.55 mm deep. The difference between say, 5.10 and 5.15 is hardly perceptible to the eye. An average hair for example may be 0.1 mm thick.
Width and length are called "face" and determine the optical size of a gemstone when set in jewelry.
For the USA: mm to inches - 100 millimeters are 4 inches, 10mm are roughly a half inch, or one inch equals 25 mm. A quarter coin for example is 25 mm or one inch in diameter.
The best way to imagine the size of a gemstone is with a simple ruler showing millimeter or inches. If you want to be more visual you may find it helpful to cut a piece of paper into shape.
Our hand-shots: Please take note that our hand photos are made with fingers of US-ring-size TWELVE (no hand-model within our budget). Thus, if you have a ring-size of, say, SIX the gem will look twice as large on your fingers.
It is important to review the individual measures of each gem because a shallow one carat can have as big a face as a deep three carat. Also, varieties have different specific gravities.
However, here are some very general rules of thumb for jewelry:
- 0.5 to three carats are fine for a ladies' ring.
- One to six carats are good for men's ring.
- You need more than two carats to make a visible pendant.
- Earrings can start with 0.25 carat but can go up to 15 carats or more (if you can bear the weight).
