Size Comparison

How big does a carat look on your finger?

The most common question before proposing—here’s the honest answer in pictures: six cut styles ranging from 0.7 to 3.5 carats, all photographed on the same hand so they can be compared side by side.

Real stones, real sizes The same hand in all the photos Six cut shapes
Round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 1.02, 1.50, 2.00, and 2.50 carats, shown side by side on a finger for size comparison

Round Brilliant Cut

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The classic cut with the most sparkle. Because the round brilliant cut is cut deep, it appears slightly more compact per carat than elongated shapes—but it sparkles from every angle.

1.02 ct1.50 ct2.00 ct2.50 ct
Oval diamonds ranging from 0.70 to 3.00 carats, shown in size comparison on a finger

Oval

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Our most popular shape. The oval shape makes the finger appear longer and, for the same carat weight, offers more visible surface area than a round cut—which is why a 1.5-carat oval often looks like a 2-carat round.

0.70 ct1.03 ct1.50 ct1.80 ct2.02 ct2.52 ct3.00 ct
Teardrop-shaped diamonds weighing 1.03, 1.53, 2.00, and 3.02 carats on the finger

Drops

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The point draws the eye upward and makes the hand look slimmer. The teardrop is one of the shapes with the largest visible surface area per carat.

1.03 ct1.53 ct2.00 ct3.02 ct
Emerald-cut diamonds ranging from 1.03 to 3.00 carats, shown side-by-side on a finger to compare sizes

Emerald

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Clean lines instead of sparkle: The step cut reveals mirror-like surfaces and has a calm, architectural appearance. Thanks to its large, open face, it has a pleasing presence per carat.

1.03 ct1.55 ct2.01 ct2.57 ct3.00 ct
Oval cushion-cut diamonds weighing 1.55, 2.01, 3.01, and 3.52 carats on the finger

Rectangular Pillow

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Soft corners, plenty of brilliance, and an elongated silhouette. This oblong cushion combines the sparkle of a round cut with the striking presence of an elongated shape.

1.55 ct2.01 ct3.01 ct3.52 ct
Marquise-cut diamonds ranging from 1.01 to 2.50 carats, shown in size comparison on a finger

Marquise

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The cut with the greatest length per carat. With two points and a narrow body, the marquise cut appears significantly larger than its weight would suggest and makes the finger look longer.

1.01 ct1.20 ct1.36 ct1.42 ct2.50 ct
Good to Know

A carat is a unit of weight— not a size.

Two stones weighing exactly one carat each can appear to be different sizes on the finger. Three factors determine this.

01

The Shape

Elongated cuts—oval, pear, marquise, cushion—distribute their weight across their surface. Per carat, they reveal more of the stone from above than a deep-cut round brilliant.

02

The Version

A halo of small stones makes the center stone appear larger, while a slender ring band makes it stand out more. Same stone, different effect.

03

The Hand

Every stone looks bigger on a slender hand. The photos show a hand—place your own finger next to it to get a sense of the proportions.

For verification

Carats in Millimeters

Approximate measurements for well-proportioned stones—as a guide if you want to measure them with a ruler against your own finger.

CaratCircular (Ø)Oval (L × W)Drops (L × W)
1.0 ctapprox. 6.5 mmapprox. 7.7 × 5.7 mmapprox. 8.5 × 5.5 mm
1.5 ctapprox. 7.4 mmapprox. 8.8 × 6.5 mmapprox. 9.7 × 6.3 mm
2.0 ctapprox. 8.1 mmapprox. 9.7 × 7.2 mmapprox. 10.7 × 7.0 mm
2.5 ctapprox. 8.8 mmapprox. 10.5 × 7.8 mmapprox. 11.5 × 7.5 mm
3.0 ctapprox. 9.3 mmapprox. 11.0 × 8.2 mmapprox. 12.2 × 8.0 mm

Approximate values — actual measurements depend on the cut proportions and depth of the specific stone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Carat Size, Explained in a Nutshell.

How big is a 1-carat diamond on your finger?

A round brilliant-cut diamond weighing 1 carat measures about 6.5 mm in diameter—roughly as wide as a pencil. When cut into an oval, the same carat weight appears longer (approx. 7.7 × 5.7 mm). In the photos above, you can see 1-carat diamonds in each shape worn directly on the finger.

How big is a 2-carat ring on your finger?

Round: approximately 8.1 mm in diameter; oval: approximately 9.7 × 7.2 mm. A two-carat diamond makes a distinct statement on the finger without looking bulky—especially in elongated shapes like oval or pear, which elongate the hand.

Which shape appears largest per carat?

Marquise, pear, and oval cuts offer the most surface area per carat because they are flatter and longer. The round cut appears more compact but offers the most fire. The emerald cut falls in between and stands out for its understated elegance.

Is a karat the same as size?

No. A carat is a unit of weight (1 carat = 0.2 grams). How large a stone appears depends on its shape, cut proportions, and setting. That’s why it’s more worthwhile to look at the photo than to focus on the number.

How do I find the right size for her?

Compare the photos to your own hand, use the millimeter chart to measure — and if you're unsure, our ring quiz or a quick consultation via WhatsApp can help. And if the size doesn't fit after all: 180 days of free resizing.

Your Ring

Have you found the right shape yet?

Every Velur engagement ring is available in several carat sizes—just choose your stone when selecting a design.

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Perfection takes time.

Perfection takes time.

Our goldsmiths craft each ring individually—stone by stone, entirely by hand.

Each piece of jewellery is crafted only after you place your order, carefully made from solid gold and genuine gemstones.

This is how we avoid mass production and guarantee you the highest quality, precise craftsmanship, and fair prices—directly from our workshop, with no middlemen.

Need a ring sooner?
Please contact us directly at WhatsApp —we have select models in stock that are ready to ship immediately.

The difference between carat sizes

0.5 Carat
1.0 Carat
1.5 carats
2.0 Carat
0.5-carat engagement ring in Velur's carat size comparison
1-Carat Engagement Ring: A Comparison of Carat Sizes by Velur
1.5-carat engagement ring in Velur's carat size comparison
2-Carat Engagement Ring: A Comparison of Carat Sizes by Velur