I disagree. I think the design of the ring is more important then the size of the diamond. I have seen some very large diamonds, and having them set in a simple mounting, really looks distasteful. I don't like large diamond rings, where the diamond is so big that it is borderline of looking gawdy. Don't get me wrong, I love diamonds on the larger size, there are ways make the ring look very tasteful and pretty. Simple rings, with small diamonds are so dainty and pretty. Like this ring I simply love, it's so cute!

 Liberty Jewelry Mfg. Co. Ltd. Custom Designers & Manufacturers Timonium, MD www.libertyjewelrymfg.com www.libertyjewelry.blogspot.com

i agree with you! the women with the large carat and the perfect quality are certainly very lucky! but there are rings out there with beautiful and unique designs that should be given credit. hopefully women notice these rings even if they're not the ring of the week :)

I really am drawn to larger STONES, not always diamonds, I have a friend who has a beautiful tanzanite center stone in a custom band its STUNNING! It really just depends on the ring, the stone and the person.

I think people gravitate to size because it is easy to understand during the purchase process, and the results are easy to appreciate.  When you examine a diamond under the bright lights of a jewelry store, using a magnifier, the color and clarity flaws are easy to detect.  But in everyday conditions, say in the office or a restaurant, unless the diamond is of poor quality (say, under M in color, or I2 in clarity), people tend to only notice size and shape.

That said, I agree with you that size is not all that matters.  Using the color, cut, and clarity grades is a great way to understand and compare when shopping for a diamond, but after the purchase, what will matter most to you is; do you like what you see?

Check out this step by step diamond buying guide.  It walks you through how each of the 4 c's of diamonds should be used in conjunction when purchasing a diamond.

Alan Ricks,
Diamond Consultant
Lumera Diamonds: Loose Diamonds | Certified Diamonds

I think the design of a Ring is more important then the size of the diamond.

I found some beautiful designs at

http://www.silverwholesalejewellery.com

The cut of the diamond is the most important. Don't mistake the cut with the shape of a diamond. Shapes are princess, ascher, round pear shaped etc.

The cut ranges from poor to ideal. I would never settle for anything less than an ideal cut. You see if the diamond is cut too deep or too shallow light will escape the diamond early and you can lose some of the brilliance and sparkle. You can see a chart of this here.  This is why you can put a bigger diamond with a poor cut next to a smaller diamond with an ideal cut and you will choose the smaller diamond 99% of the time.

Hope that helps