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Dimension
At a glance, the difference in size between a 1 carat or 1.09 carat diamond is undetectable. Upon minute examination, however, the disparity becomes apparent. For a round brilliant-cut 1-carat diamond offered by a reputable vendor, the surface measures 6.28 mm in length and 6.26 mm in width. When comparing this to a diamond of the same cut and quality from the same company, this time measuring 1.09 carats in weight, the surface measures 6.62 mm in length and 6.58 mm in width.
Weight
There is a slight difference in the weight (in ounces) of a 1 and 1.09-carat diamond. One carat is equivalent to 0.00705479239 oz. Following this formula, a 1.09-carat diamond will weigh 0.0007689 oz. The difference in weight is small enough to be virtually undetectable by the stone's wearer.
Cut
While ideal-cut stones will show the difference between the carat weights of two diamonds, a poorly cut stone can warp the appearance of the stone's dimensions. A poorly cut diamond may have a high, unevenly shaped table and crown, as well a deep cut that puts the majority of the stone's weight in the mounting. The result would be a stone that is bottom-heavy with a small, ill-defined surface. If you were to compare a 1.09-carat stone of this cut to an ideal cut, 1-carat round brilliant diamond, the 1-carat stone would look significantly larger.
Tools
The best way to examine the difference in size between a 1-carat diamond and a 1.09 carat diamond is to consult a professional jeweler. Many jewelers carry diamond grading sets that use glass stones to simulate the size, color and cut of many different diamonds. The public can purchase similar supplies online, but prices start at $40 a set and climb steadily from there.