The carat weight of a diamond is very important and when looking at gemstones you may notice a number of words, such as size and points, that are closely associated with carats.
These words can be confusing, so in this article we will explain exactly what a carat is and define the related words so you are better prepared to choose a diamond.
Carat Weight vs Diameter – The Difference
When considering diamond carats, it is essential to understand that this is not the same as size. It is perfectly possible to have two diamonds with the same carat weight but different sizes.
The size of a diamond is determined by the height, width, and measurements of the primary part, including the girdle and table facet. The table is one of the most important aspects of a diamond’s size because it is this facet that remains visible once the diamond is set in a ring.
What is a carat?
The carat is a unit of weight used for diamonds and other precious stones. In the past, the weight of a carat varied because each diamond city used different seeds or grains to measure carats. Dutch jewelers, for example, gave a carat a value of 0.2057 grams, while a carat from Italian gem dealers weighed 0.1972 grams. In 1913, the weight was standardized and now each carat weighs 0.2 grams or 200 milligrams.
What are the reference points for the weight of a diamond?
In the early 20th century, experts calculated the weight of a diamond in carats and fractions of a carat. It was not unusual to find a gemstone that weighed 1+ ½ + 1/16 carat. However, it became clear that gemstones needed to be measured more precisely, so the carat was divided into 100 “points,” with each point representing one-hundredth of a carat. This allowed experts to weigh diamonds accurately to one-hundredth after the decimal point.
When comparing diamonds, you will notice that the weight of some stones is given in carats and fractions of a carat while the weight of other stones is noted in carats and points, for example 1.12 carats.
How is the carat weight of a diamond determined?
Calculating how many carats a diamond weighs is not difficult. First, the weight of the diamond is determined and then this weight (in grams) is divided by 0.2. This gives the carat weight.
For example: a diamond weighs 0.3 grams. 0.3 divided by 0.2 gives a carat weight of 1.5 carats.
You can also find the carat weight on a diamond’s certificate. Most high quality diamonds have a certificate that was awarded by a renowned laboratory. The specific measurements and carat weight are displayed there.
Tips for buying a diamond
When buying a diamond, don’t just consider the carat count. The secret to finding the best diamond is to look at the combination of carat weight along with the size and other key characteristics of the diamond, such as color, cut, and clarity.