Carat Weight
The word “carat” comes from seed of the carob tree pod which is found in tropical climates these seeds were used until this century to weigh precious gems.
A carat is a unit of measurement used to weigh a diamond. The diamonds carat is equal to 200 milligrams, or 0.2 grams.
- The price of a diamond rises exponentially to its size. The natural process of diamond forming requires special and rare circumstances, therefore the natural materials required are found only in small amounts. This results in the fact that larger diamonds are uncovered less often than smaller ones, they are rarer, so they have a greater value per carat.
- the diamonds carat is subdivided into points: there are 100 point in a carat. However, in any documentation the weight will be specified in carats, not in points, as required by the Federal Trade Commission.
Technical Figures
- 1 carat = 0.2 grams (200 milligrams)
- there are 5 carats in a gram and 142 carats in 1 ounce
- 1 carat = 100 points
- Three-Quarter Carat = 75 points
- Half Carat = 50 points
- Quarter Carat = 25 points
- One Grain (or “one grainer”) = 25 points or 1/4carat. A diamond of approximately 1 carat would be called a 4 grainer, one of 1.5 carat would be a 6 grainer, and a 0.5 carat stone a 2 grainer.
- Melee Diamonds weighing less than 1/5 carat (less than 20 points) are set using various techniques as groupings in jewelry.
The weight of the diamond and the price per carat determines the price of a diamond:
Total Price = Weight x Price per Carat
The price per carat will increase proportionally with the carat weight, as the greater the carat weight, the rarer and more valuable the diamond is.
Weight and Size
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Diamonds' size does not increase proportionally with their carat weight. For instance, from 1.00 carats to 1.25 carats there is a 25% increase in carat weight but less than 8% increase in diameter (6.5 to 7.0 mm).
Diamonds with a shallow cut usually have a greater diameter than a good cut with the same weight and have less brilliance and fire — the “fisheye” effect, therefore less value. On the other hand, if the cut is too deep, the stone will appear smaller and will have a “nailhead” effect — a dark and dull area in the center. To avoid an unpleasant surprise, always insist on very good cut.
Weight/Diameter
The following lines give some informative, approximate dimensions (diameter size in millimeters) relative to weight (carats). These calculations were made for a round brilliant cut diamond of ideal proportions.
| Weight(ct.) | Diameter(mm) | |
|---|---|---|
| 0.01 | 1.3 |  |
| 0.05 | 2.4 | |
| 0.10 | 3.0 | |
| 0.30 | 4.4 |  |
| 0.50 | 5.2 |  |
| 0.85 | 6.2 |  |
| 1.00 | 6.5 |  |
| 1.50 | 7.5 | |
| 2.00 | 8.2 | |
| 4.00 | 10.4 | |
| 5.00 | 11.2 | |
| 6.00 | 11.9 |  |
The Ideal Diamonds Carat Weight
To choose the ideal diamonds carat weight, consider the following:
- The recipient's personal style, finger size — the smaller the finger, the larger the diamond will appear — and the size and style of the setting.
- When buying, keep in mind that a slight difference in carat weight may result in a great difference in price and the effect will still be the same.
- Pay attention to total weight of more stones and total weight of a single stone: smaller stones are rated at lower prices, so a ring with a single stone will be more expensive than a ring with more stones the same total carat weight; also, take into consideration the situation when a ring has one main gem and smaller ones on sides — the total price should sum up the calculated prices for each.
- to pay exactly for what you get, always insist on a very good cut (specified on the certificate of the stone). Don't allow yourself to be cheated by a “great opportunity” and take a diamond that looks bigger. It does so because of a poor cut, and you risk to pay more for poor quality.
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