Diamond Carat

When most people think of diamonds, the word “carat” comes to mind. Referring to the measured mass of a diamond, carat weight can play a very large role in the total cost of your jewelry. It is important to understand the differences in carat weight, since a slight increase in mass can mean a significant increase in price.

One carat is exactly 200 milligrams. Since many diamonds weigh less than one carat, gemologists use the point scale to measure their mass. The point unit equals one hundredth of a carat, for instance, a 0.5 milligram carat equals 50 points.

When purchasing a diamond, you should understand the basics of diamond carat weight. Make sure to ask your jeweler if the diamonds in your jewelry are weighed individually, or billed with their total carat weight. A ring with many small diamonds may be listed as containing 5 carats, when in fact the piece is a collection of 10, 0.5-carat stones.

Whatever carat the diamond or diamonds that you do purchase, remember to calculate the jewelry’s emotional value to the wearer. Though carats are important, it is far more essential that any diamond appropriately fit the wearer first.