Diamond Carat

The carat of a diamond is simply a measure of its weight. One carat (1 ct) is equal to 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams.

People often mistake carats as a measurement of size, but they actually measure weight. 

Carat and size are not exactly synonyms. Carat simply refers to how much a diamonds weighs, whereas size is about its dimensions.

 

 

Diamonds are also measured in points: 100 points equals 1 carat, so that a diamond of 75 points weighs 0.75 carats.

 

 

Carat weight is written in decimal numbers, but it is frequently expressed in fractions which are easier to understand.

 

 

The abbreviation "ctw" standards for “carat total weight,” which measures the total weight of all diamonds in a piece of jewelry.

As the carat weight of a diamond increases so does its price because larger diamonds are less common and more desirable.

 

 

However, two diamonds can be of equal carat-weight, but their value can differ greatly due to their cut, color, and clarity.

Determining the carat weight that is right for you depends primarily on your budget and taste.