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Diamond Carat: A Measurement of Diamond Weight
When buying a diamond, understanding the measurement of how much it weighs is critical.
A metric “carat” is defined as 200 milligrams. Each carat can be subdivided into 100 ‘points.’ This allows very precise measurements to the hundredth decimal place. The diamond carat weight of a diamond below one carat can also be described by its ‘points’ alone. For instance, a diamond that weighs 0.25 carats could also be referred to as a ‘twenty-five pointer.’ Diamond weights greater than one carat are expressed in carats and decimals. A 1.08 carat stone would be described as ‘one point oh eight carats.’
All else being equal, diamond price increases with diamond carat weight, because larger diamonds are more rare and more desirable. But two diamonds of equal carat weight can have very different values (and prices) depending on three other factors within the 4Cs: clarity, color, and cut.
In other words, knowing all the 4Cs inside and out makes you a much more educated and empowered diamond consumer. Wouldn’t you all agree?
Be sure to brush up on cut, clarity, color and the Diamond Grading Scales.
All diamond images and diagrams are for reference only and may not reflect true diamond carat weight.