What Is Diamond Carat?
Diamond carat is the standard unit of measurement to describe a diamond’s weight. One carat equals 200 milligrams which is about the weight of a paperclip. Carat weight is one of the four primary characteristics that determines a diamond’s quality.
Carat weight is important when selecting a diamond, as it influences appearance and price. It is also important to consider how each stone looks within each piece of jewelry and on each person. A one carat diamond may appear smaller on a size 10 finger than it does on a size 7 finger.
By understanding carat weight, you can compare diamonds and determine a balance of visual impact and budget that is right for you.
How Big is a Carat?
A carat refers to a stone’s weight, not the size of the stone. For instance, due to varying densities, a one carat round diamond may measure larger than a one carat round sapphire. Shape, cut, and depth also influence how large a carat appears.
How Is Diamond Carat Measured?
Diamond carat is measured by professionals using specialized micro-balance scales. One carat equals 200 milligrams, and each carat is divided into 100 'points' to allow exact measurements to the thousandth decimal place.