Diamond Carat

The weight of a diamond determines its carat. An increase in carat weight indicates an increase in price as well. Higher carat weight also increases the price per carat in large diamonds, i.e., the total price of four quarter-carat diamonds would be considerably less than the price for a single 1-carat diamond of comparable quality, and the total price of a hundred one-point diamonds would be yet lesser than the total price of four quarter-carat diamonds.

Measurement of a Diamond

Like many other gemstones, diamonds are also weighed in metric carats, where 1 carat = 0.2 grams, which is slightly more than 0.007 ounce avoirdupois (the measurement used in grocery stores). A fraction of a carat can make a huge value difference, even in the case of smaller diamonds. That is why diamonds are weighed to a thousandth of a carat and rounded to the nearest hundredth point. Diamonds range from a small point to more than 100 carats, but in the regular diamond market people shop for diamonds ranging from 5 points to 3 carats.

While purchasing diamonds, people generally consider the total carat weight of all diamonds present in a jewelry piece and do not talk about the individual weight of each diamond. For example, if a ring carries fifty 1-point diamonds, or two quarter-carat diamonds, or a single half-carat diamond, the total diamond weight is observed as half a carat in all cases; however, the prices may vary considerably, being highest for a single half-carat diamond.

Cullinan is the largest rough gem diamond ever discovered and it weighs around 3,106.75 carats, while the Golden Jubilee Diamond, weighing 545.67 carats, is the largest polished diamond.

Diamond Relative Carat / Size Comparison

Carat is a measurement of weight, not size, and so the overall diameter (mm) could differ slightly even though the carat weight is correct. The image is not to scale. Diamond pictures are shown for comparison purposes only. Actual size can vary depending on your screen resolution, monitor size, etc.

Loose diamonds can be weighed on a jeweler's balance. However, in case the diamond is mounted, the weight is estimated using the weight-estimation formula. Estimating weight in this fashion is less precise but enough to let appraisers make reasonable evaluations without demounting the diamonds.

Check out the finest quality of certified loose diamonds offered at B2C Jewels and select the carat weight as per your budget.