DIAMOND-CARAT

DIAMOND CARAT

Introduction

 

Diamond carat refers to the weight of the diamond not its size but is often misinterpreted otherwise. Another such misinterpretation is that higher carat weight is always the right choice. Carat weight has no effect on the sparkling of a diamond; a diamond’s sparkle depends on its cut. As a matter of fact, a high carat diamond with a poor cut may look duller than a smaller carat diamond with
an ideal cut.

 

The term "Carat" comes from "Carob Seed"

 

The term carat was derived from the earliest method of weighing precious metal and stones against the seeds from the carob tree which were believed to be even in weight. In the Fourth General Conference on Weights and Measures (1907) it was decided that one diamond carat would be equal to 200 mg or 0.007 ounces.
Carat can also be subdivided in points where one carat is equivalent to 100  points.

 

Diamond Carat Price

The price of a diamond increases exponentially with the increase in the carat weight.
Higher carat weight diamonds are cut from large rough crystals which are a rare occurrence in the nature. This in turn affects the price of a diamond. It is also dependent on the color and the characteristic inclusions and blemishes (which have a positive impact on the diamond’s clarity) of a rough crystal.

 

Facts on Carat Weight

 Buy shy: Diamond prices jump up at the carat and half-carat marks. Choose a carat weight just below these marks to save a considerable amount of money. 

 Put your money on the cut: Prioritize cut since it causes the sparkling of the diamond. Even a high carat diamond with flawless clarity will appear dull if it's cut poorly.

 Fancy-shaped diamonds cost less per carat: Fancy-shaped shape diamonds are less expensive than round diamonds of the same carat weight. Moreover, they appear bigger in size.

 Remember the ring size: A small diamond will look bigger on a small finger and vice versa. Choose your carat weight in accordance with the diamond shape, finger size and setting size.

Effect of Carat on the Diamond Price

 

Carat weight is the biggest determining factor of a diamond's price. It is a popular belief that the higher the carat weight, the better the quality of your diamond. But such is not always the case. Focus on maintaining a balance among the 4 Cs of a diamond: Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat to make a smart purchase.

Diamond Carat Size Chart

The Diamond Carat Size Chart showcases a top to the bottom pictorial representation of diamonds of different carat weights and shapes. Measurements of length/width ratio, depth and table may differ in your diamond in reference to the chart.

 

Diamond Carat Size Chart

The Diamond Carat Size Chart showcases a top to bottom pictorial representation of diamonds of different carat weights and shapes. Measurements of length/width ratio, depth and table may differ in your diamond in reference to the chart.

Tips to Buy a Diamond

 A diamond may appear bigger in a few settings: It’s a play of perspectives, for instance in a halo setting the center diamond is surrounded by a ring of small diamonds. The proportion between the small to large diamonds tricks the viewer’s perspective into making the centre diamond seem bigger.

 A diamond’s size is affected by the band size: Use of a thin band makes the centre diamond look bigger and vice versa. For example, the pave band makes the diamond looks bigger by including small diamonds embedded in its band.

 Carat Total Weight (CTTW): It is the measure of combined carat weight of all the diamonds in a given piece. Therefore, it is recommended to inquire about the carat weight of individual diamonds in the piece you’re buying.