Diamond Carat Weight

To put it simply, diamond carat weight measures how much a diamond weighs. 

A metric “carat” is defined as 200 milligrams. Each carat is subdivided into 100 ‘points.’ This allows very precise measurements to the hundredth decimal place. A jeweler may describe the weight of a diamond below one carat by its ‘points’ alone. For instance, the jeweler may refer to a diamond that weighs 0.25 carats 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 rarer and more desirable. However, two diamonds of equal carat weight can have very different values (and prices) depending on three other factors of the diamond 4CsColorClarity, and Cut.

While now you know what carat means, it’s also important to remember that a diamond’s value is determined using all of the 4Cs, and not just carat weight.

How did the carat system start?

In order to understand what a diamond carat measures, it would help to know the origins of the modern carat system. Carat weight started with the carob seed, when early gem traders used the small, uniform seeds as counterweights in their balance scales. Today, the carat is the same milligram weight in every corner of the world.

What are “magic sizes”?

Some weights are considered “magic sizes” – half carat, three-quarter carat, and carat. Visually, there’s little difference between a 0.99 carat diamond and one that weighs a full carat. But the price differences between the two can be significant.

Michael C
From the second i walked in, to the moment I left everyone was so gracious. The manager was very attentive to me. Sitting down to educate me and give me a great price on my items.. I left with a... feeling that this is a place I want to return to.read more
Linda F.
It is always difficult making decisions about sentimental pieces of jewelry, but David Stern made many excellent suggestions that made me feel better about changing out some stones and saving the... settings so I wouldn't lose the sentimental value of the pieces. He took the time to explain how diamonds are evaluated and made me feel like I was his only customer. I felt very comfortable recommending him to my friends and family.read more
Iris C.
David Stern is impeccably accurate, knowledgeable, kind and experienced but most importantly HONEST and HONORABLE! Trust is paramount and I feel so lucky 🍀to have had the good fortune to have... David appraise my jewelry👍read more