Carat Weight

Carat refers to a diamonds weight. They are divided into 100 points.

For example, a one carat diamond weighs 100 points and a 1/2 carat weighs 50 points (.50 carat).

Carat weight is often referred to as the size of a diamond. Diamonds are distributed based on their weight and sorted into weight categories.

Weight categories:

• Quarters: .25 carat or 24 - 29 points
• Thirds: .33 carat or 30 - 39 points
• Two-fifths: .40 carat or 40 - 49 points
• Half carat: .50 or 50 - 59 points
• Three-fifths: .60 or 60 - 69 points
• Three-quarters: .75 or 70 - 79 points
• Four-fifths: .80 or 80 - 89 points
• Nine-tenths: 90 - 99 points
• Carat: 100 points

The price will increase based on the weight of the diamond. For example, a one carat, good cut, SI clarity, H colour, round diamond may be 15 to 20% more expensive than an identical stone weighing just 99 points because they are in two different weight categories. A simple 1 point difference can cost much more!

Diamonds that are poorly cut can look smaller or even larger from a face up position. So, don't make the mistake of using carat weight as a measurement of size.