Carat is the standard unit of weight used when weighing diamonds. One carat is equal to 0.20 grams. As a diamond carat weight increases, so will its value.
GIA ESTIMATED CARAT WEIGHT
A diamond’s total cost is determined by its per carat price (For example, 1.07 carats x $4,500 per carat = = $4,815 total cost). Per carat prices are grouped according to weight ranges. These include 1.00-1.49ct, 1.50-1.99ct, 2.00-2.99ct, 3.00-3.99ct, etc. Per carat prices increase significantly from one size range to the next. A diamond that weighs just under the next size range can cost substantially less while looking nearly identical in size.
CARAT TIPS FROM AUCOIN HART
To hold a certain weight range and maximize a diamond’s per carat price, a diamond cutter will sometimes “hide weight” by fashioning an extra thick girdle or by cutting a diamond deeper than it should be. These diamonds will look smaller than a diamond of identical weight that is well proportioned. Therefore, when considering a diamond’s carat weight, a diamond buyer should also consider its millimeter size to be sure the diamond “looks its size.”
Carat
Carat is the standard unit of weight used when weighing diamonds. One carat is equal to 0.20 grams. As a diamond carat weight increases, so will its value.
GIA ESTIMATED CARAT WEIGHT
CARAT TIPS FROM AUCOIN HART
To hold a certain weight range and maximize a diamond’s per carat price, a diamond cutter will sometimes “hide weight” by fashioning an extra thick girdle or by cutting a diamond deeper than it should be. These diamonds will look smaller than a diamond of identical weight that is well proportioned. Therefore, when considering a diamond’s carat weight, a diamond buyer should also consider its millimeter size to be sure the diamond “looks its size.”