A carat is the unit of weight that is used to measure diamonds. A diamond’s carat weight is very important to its value. A carat is equal to 0.2 grams or 0.007 ounces, and five carats equal one gram. The weight in diamonds that are less than one carat is referred to as points. Carat weight can be expressed in points are fractions. A 1.0-carat diamond contains 100 points, and a 0.5-carat diamond contains 50 points. Finding the point value of a diamond involves multiplying the carat weight by 100. For example, a diamond that weighs 0.33 carats will have a value of 33 points, when the 0.33 is multiplied by 100. A 99-point diamond weighs virtually one carat, and a 45-point diamond weighs a little less than half a carat.

 Diamond prices rise proportionally to the carat size of the diamond. Large diamonds are rare and have a greater value per carat than smaller diamonds. A one-carat diamond will cost much more than a 95-point, or 0.95-carat diamond. All diamonds less than one carat are weighed on the 100-point value scale. A 3 1/4-carat diamond is equal to 75 points, a ½ diamond is worth 50 points, and a 1/4-carat diamond is worth 25 points. One-fifth of all diamonds mined are suitable for gem cutting and gemstone use.

Rough diamonds are raw materials that cutters use, and the cutter must follow a precise set of formulas to cut each stone shape. It is the cutter’s job to maintain the diamond’s size and value while creating an original. The jeweler will issue a certificate that lists the diamond’s exact measurement and weight, as well as details of the diamond’s other attributes. The size and weight of a diamond are usually measured in a laboratory, which provides the best proof of authenticity. Diamonds can be measured when they are mounted in jewelry, but most are accurately weighed before being mounted into a setting.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gemological Society(AGS) will only grade diamonds that are not mounted in jewelry pieces. The diamond laboratories give grading reports that list the exact carat weight, to the nearest hundredth of a carat, for a particular diamond. Points in a fraction of a one carat diamond are measured in ranges that permits 3/4 carat diamond to have between .69 and .82 points and still be considered a 3/4 carat. The point or weight values may also be expressed in decimals, and each diamond has a wide range of possible point values.  A diamond that has a carat weight of 1/10 has ranges between 0.09to 0.11 points, a carat weight of 1/4 may have ranges between 0.23 and 0.28 points whereas a ½-carat diamond may have ranges between 0.45 and 0.58 points, and a one-carat diamond may have point values between 0.95 and 1.05 points.

Diamonds of the same weight may vary substantially in their prices, which may be due to differences in cut, clarity, and color. A diamond’s weight may be hidden in different parts of the stone. It is possible to have a well-cut diamond with its weight distributed properly throughout the stone, a diamond that is cut too shallow to make it wider and heavier, but not brilliant, and to have a diamond that is cut too deeply, which can add weight to the bottom of the stone without maximum brilliance. The point value for diamond weight is only used for diamonds that are less than one carat, and diamonds that are more than one carat has there own system of weight measurement.

Related posts:

1. Weighing in with Diamonds: The Carat Measurement
2. Diamonds are Ruled by the Four C’s
3. Judging Diamond Quality with the Four Cs
4. How a Diamond is Cut Defines Its Beauty
5. Diamond Grading: What Does it Mean to You?

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