The weight of a Diamond or Gemstone is measured in CARATS, often abbreviated "ct.". One carat is 200 milligrams, 5 carats equals 1.00 gram. One carat is divided into 100 parts, called "points". Therefore, a 25-point Diamond weighs ¼ or 0.25 of a carat, and a 50-point Diamond weighs ½ or 0.50 ct.

Diamond and Gemstone weights are usually expressed in carats and decimals. A 1.09 ct. stone, for example, would be described as "one o nine carats". A Diamond that weighs 0.99 ct. is said to weigh "ninety nine points".

The price per carat of Diamonds will increase with size; all other factors being equal. Therefore, a 0.50 ct. Diamond will cost more than twice that of an equal quality 0.25 ct.


While most people would like to own a large Diamond, it is important to keep in mind that to determine a Diamonds value, a variety of factors must be taken into consideration. Cut, clarity, color and carat weight, not one of them being any more important than the others, all have to be considered together in determining the true value of a Diamond.

Large Diamonds and Gemstones are rarer than smaller Diamonds or Gemstones. The scarcer the Diamond or Gemstone the greater its worth. So a larger stone costs more per carat. As you read about the other THREE of the Four Cs (Clarity, Color & Cut), you will see how carat (weight) plays an important role in Diamond and Gemstone certification.

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