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Diamond Carat

Diamond Carat​

The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. The term carat originated in ancient times as gemstones were weighed against the carob bean, while each bean weighed about one carat. In 1913, carat weight was standardized internationally and adapted to the metric system.

One gram is 5 carats, and one ounce is about 142 carats. A metric carat is defined as 200 milligrams. Each carat is subdivided into 100 points, as the weight of a small diamond can be described in points, where one point equals a hundredth of a carat, for example, five points is a short way of saying 5/100 of a carat.

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

HOW DIAMOND CARAT WEIGHT CAN AFFECT VALUE

A diamond’s carat weight is one of the determinant factors in determining its value. Diamonds are valued on a per carat basis. The larger the diamond is rare it is counted. Large diamonds are higher in demand than smaller diamonds of the same quality so they can be sold for a higher price. A one-carat diamond solitaire ring is nearly always more expensive than a diamond ring made up of multiple smaller diamonds of similar quality, even if they total one carat or more, it’s just because of the rarity of a large diamond.

Diamonds that weigh just under a full-number carat weight are typically less expensive than diamonds passing the full-carat hurdle. A two-carat stone will cost a lot more per carat than a comparable one-carat stone. This is because diamonds are rarer in larger sizes, so size increases can mean disproportionate increases in value. As you take a stone of a particular cut, clarity, and color and move its carat weight to the next category, you may see a large increase in the price per carat. This jump gets larger as the carat weight, and thus the rarity, increases. However, the increase in value is not proportionate to the size increase, as it depends on the other three factors of the diamond 4C’s: color, clarity, and cut.

HOW DIAMOND CARAT WEIGHT CAN AFFECT COST

The size of a diamond has a significant impact on its price. That’s why a 2-carat diamond is more than double the price of a similar 1-carat diamond.

A diamond of G color and SI1 clarity will be in one category of prices when it is in between 0.50 – 0.69 carats. In other words, the per-carat price will be the same for a G/SI1 diamond of 0.52ct as it would be for a G/SI1 diamond of 0.63ct. If you know the per-carat price, you simply multiply it by the carat weight. When you take that same quality diamond and increase the size to the next price category, which in the case is the 0.70 – 0.89 carat range, the price increase will be approximately $1,100 per carat. Increase to the 0.90 – 0.99 carat range, and the price increase will be approximately another $800 per carat. Increase to 1.00 – 1.49 carat range and the increase will be approximately another $800 per carat. Increase the carat weight to the 1.50 – 1.99 carat range, and the price increase will be approximately $1,200 per carat. And prices are constantly changing too, in response to market forces.

Carat is the simplest and only truly objective of the 4C’s. Pop a diamond on the scale, and if it weighs 0.200 gm, then it is a 1.00-carat diamond. A ‘point’ is 1/100 of a carat, so 0.25ct is called 1/4ct, 25 points, or 25pt.

Economically, it’s common and tempting for a cutter to leave a little more weight on the crown and pavilion, (the top and the bottom) or the girdle since it can push the stone to the next ‘magic weight’ doing this can negatively affect the diamond’s cut quality and can make it appear dull and lifeless, but some jewelers will count on their customers not noticing. The magic weights are as follows: 1/2ct, 3/4ct, 90 points, 1ct, 1.5ct, 2ct, etc. ‘Under-sizes’ are diamonds that weigh just below a magic weight; they can be a bargain, but there are a lot less to choose from. Visually, there’s just a 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.

At Benadato, carat weight is measured using a highly accurate and calibrated scale. So, you’ll get the best prices for a diamond you have but want to sell. If you are thinking of selling your diamond or diamond jewelry in Denver, then trust the team of Benadato. Our experts will guide you through the process and will offer you the most suitable value.

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