Diamond Carat Weight

Carat Weight

A diamonds weight is measured by carats and points. 100 points make up one carat ( 0.01 carat = l point ). One carat is equal to 0.20 grams.

The bigger the carat weight the bigger and more expensive the diamond is. A common misconception is that half a carat is half the size of one carat. That is not correct, a half carat is half the weight of one carat, but the millimeter difference on a round stone is only 1.35mm. (average mm for 0.50ct is 5.00mm, average mm for 1.00ct is 6.35mm)

Diamonds jump up in value when they hit the half and full carat mark because of their demand.

The Carat Weight of a diamond essentially refers to the actual weight of the stone. Carat therefore also corresponds to the size of the diamond to a certain extent, as it goes without saying that the larger the diamond is, the heavier it is.

The Carat Weight of diamonds can be misleading with relation to the comparable size of diamonds with different diamond Carat Weights. For example, a diamond of 1 carat weight is not twice the size of a diamond of 0.50 Carats.
It will however be twice the weight!

As with all of the diamond grades and classifications, the most expensive diamonds are those which are rarest. This is also true for Carat Weight, as larger diamonds are found significantly less frequently than smaller diamonds. This is also why the price of a 1ct diamond is not twice the price of a 0.50ct diamond.

Depending on what is most important to the wearer and purchasers of the diamond, size or brilliance, the diamond Carat Weight should be either the first or last thing you choose. This is due to the sheer impact Carat Weight can have on the cost of the diamond and therefore the ring.

Important information on Carat Weight

People would usually think that just because a diamond is 1ct in weight that they are all the same size in mm width. This is not the case as you would need to take into consideration the depth of the diamond. For example a well made round diamond of 1ct in weight should be between 6.4mm to 6.5mm. But it's possible to get round 1ct diamond of 5.9mm in width. This would straight away indicate that the diamond is poorly made, this is not a diamond that ZS Diamonds would sell. Obviously the fact that the diamond is poorly made would make this less expensive than the well made diamond. So when comparing diamond prices please make sure you compare like for like.

If budget is an issue and you still want to achieve 1ct diamond then we would usually say that a well made 0.90ct round diamond which is 6.25mm. Would actually be the same physical size of the average 1ct diamond. Also because the 0.90ct round diamond would be well make it would have more sparkle, fire and brilliance.

This argument can be made for diamonds of any size. The above is example is based on a 1ct round diamond.

View a pdf of actual diamond sizes.

For additional information or help in choosing the perfect diamond for an engagement ring, or for assistance in choosing a wedding ring, eternity ring, or special occasion ring, call now to speak to one of the ZS Diamonds experts on 0161 766 9246.