Diamond CARAT - The first of the four "C's"!
A great diamond value is a balance between all four "C's"...some people prefer size over quality....but a balance in all for "C" ensures a long lasting value.
Carats
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".
Price, size and value
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. I hope we have removed part of the mystery surrounding diamonds…more to follow on upcomming blogs.
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Comments and Questions
1 comment(s) on this page. Add your own comment below.
I bought a diamond from a backstreet dealer about 5 years ago. He came highly recommended - through a trusted friend - and the diamond cost $10,000. He said his pricing was far, far lower than i'd expect to pay retail. I got it appraised -- independently - after I bought it and the appraisal came back with -- you guessed it -- exactly $10,000. I'm not upset that it didn't get appraised for higher. I kinda expected that, but my question is, what price is reasonable to expect to pay for such an off-the-street purchase, and how would you go about buying an engagement ring? (If I want to get the very best deal for a given amount of money). Cheers.
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