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Carat Weight
Diamond weight is measured in carats, a
small unit of measurement equal to 200 milligrams. Each carat is
divided into 100 points. Therefore, a half-carat stone may be referred
to as a "50-pointer" or "50-points". Carat weight is the easiest of
the 4 C's for gemologists to determine because of the use of
sophisticated measuring equipment.
Two diamonds of equal carat weight
might vary greatly in value depending upon their cut, color and
clarity. This is important because when mounted, one diamond may
appear larger than the other, although they actually weigh the same.
Because large diamonds are rare, they generally have a greater value
per carat. For example, the price of a two-carat stone will be several
times higher than four 50-pointers of equal quality.
Diamonds are sold by carat
weight. In the diamond trade, price is given in price per carat and
not in total dollars. For example a 1.02ct diamond that costs $2,000
per carat would cost 1.02 X $2,000 (= $2,040).
The proper dimension of a diamond for
its weight is an extremely crucial element in its value and
desirability. For example, a 1.00 carat round diamond should
measure approximately 6.5mm in diameter, a 1.50ct should measure
around 7.5mm, a 2.00ct should measure around 8.1-8.2mm, and so on.
If you see a diamond listed on line in the 1.00ct size which only
measures 6.2-6.3mm (or smaller), you should not buy it!
That diamond doesn't look any larger than a well cut 0.80-0.90ct diamond.
This also applies to 1.50ct diamonds which measure 7.2 or 7.3mm. These
diamonds may have a good grade on paper, even a terrific cut grade and a "great
price" but it is not a diamond I would ever recommend to my private customer. (See
The A. Fishman & Son Cut Diamond)
The same factor applies to fancy shaped diamonds with the additional requirement
that the diamond's shape has to be right, not just its dimensions.

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