The 4 C's - Carat Weight

The weight of gemstones is measured in "Carats". A carat is equal to .20 grams. A carat is also commonly referred to by jewellers with the shortcut "points". There are 100 points in a carat. For example, a diamond that weighs one half carat would normally be best referred to as .50 Carat.

A common practice in the industry is to refer to the same stone as weighing 50 "points". Don't get confused and think that this refers to cut, and "points" on the stone, which I have often heard from people.

In a way, this is the least important of the 4 C's. Once you pick clarity, colour, and cut, the weight comes as a result of your money. It's more important to get a fairly clear stone, with reasonable colour, and decent cut.

Weight Comparison

In a way, this is the least important of the 4 C's. Once you pick clarity, colour, and cut, the weight comes as a result of your money.

The term "carat" comes from the carob bean, which in ancient times, was used as a measuring basis for gemstones. The beans each tend to weigh almost exactly the same, about 1 carat!