Diamond Shopping Guide - Carat

Carat = weight

Carat – 200 milligrams or 0.2 Grams

A carat is a unit of weight measurement for diamonds and is completely different than "karat" or the method of determining the purity of gold. One Carat is equal to 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams. Carat weight is measured the same all over the world.

One carat is divided into 100 points. For example, a diamond of 50 points is .50 carats. As the carat of a diamond increases, so does its price. The majority of diamonds used in fine jewelry weigh one carat or less. Larger diamonds are rare, and therefore more valuable. However, diamonds of the same carat can vary widely in price depending on their cut, color, and clarity.

When diamond shopping, the general rule of thumb is to spend 2-3 month's salary. Remember that this is just a guideline, and every buyer has a different budget. When you decide on a carat size, you'll also have to consider the quality. You can opt for a larger diamond with lower grading in color and clarity. Or you can go for a smaller stone with higher grading in color and clarity.

When you're thinking about carat, remember to consider the setting you'll be putting the diamond in. You'll have to make sure that the setting will fit the carat weight of the diamond you choose.

Though not technically in the 4 C's of diamonds, there is a fifth C that's very important: Certificates.

A diamond certificate is not the same thing as an appraisal. A certificate describes the quality of a diamond, but does not assert a monetary value for the stone. An appraisal states the monetary value of the gem, but does not certify the quality of the diamond.

A certificate gives you a type of blueprint of the diamond and will tell you the stone's exact weight, measurement, and quality and clarity information. It will provide detailed descriptions of all of the unique characteristics of your diamonds.

You can get a certificate through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS). There are also other laboratories that issue certificates, but these two organizations are the most highly recognized in the world.

Shopping for certified diamonds ensures that you're making an informed decision about the gem you purchase and gives you a frame of reference for comparison while shopping around. If you buy a diamond without a certificate, you're buying it based solely on the salesman's word about its quality, and there is no guarantee that another jeweler or gemologist will agree with their assessment.