Diamond Carat Weight

Carat - a unit of weight for diamonds and gemstones. ( not to be confused with karat )

The origin of the word carat and its use for diamond size measurement is from the carob seed. A carob seed is small and uniform in weight as such it served as the perfect measure of diamond size.

One carat = 1/5 gram

One carat is equal to 0.007 once

The diamond carat is further divided into points for simple diamond carat size weight of diamonds smaller than 1 carat;

1 carat (1.00 carat) = 100 points s

½ carat (0.50 carats) = 50 points

¼ carat (0.25 carats = 25 points

All else being equal i.e. diamond color, diamond clarity, diamond cut, the value of a diamond increases exponentially in relation to carat weight, as larger diamonds are not only rarer they are also more desirable.

Total carat weight (t.c.w.) is the phrase used to describe the total diamond weight or other gemstone size contained in a piece of jewelry, when it contains multiple diamonds or there are more than one gemstone is used. As an example Diamond solitaire earrings, are usually quoted in t.c.w. when placed for sale, a 1 carat total diamond carat weight earrings contain two diamonds weighting in total 1 carat or ½ carat each.

TCW is also widely used for diamond necklaces, bracelets and other similar jewelry pieces.

Diamond Carat Size expressed as fractions