Carat Weight 101: How to Accurately Tell the Size of Your Diamond

When it comes to diamonds, the carat weight is one of the most important factors that affect both the price and the perceived value of the stone. But how can you accurately tell how many carats a diamond is? Whether you’re looking to sell or buy, understanding carat weight is crucial for making an informed decision and getting the best value for your jewelry.

Here’s everything you need to know about determining a diamond’s carat weight.

What Is Carat Weight?

A carat is a unit of weight used to measure diamonds. One carat equals 0.2 grams or 200 milligrams. Carat weight has a significant impact on the overall price of a diamond, but it’s important to note that two diamonds of equal carat weight may have different values based on their cut, clarity, and color.

• 1 carat = 0.2 grams (200 milligrams)
• ½ carat = 0.1 grams (100 milligrams)

Larger diamonds are rarer, and as the carat weight increases, the price typically rises exponentially. For example, a 2-carat diamond can be significantly more expensive than two 1-carat diamonds combined.

How Is Carat Weight Measured?

To measure a diamond’s carat weight, professionals use highly sensitive and calibrated scales designed specifically for diamonds. This is not something that can be accurately measured with a regular household scale, as precision is essential in determining the exact weight of a diamond.

Estimating Carat Weight by Size

If you don’t have access to professional tools, you can make a rough estimate of a diamond’s carat weight based on its physical dimensions. While this method won’t be perfectly accurate, it can give you a general idea.

• Round Diamonds: For round diamonds, you can estimate carat weight using the diameter (the width across the top of the stone). The larger the diameter, the higher the carat weight.
• Other Shapes: Different diamond shapes—such as oval, cushion, or pear—have varying length-to-width ratios, so estimates based on size are trickier and less reliable. However, professional jewelers can measure these shapes precisely.

Why Diamonds Look Bigger or Smaller Than Their Weight

It’s important to note that carat weight doesn’t always reflect how “big” a diamond looks. Two diamonds of the same carat weight can appear different in size due to:

• Cut: A well-cut diamond will reflect light better and appear larger, while a poorly cut diamond may look smaller than its actual weight.
• Shape: Round diamonds tend to look smaller than fancy shapes (like oval or pear) at the same carat weight, due to how their mass is distributed.

Why Carat Weight Matters for Selling Your Jewelry

If you’re considering selling your diamond jewelry, carat weight is one key factor in determining its market value. At Diamond Buyers, we specialize in purchasing high-end diamonds, especially those 1.5 carats or larger. Our GIA-certified appraisers use state-of-the-art equipment to provide accurate evaluations, ensuring you get the true market value for your diamond.

How to Get an Accurate Measurement

For the most accurate carat measurement and valuation:

• Visit a trusted buyer like Diamond Buyers, where GIA-certified experts can evaluate your diamond.
• Check for accompanying documentation like a GIA report, which details the diamond’s carat weight and other key attributes.
• Avoid home measurement tools, as they often lack the precision needed for diamonds.

Ready to Sell Your Diamond?

If you’re curious about the value of your diamond or want a professional, accurate appraisal, Diamond Buyers is here to help. We offer free, no-obligation estimates on qualifying diamonds to help you understand the true value of your jewelry.