The True Meaning of “Carat” in Terms of Diamonds

Diamonds hold a special place in every woman’s heart . . . but what good is a diamond if it doesn’t shine bright? For decades, diamonds have been a symbol of love and respect, which puts a lot of pressure on picking the right rock just for her.

Every stone is different, varying in price, weight, cut, and where the diamond came from. Before you or your loved ones pick a ring, make sure you truly know the meaning behind the term “carat” and its value. Knowing how to choose the best diamonds as well can help you save money while still selecting the life-changing, beautiful, shiny stone of her dreams.

What Is a Diamond ‘Carat’?

Most people believe the word “carat” is about size, but the term actually refers to weight.

Another common mistake is buying a diamond solely for the carat count, believing it’s the best quality. But that’s not necessarily the case. Bigger doesn’t always mean better, and with diamonds, this is an important tip to remember. While it’s true that a big diamond can be a status symbol, unfortunately, the carat has nothing to do with the sparkle and shine. The clarity in the diamond comes from the type of cut and how prestigious the diamond is.

Fun Fact: If your diamond is small but supremely cut, it could look larger and shine brighter than a bigger diamond with a poorly cut stone.

Where Did the Term “Carat” Come From?

The term carat comes from the ancient method of weighing precious metals and stones, as they would weigh the metal and stones on the carob trees. The trees were considered even weight, which allowed for an accurate measurement. In 1907 at the Fourth General Conference on Weights and Measures, it was declared that one carat would be equal to 200 mg, or .2 grams, of a diamond. A diamond can also be measured in points; 100 points equals a full carat.

4 Important Tips to Know Before Purchasing a Diamond

Buying the perfect diamond is like finding a needle in a haystack, which is why following these few tips may help you when the time comes.

1. Splurge on cut.

The cut of the diamond is the most crucial part because it maximizes the appearance and sparkle of the stone.

2. Consider size.

Finger size plays a significant role in the appearance of a diamond. The smaller a finger, the larger a ring will look, and vice versa.

3. Compare shapes.

Certain shapes will cost less per carat. Surprisingly, fancy-shaped diamonds may actually be less expensive than your average round diamond. Why? Simply because there’s less diamond there!

4. Buy your diamonds just below a whole size.

When purchasing a carat just shy of a whole, you could save a considerable amount of money, and this slight fragment of missing stone will never be noticed.

Diamond Carat Price

Diamonds with a higher carat are typically cut from crystals that are harder to source than small crystals. They also are found in rougher crystals that are harder to find. The relationship between the weight of a diamond and its cost, therefore, may be based on the availability of the crystal and how long it took to perform the expedition.

Alongside the rarity of findings in these crystals comes the examination of each crystal’s color and characteristics. Is it worthy of cutting? Does it outsource the right look? Can this be made into rings? The answers all lie within the rock’s internal and external makeup.

Apart from just the chemical makeup is the emphasis society places on picking the perfect engagement ring. The media has erroneously stressed for a long time that the bigger the rock, the more he or she loves you. Due to the volume of advertising and demand for diamonds, a price increase occurs.

However, remember that bigger isn’t always better and that the cut of the diamond is the most important when purchasing any diamond.

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