Diamonds - Carat Weight

Tips on Choosing a Diamond Size

Diamonds are sold according to weight, which is measured in carats* and points. To illustrate, think of this: when you buy bananas at the grocery store, they are put on a scale and sold to you by weight, and that weight is pounds and ounces. Diamonds are sold the same way; they are put on a scale and sold by weight, but that weight is carats and points.

A carat is subdivided into 100 points, so a diamond weighing 75 points is a ¾-carat diamond, 33 points is 1/3-carat, 150 points is a 1.5 carat, and so on. Points are not to be confused with facets, however, which are the cut surfaces of the diamond.

Points are measured within ranges, so that a ¾ carat diamond may be between 69 and 82 points and still be considered a ¾ carat. Note the table below.

Our Take: Deciding on diamond size is really about striking a balance between carat weight and quality. Men, don’t get so caught up in the technical aspects of grading that you lose sight of the romance surrounding this purchase. Our 30 years of experience in the jewelry business has taught us that nearly 100% of women would rather have a 1- carat diamond of good quality, than a ½ carat diamond of excellent quality. Selecting a diamond in the near colorless range (G-J), and SI1 or SI2 clarity, would allow you to get a larger diamond that is still beautiful. Diamonds within these ranges are considered to be the best value, and are the most sought after by consumers.

*When spelled with a “c”, carat is a unit of weight. When spelled with a “K”, karat refers to purity of gold.