The carat of a diamond is actually a measure of the weight of the loose diamond.
1 carat = 200 milligrams
A carat is divided into 100 points.
1 carat = 100 points
So, as an example, 1 carat and 21 points is written 1.21 carats and would equal 1.21 x 200 milligrams = 242 milligrams. The larger the carat of the diamond, the more expensive that diamond is, with the other three Cs being equal.
More Carat = More Expensive
Remember, the carat of a diamond is the weight of the stone, not the size of the stone. However, there is an obvious relationship between carat and size for the common types of shapes for diamond.
As larger diamonds are much rarer than smaller diamonds the increase in price is non-linear. Also, as the diamond carat reaches the whole numbers such as 1.0 or 2.0 carats, the price for the diamond increases at a faster rate approaching the whole carat weights. This is because wholesale diamonds tend to be priced in
whole carats, which leads to the larger relative jump in price around these numbers and there is also an “exclusivity“ factor surrounding the whole carat numbers.
The size of the diamond is undoubtedly the most noticeable of the diamond’s characteristics. While it will be tempting to go for the biggest diamond available for your budget, you should bear in mind that despite what they say, size isn’t everything. The quality of a diamond is dependant on the other 3 Cs also. Educating your
girlfriend/fiancée about this is another part of your job.
The diamond carat is the C that is most easily able to be measured, as it is simply the weight of the diamond. This makes the carat an ideal C to use as a benchmark when evaluating diamonds. Hold the
carat as a constant for different diamonds and then compare how differences in the other 3 Cs affect the cost of those diamonds.
Tips on Diamond Carat
When evaluating a diamond’s carat:
Make sure the jeweller is using calibrated electronic jewellery scales to weigh the diamonds he/she is showing you. Check this measured carat against the carat that is on the laboratory certificate.
Ask the jeweller what his/her opinion of the cut of the diamond is. A poorly cut diamond may hold its weight
around its middle and therefore look smaller in diameter than what it should. In effect you will be paying more for a diamond that doesn’t look as big.
The clarity of a diamond refers to the amount of visible flaws in the diamond. The fewer the visible flaws, the more expensive the diamond.
Less Flaws = More Expensive
Flaws that are visible on the surface of the diamond are called blemishes. Flaws that are visible inside the diamond are called inclusions.
NB: Stones are what diamonds are called within the diamond trade.
A loupe is a small magnifying glass that is held up to the eye.
There are many terms used to describe the types of flaws that can occur in diamonds. Some of common ones are:
Crystal (internal)
A crystal is any mineral crystal that is enclosed by the diamond. They can also occur on the surface of a diamond. They can be any size, shape or colour but the most common ones appear like a small clear bubble to the naked eye. They are sometimes referred to as "carbons”, “carbon spots” or “bubbles”.
Feathers (internal)
A feather is any type of break or fracture in a diamond. They often have a feather-like appearance, hence the name. A heavy knock to the diamond can make them larger.
Pinpoints (internal)
A pinpoint is a type of crystal that is very small and cannot be seen by the naked eye, only with a 10x or greater magnification.
Clouds (internal)
A cloud is a very tightly packed group of pinpoints that looks like a cloud under 10x magnification.
Abrasion (external)
An abrasion is a series of very small nicks or chips on the surface of a diamond, usually along a facet line. These are caused by wear and tear when diamonds are not stored carefully with other diamonds (as only diamond can scratch diamond).
For a more detailed coverage of the various types of flaws, including photos, please visit:
Each time you view a diamond, have the jeweller show you the flaw diagram on the laboratory certificate and ask him to point out these flaws on the diamond itself. If the diamond has good clarity it may be difficult to see these flaws but persevere, once you have seen the most common types of flaw once, it will become easier to find them on other diamonds.
Tips on Diamond Clarity
When assessing a diamond’s clarity:
ALWAYS use at least a 10x magnification eyepiece known as a loupe in the industry). If you use a lower magnification you may not pick up all of the important flaws in the diamond.
Always view the diamond un-mounted. If the diamond is already mounted in a ring, the mounting claws and the mounting itself may obscure any flaws.
Always buy a diamond with an independent laboratory certificate. The flaw diagram on the laboratory certificate will be marked with the locations of the flaws that were identified when the grading was performed. The flaws are a great distinguishing feature of each individual diamond. They can be a good means of assuring yourself that the diamond you are viewing is actually the same diamond that is graded on the laboratory certificate, and that a "switch” of diamonds hasn’t taken place.
