A diamond’s weight is measured in carats. One carat is equal to 0.2 grams and is commonly expressed in points or fractions. There are 100 points in one carat, so for example, a diamond that weighs 0.33 carats is typically expressed as 33 points, or one-third of a carat.

When shopping at Gems For Everyone, you can choose the carat weight you prefer from the dropdown menu labeled “Total Carat Weight.” For example, a diamond solitaire ring may be available in carat sizes ranging from 0.20 to 2.00 carats. You can refer to the chart at the bottom of the page to get a sense of the size of a diamond based on its carat weight.

Expert Tip #1: When comparing diamonds with similar weights, it can be helpful to consider their measurements as well. Sometimes, diamonds with similar weights may have significantly different measurements, and choosing a diamond with wider measurements can give you a larger surface area for the same value.

Expert Tip #2: Certain diamond sizes, like 0.50ct, 0.75ct, and 1.0ct, are highly sought after and can vary significantly in price. For example, a 0.90ct diamond may be 10-20% better value than a 1.0ct diamond of the same quality, even though they may appear almost identical in size. It’s important to consider both the carat weight and the overall quality of the diamond when making a purchase.

The total carat weight of a diamond refers to the combined weight of all the diamonds in a single piece of jewelry. For example, if a pair of diamond earrings has a total carat weight of 0.50 carats, each earring in the pair would have an individual carat weight of 0.25 carats.
The Federal Trade Commission has specific guidelines regarding the range of carat weight that can be expressed as a fraction. It’s important to note that the diamond you purchase may weigh slightly more or less than the fractional weight specified. The chart below illustrates the acceptable ranges for carat weights expressed as fractions.

• 1/4 carat total weight may be 0.21 to 0.29 carats
• 1/3 carat total weight may be 0.30 to 0.36 carats
• 1/2 carat total weight may be 0.45 to 0.59 carats
• 3/4 carat total weight may be 0.70 to 0.84 carats
• 1 carat total weight may be 0.95 to 1.10 carats
• 1 1/4 carats total weight may be 1.20 to 1.29 carats
• 1 1/2 carats total weight may be 1.45 to 1.55 carats
• 2 carats total weight may be 1.95 to 2.05 carats

Why is Carat Weight Important?

The carat weight of a diamond is an important factor that affects its price, along with factors such as cut, clarity, and color. Larger diamonds are generally more valuable because they are rarer than smaller ones. As a result, the value of a diamond tends to increase exponentially as the carat weight increases. When shopping for a diamond, it’s important to consider the carat weight in relation to the other characteristics of the stone and to your budget.

How Does Carat Weight affect Diamond Size?

As the carat size of a diamond increases, both the diameter and depth of the stone tend to increase as well. However, a 1 carat diamond may not appear twice as wide as a 1/2 carat diamond with the same diameter, even though it is larger in size. The chart below provides more information on specific styles and carat weights.