How to Select A Diamond Carat
For additional information or help in choosing the perfect diamond, call now to speak to one of the Christopher Duquet fine jewelry design diamond experts at (847) 733-0656.
What is a Diamond Carat?
A carat is a measure of gemstone weight (not to be confused with the karat which is a measure of gold purity or carrots, the long, thin, orange vegetable).
A carat is 1/5 of a gram and was originally used in ancient times as a convenient standard of weight because it referred to the weight of a carob bean before accurate scales had been developed. Carats are usually expressed in hundredths, ie. 1.00 (one carat) or 0.50 (1/2 carat.)
Remember that carat weight and gemstone size are not always equivalent in that gemstone size is also a function of the stones proportions as well as weight.
To learn more about diamond carat, view GIA’s 4C Guide here.
Find a Diamond
Our diamond experts can guide you to find the diamond or gemstone that will be the best fit based on style, cut, color and value. You can begin with our diamond search tool or schedule a consultation to speak with one of our expert gemologists directly.