What is the Carat Weight of a Diamond?
A carat is a unit of measurement that was specifically designed for precious gemstones, including lab-grown diamonds. It represents 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams. The actual weight of a diamond is measured and typically expressed using decimals or fractions of a carat.
Small man-made diamonds are usually graded in points, where one carat equals 100 points. Hence, a 0.50-carat diamond would otherwise weigh 50 points. Stones that weigh less than 1 carat are often measured in points to ensure greater precision.
What factors influence the weight of a diamond?
Various factors influence the weight of a lab-grown diamond. It's important to note that carat weight alone doesn't solely determine a diamond's size; overall cut and length to width ratio also impact its appearance. In addition to carat weight, factors such as cut, shape, and size contribute to the visual perception of a gemstone. It's worth mentioning that an excellently cut diamond can appear bigger than a diamond with a higher carat weight that has a poor cut.
The shape of a polished lab-created diamond is a significant factor affecting its overall carat weight due to differing proportions among various shapes. For instance, a round brilliant cut tends to retain more rough stone weight while cutting compared to most other fancy shapes. This relation is called yield.
The cut of a diamond plays a crucial role in maximizing its beauty and brilliance. For some cuts, it is necessary to sacrifice some carat weight to achieve optimal brilliance. Deep or shallow cuts can retain more or less carat weight due to their depth, thereby affecting the total carat weight.
Diamond Carat Weight to Size Chart
| Carat Weight | 0.50 ct. | 1.00 ct. | 2.00 ct. | 3.00 ct. |
| Princess | 4.5 mm | 5.5 mm | 7 mm | 8 mm |
| Pear | 6 * 4 mm | 7.7 * 5.7 mm | 9 * 7 mm | 12 * 8 |
| Marquise | 8* 4 mm | 10 * 5 mm | 13 * 6.5 mm | 15 * 7 mm |
| Oval | 6 * 4 mm | 7.7 * 5.7 mm | 9 * 7 mm | 12 * 8 mm |
| Emerald | 6 * 4 mm | 7 * 5 mm | 8.5 * 6.5 mm | 10 * 7.5 mm |
| Heart | 6 * 4 mm | 7 * 5 mm | 8.5 * 6.5 mm | 10 * 7.5 mm |
| Asscher | 4.5 mm | 5.5 mm | 7 mm | 8 mm |
| Radiant | 6 * 4 mm | 7 * 5 mm | 8 * 6 mm | 9.5 * 7.5 mm |
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What should be kept in mind?
It's important to consider that carat weight greatly influences the cost of a diamond. Generally, as carat weight increases, the price per carat, and the total price for the stone also rises. To strike a balance, one can opt for a lab-grown diamond slightly below a full or half carat mark to save costs without compromising visual appeal.
Whether prioritizing a larger carat weight or seeking optimal brilliance, it is essential to take these factors into account. By doing so, you can find the perfect diamond.
