Common Carat Weights and Corresponding Points
The term “Carat” refers to the weight of a diamond. This measurement is one of The Four “C”s used to determine diamond quality. Carats are also the measure of weight for most gems, with one Carat equaling approximately 200 milligrams (0.2 grams). There are 142 carats to an ounce. Carats are further divided into points, with one Carat equaling 100 “points.”
- One Carat = 100 points
- Three-quarters Carat (3/4 Carat, 0.75 Carat) = 75 points
- Half-Carat (1/2 Carat, 0.50 Carat) = 50 points
- Quarter Carat (1/4 Carat, 0.25 Carat) = 25 points
Carat weight, combined with girdle diameter (the girdle is the outermost edge of a cut diamond), expresses the exact size of a diamond.
Notable Carat Weights and Corresponding Girdle Diameters
- 10 carats = 14 millimeters
- 5 carats = 11.1 millimeters
- 2.5 carats = 8.8 millimeters
- 1 Carat = 6.5 millimeters
- 0.75 Carat (3/4 Carat) = 5.9 millimeters
- 0.50 Carat (1/2 Carat) = 5.15 millimeters
- 0.25 Carat (1/4 Carat) = 4.1 millimeters
It is the cutter’s experience and skill that is the determining factor in preserving the beauty of a diamond while maintaining its size and value – and it is the cutter’s job to give you, the consumer, the finest quality stone, and largest Carat weight, for your money.