A carat is the measurement of weight of a diamond. A carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams. The term carat was derived from the ancient use of Carob seeds to weigh diamonds. There are 100 ‘points’ in a 1 carat diamond, therefore a half carat can also be referred to as “50 points.” As diamonds increase in size, stones with exceptional colour and clarity become rarer and rarer. As such, gem-quality diamonds in larger sizes are incredibly rare.
Diamonds are cut from the rough crystal in a way that maintains the maximum amount of weight. Fancy-cut diamonds such as pear, rectangular, heart and triangular-shape cut diamonds are the result of unique shaped crystals.The carat weight of a well-cut round brilliant cut diamond can be roughly estimated by its diameter. This measurement, known as the ‘spread’ can be referenced quickly and easily to gauge approximate carat weight, and what size would be suitable for the wearer.