Everything you need to know about diamond carat

For thousands of years, the wedding band has symbolized eternity, completeness, and everlasting love. And what could be more fitting for such a powerful symbol than a diamond — nature’s hardest and most precious gemstone?
For thousands of years, the wedding band has symbolized eternity, completeness, and everlasting love. And what could be more fitting for such a powerful symbol than a diamond — nature’s hardest and most precious gemstone?
It doesn’t scratch and with the right care, it will sparkle forever. With its exceptional brilliance, unmatched clarity, and ideal light dispersion, a diamond is the ultimate emblem of enduring emotions. But how do we measure its weight and value? With expert insight from Moni’s Diamond jewelry store, here’s what you should know about diamond carat.
A diamond engagement ring that stands the test of time
When evaluating a diamond, experts use the 4C: cut, carat, clarity, and color. Each of these plays a critical role in determining a diamond’s value.
- Cut – the precision and proportions of the facets
- Carat – the diamond’s weight
- Clarity – the presence of inclusions or blemishes
- Color – or rather, the lack of it
What is carat?
Carat (abbreviated as ct) refers to the weight of a diamond, not to be confused with the karat used in gold alloys. One carat equals 0.20 grams and can be divided into 100 points. So, a 0.50 ct diamond may also be referred to as a “50-pointer.”
Diamonds are measured to the third decimal place, and rounding is only allowed if the third digit is 9. Most certificates will list carat weight to the hundredth.
Naturally, larger diamonds are rarer and thus more valuable per carat. However, two diamonds with the same carat weight can vary significantly in price depending on their cut, clarity, and color.
Carat weight and sizing
The carat of a diamond can be calculated based on its measurements, especially for brilliant-cut stones.
Brilliant-cut diamonds are typically round, and their diameter is measured in millimeters. Ideally, this diameter should be the same in two perpendicular measurements — any difference suggests the stone is not perfectly round. Height is measured from the table (top facet) to the culet (bottom point).
Why carat weight affects price
A diamond just above the 1.00 ct threshold will often cost significantly more than one just under, even if visually they appear the same. A 1.01 ct stone may be valued far higher than a 0.96 ct, despite nearly identical appearance and quality.
That’s because rarity drives value. A single 1.00 ct stone is worth more than two 0.50 ct diamonds of the same grade.
Interestingly, diamond pricing isn’t linear — a 2.00 ct diamond doesn’t cost twice as much as a 1.00 ct; it could be three or four times as much due to scarcity.
To put it in perspective: 1 carat = 0.2 grams, and a high-quality 1 ct diamond can cost as much as 1 kilogram of gold.
Record-breaking diamonds
- In 2017, Russian mining company Alrosa unearthed a 27.85 ct pink diamond, one of its most valuable finds.
- In 2018, a staggering 910 ct diamond was discovered in Lesotho, with an estimated value of $40 million USD.
- One of the largest ever found, the 1109 ct Lesedi la Rona, was sold for $53 million USD in 2015.
Of the ten largest rough diamonds ever discovered, seven were found in South Africa, two in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and one in the Central African Republic.
Choosing a diamond for your engagement ring or wedding ring
Carat weight plays a major role in the price of a diamond ring — but it’s not the only factor. The most important thing is your story and what you want the ring to represent.
Don’t let budget pressures distract you from the true essence of the proposal. A diamond doesn’t have to be large to be meaningful. Even a small stone can carry the weight of your love, especially if it’s chosen with care.
And if you're looking for a truly breathtaking diamond ring, Moni’s Diamond jewelry store offers personalized guidance to help you find a piece that reflects your love in every facet — no matter the size.
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