Carat Weight
Rarity
Of the 4 C's, Carat Weight is probably one of the most important considerations
with respect to rarity, value, and consumer preference. In fact, Carat Weight,
or how much the diamond weighs is the most significant value factor in a
diamond. Because diamonds by nature are rare, a 2 carat diamond is actually
about 3 times more valuable than a comparable quality 1 carat size.
Statistically a 1 carat is one in a million diamonds mined, and a 2 carat is
one in five million diamonds mined. Therefore, all things considered a 2 carat
diamond is really "value priced" based on the rarity factor.
Definitions/Concepts
To assist in you in selecting the right size diamond here is a review of some
key Carat Weight concepts. The term "Carat" is derived from the "Carob Seed",
which is today used as a food flavoring. In ancient times this fairly
consistent seed was used in "pan-balance" scales to determine the weight of
precious items traded like gold, silver, and yes gemstones and diamonds! In the
early 1900's the "Carat" was standardized to equals 1/5 of a gram or .20 gm.
Therefore, 5 carats = 1.00 gram. The Carat is further broken down into
"points". There are 100 points to a Carat, just like 100 pennies to a dollar.
Common diamond Carat Weights sold typically range from 1/5 Carat (20 points) to
1 Carat (100 points) and larger! Diamonds smaller than 1/5 Carat are referred
to as "melee" diamonds, and are quite often used to accent a center or feature
diamond.
Pricing
Larger diamonds are much more rare, thus commanding a higher price/per/carat.
Carat weight affects the value of a diamond by about 10-20% for each step in
size difference. Also, "magic sizes" refer to major carat weight categories,
for example exactly 1.00 carat, or larger, and can prompt "price premiums". To
calculate the price of a diamond you multiply the carat weight by the
price/per/carat. For example: if a 1.25 carat diamond was priced at $10,000
per/carat the diamond would be sold for $12,500.
