Carats, often abbreviated as "ct," is a unit of measurement used to determine the weight of gemstones, specifically diamonds and other precious stones. It is derived from the carob seed, which was historically used as a counterbalance on scales to weigh gemstones.
In the context of jewelry and gemstones, a carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams. It is important to note that carats solely measure the weight of a stone and not its size or overall dimensions. The carat weight of a gemstone directly influences its value, as larger stones tend to be rarer and more valuable.
Carat weight is divided into points, with one carat being equal to 100 points. Therefore, a 0.50-carat diamond can also be referred to as a 50-point diamond. It should be mentioned that the term "carat" can also be used to express the purity of gold, but this definition pertains specifically to the context of gemstones.
When assessing the value and quality of gemstones, carat weight is one of the "Four Cs," alongside cut, color, and clarity. However, it is important to consider the other three factors as well, as they can greatly affect the overall desirability and value of a gemstone.
