Carat Explained |
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Carat refers to the unique unit of weight measurement used exclusively to weigh
gems and diamonds. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams, or 0.2 grams. The carat
weight is expressed as a decimal; a half carat diamond is expressed as 0.50 carats.
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While carat weight affects the visual size of the diamond it is does so at an ever
decreasing rate. For example a 0.50ct diamond will have a diameter of 5.2mm a 1.00ct
diamond will have a diameter of 6.5mm
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Carat weight affects diamond prices because larger diamonds are very rare. In many
mines white diamonds only make up less than 5% of the diamonds mined and large diamonds
make up only a small percentage of them. Diamond prices increase exponentially as
carat weight rises with a 1.00ct diamond being over four times the price of a 0.50ct.
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