Understanding Diamond Weights: Carats, Grains, and CTW
About Diamond Weights Diamonds are one of the most sought-after gemstones, and their value is largely influenced by their carat weight. Understanding how diamonds are measured and the history behind these measurements can help you make informed decisions when purchasing diamond jewelry. What Is Carat Weight? The term carat refers to the unit of weight used to measure diamonds. 1 carat equals 200 milligrams (or 0.2 grams). In some cases, you may hear diamonds referred to in grains. A four-grain diamond is the same as a one-carat diamond. Historical Origins of Carat The word carat originates from the carob tree, which is native to the Mediterranean region. The seeds of the carob tree were historically used as a standard for weighing diamonds because of their uniform weight. A diamond that matched the weight of one carob seed was considered one carat. ...