Carat Weight

Carat weight is expressed in points like cents to a dollar. A one carat diamond is 100 points, a three-quarter carat diamond is 75 points, a one-half carat diamond is 50 points, and so on. One carat is equal to 1/5th of a gram.

Two diamonds of exactly the same carat weight will appear to be different sizes depending on how well each diamond is proportioned. Many diamonds are cut to hold excess weight in the pavilion or circumference of the stone, which actually leaves them smaller in diameter.