The 4Cs of Diamonds : Carat
Diamonds are measured by weight and use the term Carat to help define that weight. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams, or one Carob seed. In ancient times Carob seeds were used as a scale for weight since they were remarkably similar to each other in weight making them a good choice for measuring items for sale by weight. One Carob seed equaled on Carat.
Diamonds are also referred to in points. Each carat is divided into 100 points making a 1/2 carat diamond equal to 50 points. This is more commonly used in smaller weight ranges where diamonds are referred to as 5 pointers or 10 pointers.
The graphic below shows you an approximate size relation between the different major carat weights. Starting at 1/100 of a carat, or a 1 pointer, up through 3 carats. Diamond sizes will differ even when having the same carat weight because of other issues like cut, so this chart is just for showing a base reference using ideally proportioned round diamonds.
And this graphic will give you an idea of the size comparison between the different shapes of diamonds. All of these diamonds represent a 1 carat diamond.
