Calculating Minimum Carat Weight
Minimum individual carat weight refers to the least amount one diamond weighs in a jewelry piece. For example, if two diamond stud earrings together weigh one-half carat, then each diamond’s carat weight would be one-fourth carat.
Diamonds you buy may weigh slightly more or less than any specified fractional weight. The range of carat weight that a fraction can represent is determined by strict guidelines from the Federal Trade Commission.
The following chart gives acceptable ranges for carat weights as they are expressed in fractions:
- 1/4 carat total weight is measured from 0.21 to 0.29 carats
- 1/3 carat total weight is measured from 0.30 to 0.36 carats
- 1/2 carat total weight is measured from 0.45 to 0.59 carats
- 3/4 carat total weight is measured from 0.70 to 0.84 carats
- 1 carat total weight is measured from 0.95 to 1.10 carats
- 1 1/4 carats total weight is measured from 1.20 to 1.29 carats
- 1 1/2 carats total weight is measured from 1.45 to 1.55 carats
- 2 carats total weight is measured from 1.95 to 2.05 carats
Articles
Blossom in Orange Gemstones
A buying guide on orange gemstones
Calculating Minimum Carat WeightUnderstanding minimum carat weight
Caring for Gemstone JewelryThe ins and outs of cleaning and caring for gemstone jewelry
Color Characteristics of GemstoneWhy color matters in gemstones
Diamonds: What Are the ShapesThe Shapes of Diamonds
Diamonds: What Does Color MeanHow to Determine a Diamond's Color
Diamonds: What is Carat WeightDefining carat weight and its signficance
Diamonds: What is ClarityThe Importance of Clarity in a Diamond
Enhancing the StoneHow enhancement brings out the beauty of a gemstone
Enticing Green GemstonesA buying guide on green gemstones
Gemstones of the ZodiacA complete guide to zodiac gemstones, with descriptions, history and tips for choosing the perfect stone.
Heavenly White GemstonesA buying guide on white gemstones
Hot Gemstones for 2008A complete guide to the most popular gemstone colors for 2008!
Learning About Gemstone SizesLearn about size in gemstones
Making the Cut in GemstonesA cut above and what you need to know
Power of Black in GemstonesA buying guide on black gemstones
Regal Purple GemstonesA buying guide on purple gemstones
Romantic Pink GemstonesA buying guide on pink gemstones
Seek Clarity in GemstonesIs the clarity of a gemstone clear to you?
Soothing Yellow GemstonesA buying guide on yellow gemstones
Sumptuous Brown GemstonesA buying guide on brown gemstones
The Passion of Red GemstonesA buying guide on red gemstones
The Serenity of Blue GemstonesA buying guide on blue gemstones
