Carat
When determining the correct diamond to buy, carat is an aspect that should be considered. Diamonds are measured in carat weight and not size. Carat weight is used to measure the length, width, and depth of a stone. Thus, diamonds having the same carat weight can have different sizes or stones that are the same size can have different carat weights. As the carat weight increases, so do its rarity and therefore its price increases as well. Carats are divided into 100 points so a diamond with 50 points weighs .5 carats. Also, a diamond with 150 points weighs 1.5 carats. Additionally, it is important to remember that pieces of jewelry with more than one stone can have a combined carat, but a single stone with the same carat would be worth more. For instance, a necklace weighing 3 carats is not as rare as a single diamond weighing 3 carats.
Photo by: Ashley Laspina