Carat

Carat (ct)

The carat is the standard unit for weighing diamonds, gemstones, and pearls. The term comes from carob seeds, which were historically used as a reference for weight due to their consistency.

Characteristics

• Gemstone and jewelry standard
• 1 carat = 200 milligrams (exact, since 1913)
• Crucial for diamond grading: one of the “Four Cs” along with cut, color, and clarity
• Higher carat weight generally indicates higher value in diamonds

Conversions

• 1 ct = 200 mg
• 1 ct = 0.2 grams
• 1 ct = 0.0002 kg
• 1 ct = 3.0865 grains
• 1 ct = 0.00715 ounces
• 5 carats = 1 gram