CARAT WEIGHT
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. One carat is
divided into 100 parts called "points"; 1 ct. = 1.00; 1/2 ct. = 0.50.
The value of two diamonds of the same weight can vary greatly
depending on the color, clarity and especially the cut. Below are
two identical pieces of rough, (uncut diamonds) each of the same
quality and value.
Example 1. From one piece of rough a diamond has been cut to
Ideal proportions, retaining a weight of one carat. The light is totally
reflected through the top.
Example 2. The second piece of rough has been "spread" in it's
cutting, resulting in a diamond weighing approximately 1.40 ct. Note:
the girdle is thicker, the table is much larger, the angles are exaggerated,
all at the expense of the diamond's ability to reflect light.
Therefore, one can see that the value of a diamond can vary as much
as 40% in the cutting alone.
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