Every type of jewellery that is manufactured whether it is made from precious metal or gemstones has a weight. The weight of the jewellery contributes to the price of the piece. It is not necessarily the size of the piece but the weigh and quality that can command a high price. Depending on how the stone is cut will also be a factor in the overall carat weight of the stone. For these reasons it is important to familiarise yourself with the gemstone weight chart.

The word carat has it origins in carob, which is a substitute for chocolate. Carob trees are grown in the Mediterranean region. In ancient times the weight of a one-carat diamond was equal to the weight or a single carob bean. In the Far East rice was used for this same purpose. Four
grains of rice were equal in weight to one carob bean. In more modern times the carat weigh was standardised and one carat is equal to 200mg or one fifth of a gram. The grain value was also standardised and measures 50mg.

Gemstones should always be marked with their carat weight. You can judge the weight of a gemstone by measuring it and comparing it to standard charts. However, this can only be used as a guide and will not give a reading that is 100% accurate. Another facet of weight to take into account are points. One carat is equal to 100 points, so therefore 75 points would be equal to three quarters of a carat.

As the weight of the stone is a large contributory factor in the price of the stone it is important to ascertain that you are getting exactly what you are paying for.