Colored Gems – Carat Weight
All gemstones are measured by carat weight. A carat is 1/5 of a gram, or 200 milligrams. The word carat comes from the carob bean, which weighs about 1/5 of a gram and was used as a measure in earlier times.
Stones lighter than a carat are measured in points. There are 100 points in a carat. A point is equal to .01 ct.
(Do not confuse the term carat, the measure of gemstone weight, with karat, the measure for the fineness of gold.)
Read more about carat weight in the diamond section.
Shopping Considerations and Caveats
- More carat weight does not necessarily mean more beauty or more value. Colored gems are treasured primarily for the quality of their color.
- A low rating for clarity or cut proportions will also bring down the gem's value.
- Each of the Four Cs plays an important part in determining a gem’s
worth.