The term “carat,” abbreviated as “ct,” is a unit of measurement used to describe the weight of gemstones and pearls. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams, or 0.2 grams. The carat system is used globally to standardize the measurement of gemstones, which is important for assessing their market value.
It’s important to note that carat weight does not directly indicate the size of a gemstone. While there is a general correlation between weight and size, different types of gemstones have different densities. For example, a sapphire and a diamond of the same carat weight might appear to be different sizes because sapphires are denser than diamonds.
The value of a gemstone is influenced significantly by its carat weight, but other factors such as clarity, colour, and cut also play crucial roles in determining its overall quality and price. Additionally, in jewellery settings, the term total carat weight (TCW) is often used to describe the total weight of all gemstones in a piece, providing a combined weight that contributes to the item’s value and appeal.