Total Carat Weight (TCW) refers to the combined weight of all the gemstones used in a single piece of jewellery. This term is particularly common when describing pieces with multiple stones, such as diamond earrings, a ring with a central gem surrounded by smaller stones, or a bracelet studded with several gems.
The TCW is expressed in carats, where one carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. This measurement is important because it helps provide an understanding of the overall quantity of gemstone material present in a piece of jewellery, contributing to its appearance and value. For instance, a necklace featuring a TCW of 3 carats might contain several small diamonds that add up to this weight, rather than a single 3-carat diamond.
In the context of jewellery shopping and valuation, TCW is a crucial metric for comparing pieces, understanding price points, and assessing visual impact. However, while TCW gives a total weight, it does not individually specify the weight of each gemstone in the piece, nor does it account for other critical factors such as the cut, colour, and clarity of each gemstone, which can also significantly influence the overall value and appeal of the jewellery.