| Cut is one of the all-important 4Cs and is used | | | | weight. Carat weight is much different from size |
| not only to appraise diamonds but gemstones in | | | | and definitely more important than the latter. Also, |
| general as well. Gemstones are often cut with | | | | take note that carat is different from karat, |
| regard to their size alone. But beautifully cut | | | | which is the measurement unit used for gold. |
| gemstones take their color into consideration as | | | | Carat weight uses the abbreviation ct and ct TW |
| well. | | | | for carat total weight. |
| If you are shopping for faceted gemstones, one | | | | In the past, carob seeds were traditionally used to |
| way of determining the excellence of its cut is to | | | | measure a gemstones weight because of its |
| check if it is able to reflect light on a consistent | | | | uniform shape and size. In 1913, however, the |
| level throughout its surface. Look for symmetrical | | | | jewelry industry managed to set universal |
| rather than asymmetrical cuts as well. Lastly, be | | | | standards for measurement and the carat weight |
| reminded that cut is different from shape. | | | | system was born. |
| Polish is simply adding the final touches to a | | | | One carat is always equivalent to one-fifth or |
| gemstone. A well-polished gemstone is one with | | | | twenty percent of one gram. One carat is made |
| evenly smooth gloss and with no visible scratches | | | | up of one hundred points. As a gemstones weight |
| on its surface. | | | | goes up, so does its value or price per carat. |
| What about carats? Bigger is not always better. | | | | The way carat weight is discussed is occasionally |
| Understanding how gemstones are weighed and | | | | a cause for confusion. Remember that a |
| measured if a very important factor when | | | | gemstone with .005 ct may be called a half point |
| purchasing an antique engagement ring or even a | | | | gemstone. A .25 ct gemstone could be called a |
| vintage engagement ring. | | | | quarter carat while a .50 carat gemstone may be |
| Although bigger seems better and more | | | | referred to as a half carat or fifty points. |
| expensive, it is not always so in the world of | | | | Gemstones are often listed according to their size |
| jewelry. In fact, size is not even synonymous | | | | because it is more uniform than carat weight. |
| with carat weight and you need to keep that in | | | | Two different gemstones may have the same |
| mind when shopping for gemstones and antique | | | | size but different carat weights and consequently, |
| jewelry. | | | | different prices as well. |
| Carat Weight versus Size | | | | Understanding the principles and values of a |
| Diamonds and colored gemstones alike are | | | | gemstone can only ensure a perfect sale and the |
| evaluated and appraised according to the 4Cs | | | | knowledge that you really do know what you are |
| which are made up by cut, color, clarity, and carat | | | | purchasing when it comes to gemstones. |