A ‘carat’ is the unit of measurement used to denote the weight of a gemstone. The word carat is derived from the word “qīrāṭ”, the Arabic name for the Carob a tree, whose seeds were once thought to be of a consistent weight and as such were used as a counterweight to balance scales when measuring gemstones to be traded.
In modern times, 1 carat (Ct) is measured at 200 milligrams (mg).
Determining The Size of Stone Using Carats
Contrary to popular belief a gemstone’s carat does not always signify the size of the stone. Two stones might have the same carat weight but, due to a difference in cut or shape, one might appear larger than the other. These differences can appear even starker when comparing different types of gemstones of the same carat weight, as different stones have their own standard density.
Why Considering Carats is Important
The weight of your stone can play a big role in not only the look but also the feel of your final piece. It is important to consider how much space a high carat stone will take up on the band of a ring, or how it will feel being worn as an earring in a stud setting. The carat weight is only one of the many components that determine the quality of a gemstone, other factors such as the Cut, Color and Clarity of the stone also need to be considered.
At EleshoJewelry you can book an appointment for a one on one consultation where you can take a look at gemstones of different carat weights and get a feel for what not only looks but feels best on you.
