Glossary
Carat in diamonds
For diamonds, carat, abbreviated ct, measures weight: 1 ct equals 0.2 grams. Gold carat, however, describes fineness.
A 0.50 ct diamond weighs 0.10 grams. Carat describes weight, not directly the visible diameter. Different shapes and proportions can look different in size at the same weight.
In 14 carat gold, however, carat refers to the gold proportion in an alloy. A ring offer should clearly separate these meanings: the ring's material and its stone's weight.
Compare offers correctly
Alongside weight, read the details on cut, colour, clarity and origin. Two stones of equal weight are not automatically equivalent in value.