05 September 2025
When shopping for a diamond, you’ll often hear the word carat thrown around. But what exactly does carat mean? Many people assume carat refers to size, but in reality, it’s all about weight.
In this post, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about carat in diamonds, how it impacts value, and why choosing the right carat weight is essential. Plus, we’ll show you how AYAANI’s Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery makes luxury accessible without compromise.
The carat is one of the 4Cs of diamonds (Carat, Cut, Colour, and Clarity), serving as the universal unit of measurement for a diamond’s weight. One carat equals 200 milligrams (0.2 grams). While the term is often linked to size, it doesn’t directly define how large a diamond looks; it only defines how much it weighs.
The word "carat" comes from the carob seed, a seed used as a counterweight on balance scales in ancient times due to its uniform size. Jewellers measured gems against these seeds, and thus, the carat was born.
In 1907, the metric carat was officially standardised as 200 milligrams. This ensures global consistency so that a one-carat diamond weighs exactly the same everywhere in the world.
Carat indicates weight, not necessarily how big the diamond looks. The apparent size of a diamond with a specific carat weight is determined by its cut and shape.
Carat has a direct impact on price. Larger diamonds are rarer, making them more valuable. However, value isn’t just about weight; it’s about how the other 3Cs balance with carat.
A diamond with a perfect cut can appear larger than a poorly cut diamond of the same carat weight.
Smaller diamonds can often hide colour tints better than larger ones.
Bigger stones show inclusions more visibly, making clarity an important factor alongside carat.
1 carat = 0.2 grams.
5 carats = 1 gram.
Carat Weight | Approx. Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|
0.25 ct | 4.1 mm |
0.33 ct | 4.4 mm |
0.50 ct | 5.1 mm |
0.75 ct | 5.8 mm |
1.00 ct | 6.4 mm |
1.25 ct | 6.9 mm |
1.50 ct | 7.4 mm |
2.00 ct | 8.2 mm |
2.50 ct | 8.9 mm |
3.00 ct | 9.3 mm |
4.00 ct | 10.2 mm |
5.00 ct | 11.1 mm |
Diamonds priced at “magic sizes” like 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 carats often cost disproportionately more because of demand.
A slightly smaller diamond (0.9 carat instead of 1 carat) can look nearly identical but cost significantly less.
A one-carat lab grown diamond weighs exactly the same as a one-carat natural diamond. The difference lies in how they’re created, not in carat weight.
Lab grown diamonds are priced up to 40-60% less than mined diamonds of the same carat weight, giving buyers more beauty for their budget.
For engagement rings, the average carat weight is between 0.9 and 1.5 carats.
For earrings, pendants, and bracelets, smaller carat weights (0.25–0.75) are perfect for everyday elegance.
With AYAANI, you can choose larger carat diamonds without overspending. The lab grown diamonds offer the same brilliance as mined diamonds but at a fraction of the price.
AYAANI’s jewellery is conflict-free and eco-friendly, making it a conscious choice for modern buyers who value ethics along with elegance.
From stunning engagement rings to elegant daily wear jewellery, AYAANI’s collections ensure you find the perfect carat weight that suits your style and budget.
Carat is a vital factor in choosing a diamond, but it’s not the only one. By understanding how carat works with cut, colour, and clarity, you can make an informed choice. With AYAANI’s Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery, you get the freedom to choose the carat weight you love without compromising on ethics, quality, or budget.
1. What does 1 carat in a diamond mean?
A 1-carat diamond weighs 200 milligrams (0.2 grams).
2. Is carat the same as diamond size?
No, carat measures weight, while size depends on cut and shape.
3. Are lab grown diamonds measured in carats?
Yes, lab grown diamonds use the same carat system as natural diamonds.
4. Does a higher carat always mean a better diamond?
Not always, cut, colour, and clarity also play crucial roles in beauty and value.
5. What’s the most popular carat weight for engagement rings?
The most common choice is between 1 and 1.5 carats.
6. Why should you choose AYAANI for lab grown diamond jewellery?
AYAANI offers affordable, sustainable, and high-quality lab grown diamonds that give you more sparkle for your investment.
7. What is a 24 carat diamond?
Technically, "24 carat" applies to gold, not diamonds.
If someone says "24-carat diamond," they usually mean a 24-carat-weight diamond, which is very large and extremely rare.
8. How to calculate 1 carat diamond?
Weigh the diamond:
9. Which carat diamond is best?
There’s no single “best.” It depends on your budget and preferences.
