Author: Gen Wright
The carat is a unit of measuring the weight of a gemstone. One carat equals 0.2 grams, or 0.007 ounces (avoirdupois). 5-carats makes 1 gram, 10-carats makes 2 grams and so forth, and 141.7 carats makes 1 ounce. The carat weight is measured in points or fractions. 100 points makes 1 carat. Explaining with the help of an example, if you buy .50 carats gemstone, then it equals to 50 points or I/2 carat. Ideally speaking carat weight has major affect on the price of the gemstone. There are certain specifications to follow in the carat weight measurement as well. For instance, 1/4-carat total weight may be 0.21 to 0.29 carats; 1/3-carat total weight may be 0.30 to 0.36 carats; 1/2-carat total weight may be 0.45 to 0.59 carats etc.
The best and easiest way to estimate the carat weight of the gemstone is through a gem scale. The scale is marked in carat and grams respectively. Another simple way to measure the carat weight is the postage scale. The scale gives the readings in ounces. Convert the ounces to grams. One ounce has 28.4 grams. After you have converted them into grams, multiply the figure by 5 and you get the estimate in carat weight. Carat weight also holds direct relation with the diameter and the depth of the gemstone. The bigger the carat size of a gemstone, the greater will be its depth and diameter, which will eventually reveal a price estimate for that particular gemstone. Color, cut and clarity of the gemstone also plays a very crucial role in ascertaining its price and value. A 0.42-carat gemstone with refined color and clarity may cost more than a 0.62-carat diamond having lower color and clarity. However, if you have a gemstone, which is of 0.76-carat, and another gemstone of 0.58-carat, and both have the same clarity and color, the 0.76-carat gemstone will be more expensive. Note that there are other factors that go beyond the carat weight estimation when it comes to estimating gem stone price. If a gemstone of 0.65-carat with a crack in it is compared with a .34-carat gemstone that is greatly refined, then, obviously, the .34-carat gemstone will cost more when compared to the 0.65-carat gemstone. You need to check that the gemstone has no cracks. It is because cracks also reduce the prices of even the most precious of a gemstone. Try to purchase the evenly shaped gemstones, which have a proper symmetry. If you are not so sure about how to find a crack on the gemstone, try to take the expert’s advice. A slight change in the symmetry will definitely result in reduced price value. These are all possible factors that affect the price of the gemstones.Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/clothing-articles/estimating-carat-weight-and-effect-of-carat-weight-on-gemstone-price-798472.html
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