What is a Diamond Carat?

Carat denotes the weight of a diamond, not the size. Tiffany measures diamonds to 1/1000th of a carat; one carat equals .20 grams. Tiffany diamonds are always cut to maximize beauty, not carat weight.

Diamond Carat Charts

Carat weight can appear differently across different diamond shapes such as round brilliant, princess, pear, oval, cushion, marquise, emerald, radiant or heart. A diamond may have a higher carat weight without appearing larger and two diamonds of the same carat weight can vary in size if one is cut deeper than the other. In other words, it is important to note that carat weight does not necessarily denote size. Sizes are shown for proportionality purposes. Images do not reflect actual carat size.

Is a Higher Carat Weight Better?

Taken by itself, carat weight does not determine a diamond’s value. For example, two one-carat stones can vary widely in price when clarity, color and cut are taken into consideration. When that is understood, it is clear that large diamonds of peerless quality are rare.

“Tiffany is synonymous with excellence in craftsmanship, and this is something we’ve maintained for over 150 years.”

—Mary Enright, model maker

Frequently Asked Questions

Carat denotes the weight of a diamond, not the size. Tiffany measures diamonds to 1/1000th of a carat; one carat equals .20 grams. Tiffany diamonds are always cut to maximize beauty, not carat weight.

"Tw" is an abbreviation for total weight in regards to diamond carats. Online, "tw" might be used to describe the total carat weight of all diamonds included in a piece of jewelry.

Carat weight can appear differently across different diamond shapes such as round brilliant, princess, pear, oval, cushion, marquise, emerald, radiant or heart. A diamond may have a higher carat weight without appearing larger and two diamonds of the same carat weight can vary in size if one is cut deeper than the other. In other words, it is important to note that carat weight does not necessarily denote size.

Diamonds are measured in carats, which indicates the weight of a diamond, not the size. Tiffany measures diamonds to 1/1000th of a carat; one carat equals .20 grams.

The 4Cs

Cut

Cut is determined by how a diamond’s facets interact with light.

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Clarity

Clarity is a measure of the purity and rarity of the stone.

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Color

Color refers to the natural tint inherent in white diamonds.

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Learn more about Tiffany engagement rings

Engagement Rings

In 1886, Tiffany introduced the engagement ring as we know it today. We’re proud to build on that legacy as the leader in diamond traceability with responsibly sourced diamond rings.

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