1. What is Carat Weight?

Carat is the standard unit of measurement for gemstones, where 1 carat equals 200 milligrams (0.2 grams). This measurement system provides a precise way to quantify and compare gemstone sizes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( \text{mass\_grams} \) — Weight of the gemstone in grams
• \( 0.2 \) — Conversion factor (1 carat = 0.2 grams)

Explanation: The formula converts grams to carats by dividing the mass by 0.2, since one carat is defined as exactly 200 milligrams.

3. Importance of Carat Measurement

Details: Carat weight is one of the "Four Cs" (along with cut, color, and clarity) that determine a gemstone's value. Precise carat measurement is essential for gemstone grading, pricing, and setting purposes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the gemstone's mass in grams (must be greater than 0). For best accuracy, use a precise digital scale to measure the gemstone's weight before calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How many carats are in a gram?
A: There are exactly 5 carats in 1 gram (since 1 carat = 0.2 grams).

Q2: Is carat the same for all gemstones?
A: Yes, the carat weight measurement is standard across all gemstone types, though different gems may appear different sizes at the same carat weight due to varying densities.

Q3: How precise should carat measurements be?
A: Gemstone weights are typically measured to the nearest hundredth of a carat (0.01 ct) for commercial purposes.

Q4: Does carat weight alone determine a gem's value?
A: No, while important, carat weight is just one factor. A smaller, higher quality gem may be more valuable than a larger, lower quality one.

Q5: How does carat differ from karat (with a K)?
A: Carat (ct) measures gem weight, while karat (K) measures gold purity (24K being pure gold).