The carat is the international unit used to measure the weight of a diamond. One carat equals exactly 0.2 grams, or 200 milligrams. But where does this unusual unit come from?
The Origin of the Carat
Its name derives from the carob tree, a Mediterranean plant whose seeds display a remarkable uniformity of size and weight. Ancient gem traders used these seeds as counterweights in their balance scales when weighing precious stones. From this practice came the unit we still use today.
Carat and Diamond Value
The weight of a diamond plays an important role in its value, but it cannot be evaluated independently of the other criteria. A one-carat diamond with a poor cut or colour is often worth less than a 0.80-carat diamond that is perfectly cut and colourless.
This is precisely why the 4Cs are inseparable. A fine jewellery piece like those created by Origine Paris results from a harmony between these four criteria — each contributing to the final quality of the stone.
The Challenge of Large Carats in the Laboratory
Growing a large diamond in a laboratory remains a considerable technological challenge. The crystallisation process is inherently uncertain, and the larger the desired stone, the greater the risk of failure. Diamonds above 2 carats that meet Origine Paris's quality requirements are rare, which makes them all the more precious.
Every diamond we use is accompanied by an IGI certificate that precisely states its weight in carats, to the nearest hundredth of a carat.