These are the weight categories for diamonds. The categories may vary from one dealer to another but the following gives a good outline.

These categories are based around the Rapaport Diamond Report.

The price of a diamond can change markedly as the weight increases from one weight category to another. This means that there is a definite cost advantage in buying say, a .97 carat diamond as distinct to a 1 carat diamond. The difference in weight is minimal but the cost may be considerably less. Anywhere from 5 percent up to 50 percent difference.

The larger the stone the bigger the price difference. Smaller stones do not show such a massive proce differential of course.

one carat and half carat diamonds tend to be more in demand so the price hike is a lot more when the diamond is of these weights. A slightly less weight, therefore, can make a big difference in the price.

Weight Categories for Diamonds

0.01 - 0.03 ct	0.30 - 0.37 ct	0.96 - 0.99 ct
0.04 - 0.07 ct	0.38 - 0.45 ct	1.00 - 1.49 ct
0.08 - 0.14 ct	0.46 - 0.49 ct	1.50 - 1.99 ct
0.15 - 0.17 ct	0.50 - 0.69 ct	2.00 - 2.49 ct
0.18 - 0.22 ct	0.70 - 0.89 ct	2.50 - 2.99 ct
0.23 - 0.29 ct	0.90 - 0.95 ct	3.00 - 3.99 ct