How to Measure the Points & Carats of Diamonds

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    • 1). Find a scale capable of measuring milligrams. These are often referred to as milligram scales, gem scales or jewelry scales. See the Tips below for more information.

    • 2). Remove the diamond from any setting. You can't accurately measure a diamond while it's set.

    • 3). Calibrate the scale. The weights involved here are so small, a scale that's just a little "off" could give you a highly inaccurate reading. Instructions for calibration should be included with the scale; some even come with metal blocks of precise weights to aid in calibration.

    • 4). Place the diamond on the scale and read the weight.

    • 5). Do the math. Subtract 200 milligrams for each carat. Take the remainder and divide it by 2 for the remaining points. For example, if a diamond weighs in at 320 milligrams--lucky you--that's 1 carat (200 milligrams) and 60 points (120 milligrams divided by two), or 1.6 carats.

    • 6). Take the diamond off the scale and repeat the process, starting with Step 3. Twenty milligrams is exceedingly small--less than 1/100th the weight of a dime--so the more times you calibrate and measure, the more confident you can be about the weight.

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