It’s no surprise that larger diamonds are more valuable than smaller diamonds of the same grade. This is a common fact. However, what may surprise you is that the size of a diamond is not the only factor involved in determining its overall worth.

A diamond’s size is measured in what is called a carat weight. The carat weight is based on a 100 point scale. 1 carat is the equivalent of 100 points—very much the same way 1 dollar is equal to 100 pennies. And since each carat is equal to 100 points, it stands to reason that a .75-carat diamond is the equivalent of a 75-point diamond, or a 3/4-carat stone.

People all over the world have historically judged diamonds solely on carat weight. And while larger diamonds can be considerably more valuable, there are still other factors involved that determine overall worth. It’s important to keep in mind that a diamond of equal size (or carat weight) may vary widely in value and brilliance depending on its overall quality of clarity, color and cut.