When you buy a diamond, you will see that it is stated in carat total weight or CTTW. While these two terms are similar, there are important differences. CTTW refers to the weight of all the diamonds that make up a piece of jewelry. For example, a pair of earrings will be listed as having a total carat weight of 1.2 carats, and each diamond will be worth different amounts.
A 1 CTW diamond ring, for example, signifies that the total weight of the diamonds in the ring is 1 carat.
If you have an engagement ring with a 1 carat centre diamond and 0.50 carat side diamonds, the total weight is 1 + 0.50 + 0.50 = 2 carats.
The CTW number is crucial because it allows you to compare several rings and determine which one has the most carat weight. With this method, you can see which ring is cheaper per carat by dividing the cost of each ring by its total carat weight.
Compared to a ring with smaller diamonds, a ring with larger stones usually costs more per carat. This is due to the scarcity of larger diamonds. Another factor for the price variation per carat between two rings is the difference in quality. A stone with a lower color and clarity grade will be less expensive than one of similar size but higher quality.
When it Comes to Diamond Jewelry, What does CTW Stand for?
The abbreviation CTW is used for a variety of items. However, this lesser-known acronym relates to the “Total Carat Weight” of diamonds or gemstones in the jewelry industry. It appropriately translates as “Carat Total Weight” when written this manner.
The three letters are carved or stamped onto some jewelry, along with a number (the total carat weight) for the diamonds or gemstones. Some jewelry producers can readily determine the gemstone weight of their jewelry by doing so.
Why is a Total Carat Weight (CTW) Given to a Piece of Jewelry?
It is critical for anyone selling jewelry to disclose that for an item’s slender diamond, e diamond weight. Furtheeight, when placed into jewelry, might be more complicated. As a result, the carat weight of a ring is frequently included in the shank. This can be seen in things like diamond Trilogy rings and even diamond clusters with many diamonds. For identification purposes, the total carat weight of the diamonds is occasionally mentioned instead of the individual weight of the diamonds.
What are Other Letters That Appear in Jewelry Alongside CTW?
Another letter, like ‘A’ or ‘G,’ may appear beside the total carat weight.
Approximate diamond weight (A) – This is a rough estimate, which refers to the stone’s carat weight. The total weight of diamonds in a diamond cluster ring could be around 1 carat. In truth, the diamonds could be 0.99 carats or perhaps 1.01 carats in weight. Some jewelry manufacturers use this word to avoid needing to be accurate.
Guaranteed diamond weight (G) – This abbreviation refers to the weight of a diamond that is guaranteed. The weight of a guaranteed diamond is normally 1 point higher than the weight sold. To qualify as guaranteed carat weight, a 1-carat diamond trio ring, for example, will need a set of diamonds weighing at least 1.01cts.
What is the Difference Between a Carat Total Weight (CTW) & a Carat Total Weight (CT)?
Most consumers, particularly first-time diamond buyers, mix up total carat weight and carat weight and use the words interchangeably. They are completely separate numbers, even though they are connected.
The carat weight is a measurement of how much a specific or single diamond weighs. The actual weight of one metric carat is 0.2 grams (200 milligrams), and it displays the center stone and loses the diamond’s independent weights. On the other hand, the total carat weight represents the total mass of all diamonds in a certain jewel, and it is the total weight of all diamond carats in a piece of jewelry.
The carat weight with only one center stone is equivalent to the total weight. What about a lotus basket pave engagement ring with a diamond as the center stone and additional ring features? The CTW will be the carat weight of the center stone plus the carat weight of the ring features, which is 1 + 0.25 =1.25 carats if the center stone is 1 carat round and the little round diamond ring features are 0.25 carats.
What do you Need to Know About the CTTW?
It is, after all, solely for diamonds.
The weights of the diamonds in a ring are referred to as CTTW. The sapphires aren’t taken into account by the CTTW if you’re looking for a sapphire and diamond engagement ring, for example. Important to note: CTTW is still used by companies that use lab-created diamonds, and therefore, it isn’t always a measure of just actual diamonds.
CTTW doesn’t provide much pricing information.
Even though two rings have the same CTTW number, their pricing can be vastly different. It depends on how much of the CTTW is contributed by the center stone and how much is contributed by the accent stones. Consider the following scenario: A ring with six tiny stones and a one-carat center stone can be substantially less expensive than one with a one-carat diamond in the center and two larger accent stones. Keep in mind that diamonds are valued exponentially rather than linearly. Because larger stones are more scarce, they are more expensive.
The total weight of both earrings is CTTW.
If you’re shopping for earrings, multiply the CTTW by two to determine the size of each earring’s stone(s).
You can request a breakdown of all the stones in a piece.
What is the definition of total carat weight? (Source: TW Diamond)
The entire carat weight of all diamonds set in a piece of jewelry is the total carat weight. Add the carat weights of all the diamonds to get the total carat weight.
Remember:
The weight of a single stone is referred to as “carat weight.”
The term “total carat weight” refers to the total weight of several stones.
A two-carat ring, for example, features a one-carat diamond center stone and two 12-carat side stones.
Pave Diamonds are they Real Diamonds?
Pavé diamonds aren’t actually diamonds. The term pavé does not refer to the diamond or the diamond’s cut. The setting of the ring is referred to as pavé. Each of the small diamonds in a pavé setting is held in place by metal droplets, sometimes known as beads, or by tiny prongs. Pavé rings aren’t only made up of diamonds. You can get a pavé ring paved with any stone you like.
Pavé settings are popular with many couples because they provide a subtle flash of brilliance to a wedding band or engagement ring without adding a significant price increase. A pavé setting also brilliantly displays an amazing center stone, making them highly popular as engagement rings.
What are the Benefits of Using a Pave?
Pavé settings are a great way to add a little glitter to your wedding band that is lovely and eye-catching without breaking the bank. It may not be one of the best men’s wedding rings because of the glitter, but it is stunning on a bride.
Rings with a large center stone can also benefit from pavé settings. Even if your center diamond isn’t particularly huge, a halo around it can help to highlight it. A halo on your pavé ring creates the impression that your center stone is larger than it is.
Rings with a pavé setting can also be used to create a diamond tier design that is stunning and does not appear bulky.
If you prefer pavé accents to the classic pavé with stones on the sides of your ring, search for one with pavé accents.
You can make a great statement even with a pavé setting. It is not necessary to utilize tiny diamonds, and you can go for a different look by using larger diamonds for a stunning impact with lots of brilliance and fire.
What is the Price of a Black Diamond?
The price of a black diamond is dictated by its size and origin. Carbonados and fancy black diamonds are both incredibly rare. Colored diamonds account for only one out of every 10,000 natural diamonds, and only a small percentage of these colored diamonds are black. Natural black diamonds and Carbonados are among the rarest and most expensive gems due to their scarcity.
Most black diamonds on the market have been heat-treated, making them cheaper than natural black diamonds. Keep in mind, though, that heat treatment can damage a stone, and black diamonds that have been heat-treated may be weaker than natural black diamonds.
Black diamonds made in a lab are also less expensive than those mined, and they are just as durable as genuine diamonds since they are created with the hue already there. Regardless of provenance, the value of a black diamond is determined by the same criteria that apply to all diamonds: clarity, cut, color, and carat (for more information on the 4Cs, go here). Unlike colorless diamonds, clarity is determined by the stone’s exterior circumstances. The higher the carat weight, as with any other diamond, the higher the price tag.
Are there Different Black Diamond Colors?
Natural black diamonds and Carbonados can range from light grey to absolute black, depending on the number of inclusions. Black diamonds that have been treated or created in a lab often have a more uniform, deep black color. Colored diamonds are available in various colors, including yellow, pink, blue, purple, red, orange, green, and more.
Rough diamonds (also known as raw diamonds) lack the clarity of colorless diamonds and appear smoky and subdued if you prefer a colored diamond with a more organic appeal. These stones are rose-cut diamonds, raw diamonds, salt and pepper diamonds, or galaxy diamonds. When cut and polished and are popular for unusual brides searching for a rustic engagement ring, some rough diamonds are black, even though they can be “salt and pepper,” brown, green, or white.
Why is CTW Important?
The CTW number is useful because it allows you to compare different jewelry pieces to see which has more diamonds (in terms of weight) and which is a better price.
For example, dividing the price of each item of jewelry you’re evaluating by the total carat weight will reveal which one is less expensive per carat.
A word of caution: Take the price per carat for a particular piece of jewelry with a grain of salt, as it might change for various reasons.
A ring with larger stones, for example, may cost more per carat than one with smaller diamonds, and this is because larger diamonds are more scarce and consequently more expensive.
Another factor that influences the price per carat of two pieces of jewelry is the quality of the diamonds. A ring with poorer clarity and color-grade stones will likely cost less per carat than a ring with the same size but better quality diamonds.
So, when you choose between many pieces of diamond jewelry, make sure you understand why the prices per carat differ – whether it’s due to the size of the diamonds, their quality, or something else entirely.
Conclusion
When looking for a diamond ring, knowing the difference between CTW and CTTW is crucial. If you’re looking for a solitaire ring (an engagement ring with only one diamond), the CTW will be the same as the carat weight of that single diamond. When contemplating CTW, other ring types with many stones, such as halo, side stone, or three-stone, can be more difficult. Let’s look at some key aspects to keep in mind when searching for these rings.
