Gemstones, particularly diamonds, are typically weighed in metric carats, where one carat equals 0.2 grams, approximately the weight of a paperclip. This unit of measurement ensures precision in determining the weight of these precious stones.
Precision is paramount in the diamond industry due to the substantial difference in cost even for a fraction of a carat. Hence, weights are often measured to the hundred thousandths of a carat and rounded to the nearest hundredth of a carat. Diamonds weighing more than one carat are typically expressed in carats and decimals to ensure accuracy in pricing and assessment.