Sapphire Carats

[scattycat]

Hi,
Can anyone explain to me exactly what carats are? I know they are used to define the value of a precious metal or gemstone, but I need to understand their meaning in relation to sapphires specifically. For example, is an 11.02 carat sapphire good? Is it better for the number to be higher or lower?
Thanks.

[kettledrum]

A carat is purely a measurement of weight ( and by extension - size ) and is used for weighing gemstones. It says nothing whatsoever about the quality of the stone. An 11 carat sapphire would be a whopping great stone. The higher the number the heavier / bigger the stone.
To get some sort of idea, you could look on the jewellery section of ebay where you could see the picture of the ring and be told how many carats it was. Or look in google images.

[scattycat]

Hi,
Thanks for your answer. It's helpful.
I actually have a bracelet and I'm hoping to sell it. Any idea who might be able to give me an independent valuation? I'm in Bucks.

[kettledrum]

Try a local auction house - look in yellow pages. If they deal in silver and jewellery they will have a pretty good idea of what your bracelet will fetch at auction.

[heathfield]

For valuation, and the quality of the stone, visit an independent jeweller. (But find one that doesn't charge for doing it).

[kettledrum]

.......And be very wary if they offer to buy it from you. They make their living from buying cheap and then marking it up a lot before selling it on.