When the astrologer tells you to wear a five-ratti yellow sapphire, the next step is confusing. You’ll look through a gem catalogue, but each stone is depicted in carats. So, there you are with a calculator wondering whether five ratti means five carats, four carats or something different entirely.

You are not alone. The ratti and carat are two different measuring systems that co-exist in the Indian gem market, but erroneously swapping one for the other is one of the most common (and most expensive) mistakes.

Our guide clears you up on this subject. We will explain what these measures are, how to convert between the two measures, how much weight astrologers recommend, and finally, how to choose the right size of ring.

Definition of a Carat

The carat, an international unit of measurement for gemstones, is equivalent to 0.2 grams, or 200 milligrams. A one-carat gemstone is therefore only a fifth of a gram.

GIA, GRS, IGI and GII labs all use carat weights (usually expressed to two decimals). This system is also employed by international sellers and exporters working with gem dealers.

Comparison shopping for gemstones requires a good understanding of how carats work, although the use of karats (the measurement of purity of gold) may overlap the understanding of carats as gemstones.

What Is Ratti?

Ratti is a common Indian measurement based on the weight of a gunja seed, which is the tiny red-black seed from the rosary pea plant. Jewellery makers and astrologers have been using it for centuries, and it continues to be used in most astrological gem recommendation systems.

The only downside is that because this measurement was derived from a seed, it is not very precise. In India, however, one ratti can be estimated at about 0.91 carat or approximately 0.18 grams, which means there are about 1.1 rattis in one carat. Nonetheless, different regions or older traders may use different value ranges when converting rattis to carats.

Carat versus ratti: a quick conversion

When buying gemstones online, the following formulas ought to suffice:

Carats = ratti x 0.91

Ratti = carats x 1.1

Now, look at how much weight each of the popular gem sizes weigh:

3 ratti = approximately 2.73 carats

4 ratti = approximately 3.64 carats

5 ratti = approximately 4.55 carats

6 ratti = approximately 5.46 carats

7 ratti = approximately 6.37 carats

8 ratti = approximately 7.28 carats

The difference is striking. A stone advertised as weighing 5 carats actually weighs approximately 5.5 ratti, which is half a ratti greater than what the astrologer suggested. While that’s not a problem, this translates into 10% more weight, and you will be paying the extra.

The same calculations apply to prices. If a seller indicates a price of ₹12,000 per ratti, then you can convert it to ₹13,190 per carat (₹12,000 divided by 0.91). It is always recommended that a buyer conducts this conversion before making a buying decision.

Mistakes Made by Buyers

The actual conversion is a simple process. The source of confusion lies usually in the different methods of describing and selling the stones.

Multiple measures on one page. A page displaying product details may mention price in ratti, weight in carats, and certificate weight in grams. Take your time in comparing the measures.

Rounding. A stone that is called “5 ratti” can actually be 4.4 or 4.6 carats on the stone certificate. Minor rounding errors create a difference, particularly for high-priced stones.

Inconsistency in conversion. Some use 0.91 conversion, some use 0.90, while a few follow older region-specific methods. Inquire what value they are currently using; also ask them for an accurate carat weight.

Weight vs. size. Just because a stone is heavier does not mean it will look larger than one that weighs less.

How Much Gemstone Do Astrologers Usually Recommendation?

Let’s begin with an important note: the astrological prescriptions can’t be confirmed by any study in gemology, while the methodology of astrologers can differ significantly. Some of them take the body weight into account, some determine the strength of the planets in the natal chart, and a lot of astrologers just need the stone to be at least “big enough,” since very small stones are believed to be too weak to wear.

Thus, you may come across the following recommendations:

Ruby: from 3 to 6 ratti

Emerald: from 3 to 6 ratti

Yellow sapphire: from 3 to 7 ratti

Blue sapphire: from 2 to 5 ratti (usually blue sapphires are tested first)

Other sources give different approximate recommendations, so follow what your astrologer says instead and do proper calculations (for instance, if you receive 5 ratti, the actual weight is 4.55 carats).

There’s another interesting tradition related to Neelam that is worth knowing. Neelam should be one of the stones tested before the purchase; according to the astrologers’ opinion, this stone is powerful and personal.

Does Bigger Stone Mean More Effect?

This is probably the most common question we receive, and the answer from within the tradition will almost always be “no.”

Most astrologers advise that it is not the size rather the quality that counts. It is better to get an unsullied and colorful natural stone that weighs less than a huge treated stone. A big stone does not bring any more power but generates greater costs.

From a perspective of gemology, there is no relationship between a stone’s weight and a stone’s influence on your life; however, it is possible to evaluate the quality of stones through such measures as color, clarity, cut, and country of origin. It is the quality that determines the value of the stone.

Therefore, in case you have a choice between a 5-carat good stone or a 7-carat bad stone, the first option will definitely be a better choice.

Some Practical Considerations: Size, Comfort, and Budget

When determining your ideal weight, you can also take into account other characteristics of the material.

Weight and density play a role. Different types of gemstones will appear different in size even if they have the same weight – rubies and sapphires are heavier than emeralds, thus a 5-carat emerald gemstone will appear much larger than a 5-carat sapphire.

Comfort is also important. Very big stones may be heavy and get caught in the clothes. For everyday wear rings, people usually choose stones that weigh between 3 to 6 carat.

Skin contact is another important aspect. Some traditions believe the stone should touch the skin, meaning an open back. Make sure to discuss this aspect with your jeweller before creating the ring.

Budget means a lot, too, as price per carat rises along with weight. If you can afford only the minimum weight, buy a good quality stone, rather than heavier but low quality one.

Ask Yourself: Here Are 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying

• Is the weight of the stone mentioned in carats or ratti? What has been the conversion?
• What is the carat weight mentioned in the laboratory report?
• Is the stone natural or treated?
• What is the cost of the stone per carat while in terms of ratti?
• Does it come with an open mount, and what is the return policy?

A seller who answers all questions with clarity and shows proof of purchase can be trusted.

Frequently Common Questions:

Is 1 ratti equal to 1 carat?

Not really. In commercial trade, one ratti is said to be approximately 0.91 carats; hence, ratti is slightly less than the weight of carat.

If 1 carat equals to how much ratti?

It would amount to somewhere around 5.5 ratti, as the carat weight should be multiplied by 1.1.

Which unit must I apply in order to contrast prices?

Carat. In fact, it is applied in lab reports together with international markets. Therefore, make sure you convert the price that is stated in ratti into price shown in carats prior to making any comparison.

Should I consider it obligatory to buy the minimum of the stone?

Not at all. In fact, it is quality that is more important than extra weight. Minimum weight recommended by an astrologer is more than enough.

To conclude

Carat and ratti are not enemies. These are simply two ways to show how heavy the stone is. The difference is only about 10%. Having found out how to convert ratti into carat price, you will be able to check any price and make comparisons.

Change weight into carats and concentrate on what is really important for you: natural stone, appropriate certificate and the color that you will enjoy every day.

 

 

The post Carat vs Ratti: How Much Gemstone Should You Actually Wear? appeared first on The Hype Magazine.