Crucial Tips on CTTW: A Must-Know Before Ring Shopping

What is CTTW and How is it Different from Carat?

It’s important to remember that carat measures weight, not size. CTTW stands for carat (CT) and total weight (TW). In jewelry featuring more than one diamond, CTTW represents the combined weight of all the diamonds.

Understanding CTTW

Yes, it’s only for diamonds.

CTTW pertains to the weights of diamonds in a ring. For instance, if you are considering a sapphire and diamond engagement ring, CTTW excludes the weight of the sapphires. Note that companies using lab-made diamonds also use CTTW, so it doesn’t solely measure natural diamonds.

CTTW doesn’t indicate price.

Two rings can have the same CTTW value but differ significantly in price. The cost depends on how much of the CTTW consists of the center stone versus the accent stones. For example, a ring with six small stones and a 1-carat center stone may cost less than a ring with a 1-carat center diamond and larger accent stones. Larger diamonds are rarer, hence they are priced exponentially and not linearly.

CTTW applies to both earrings.

If purchasing earrings, divide the CTTW by two to determine the size of each individual stone. Should you need a detailed breakdown of all the stones in a piece, don’t hesitate to contact our gemological team.

Have More Questions?

Ready to dive into the four C’s, CTTW, and all the other important acronyms for this special purchase? Artful Bracelets has expert gemologists ready to assist couples in finding the perfect ring within any budget. Reach out today or explore our extensive collection of ethically sourced diamond engagement rings.

You can contact us by phone at 206-623-5339 or via email at service@artfulbracelets.com. Our Live Chat service is available during business hours, from Monday to Friday, 10 AM – 5:30 PM ET.