When searching for jewellery for you or gifts for others, you may get mad confusion among whichever is karat vs carat. While the spelling reads like there is even pronunciation confusion as well. Karat vs carat are ultimately two different constructs about purity of gold in jewellery and weight of diamonds. This understanding is important for the buyer to try to obtain or have better knowledge when out shopping, that will assist in making your decisions.
What Is The Meaning Of Karat?
Karat does refer to purity of gold. Pure gold is 24 karats. However, pure gold is relatively soft to be used in jewellery, so it is mixed or alloyed with other metals like copper and or silver.
This means:
- 24K Gold - 99.9% pure gold (not durable and therefore not a good option for pricing and wear)
- 22K Gold - 91.6% is a decent durable purity for traditional jewellery
- 18K Gold - 75% pure gold is durable for studded jewellery
- 14K Gold - is stronger and more affordable than any higher purity gold that can be used for jewellery so is a common choice.
In short, knowledge of gold karat gives you some priority in choosing jewellery regarding purity of gold, durability, and price.
What Is The Definition Of Carat?
When we refer to carat, we are describing the weight of a gemstone, primarily diamonds. One standard carat equals 200 milligrams. The carat is itself not a measurement of size, but weighs significantly into the price factors of diamonds.
For example:
- A 1-carat diamond could look larger or smaller depending on the cut.
- In conjunction with clarity, cut and colour, carat weight determines the overall value of a diamond.
- Because of this, carat can never be considered without the other quality forms when we think of diamonds.
Karat Vs Carat: The Clear Distinction
The main area of confusion with karat vs carat is that karat is used to measure gold purity, while a carat is used to measure diamond weight. Both are important, but they serve vastly different purposes when purchasing jewellery.
When purchasing gold jewellery, the karat meaning is important.
When purchasing diamonds, the diamond carat is what you’re looking for.
By paying attention to both gold karat and diamond carat, you will reduce the chances of making a mistake, and you will make good investments in jewellery.
Selecting The Right Piece Of Jewellery
Whether you like a gold bangle or a diamond ring, the difference between karat vs carat means you will not be fooled by terminology. For example, you might use 18K or 14K for day-to-day use, but certain diamonds would have their value and brilliance and can enhance your jewellery collection in a different way.
Comparable Jewellery Selections
The collections at Réia Diamonds feature designs that share the purity and integrity of the gold with the brilliance of the diamonds. If you are looking for something other than rings, our lab-grown diamond bangles and our lab-grown diamond bracelets offer an ethical and modern luxury option.
Karat Vs Carat Faq's
1. Is karat the same as carat?
No, they are not. Karat is used to measure the purity of gold, while carat is used to weigh a diamond or a gemstone.
2. Which is more important, gold karat or diamond carat?
It depends on the piece. If it's a gold piece, you should focus on the karat purity. If it's diamond jewellery, then the diamond carat is an important consideration.
3. A higher gold karat has better quality?
Yes, a higher gold karat means it is purer gold, but is softer, making it less durable. A higher karat piece may be better left for more wearable and practical jewellery pieces.
4. Does a higher diamond carat always equate to a bigger diamond?
Not always. Diamonds cut and shaped differently can look larger even if they are a similar diamond carat weight.
5. How do I balance karat and carat when buying jewellery?
Think about your lifestyle and personal budget, as well as the purpose for wearing it. Durable gold karats for wearability, diamond carats for elegance and value.