Carat. Karat. Carrot? Okay, it's pretty obvious which one doesn't fit in the mix. But have you ever gotten tripped up by the confusing world of carats and karats? If so, you're not alone. Both terms sound similar and pertain to jewelry. But understanding the difference between a 14-carat diamond and a 14-karat gold ring will help you speak the same language as a salesperson in any jewelry store. One refers to the weight of a dazzling, precious gem, while the other indicates the purity of the gold band it sits on. Don't worry. In no time at all, you'll be ready to shop for gold and diamonds like a pro!
What is a Carat?
A carat is the unit used when measuring the weight of a gemstone, such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Specifically, the weight of a carat is equal to 200 milligrams, or 0.2 grams. Therefore, a 2-carat diamond weighs 400 milligrams or 0.4 grams. A gemstone's carat weight is one of the "4Cs" used in grading gemstones (along with color, clarity and cut), ultimately determining the gem's value. The average engagement ring diamond weighs 1.7 carats, while the largest raw diamond ever found weighed an incredible 3,167 carats.
What is a Karat?
A karat is also a measurement, but not of weight or size. Instead, karat refers to the purity or fineness of gold, or the proportion of an alloy that is gold, out of 24 parts (more on this a few paragraphs down). Most gold jewelry and decorative objects are not "pure" gold but contain gold alloyed with other metals in varying percentages since pure gold is too soft in its natural form.
If your gold necklace is 18 karat gold, it means it is 18 parts gold out of 24. The other six parts (of the 24 “parts”) are composed of different metals, such as nickel or copper. Therefore, to easily determine the percentage of gold in that 18-karat gold necklace, divide 18 by 24 and multiply by 100 (18/24 = .75 x 100 = 75), or 75% real gold! The other metals used in the alloy, as well as the amount of gold used, will determine the gold jewelry’s color. Different metals and proportions create different shades of gold.
Now, at the risk of adding confusion after having just sorted out the difference between carat and karat…the term carat is often swapped for karat and is considered an acceptable term to indicate the purity of gold. This means you may come across gold jewelry labeled as “18 carats.” Before assuming an 18-carat diamond comes included with your purchase, understand that the gold itself is likely 18-carat (karat) gold.
What Are the Origins of Carat and Karat?
Both terms share a common ancestor – the Greek word "keration," meaning "carob seed." In ancient times, carob seeds, known for their remarkably consistent weight, were used as a standard unit for measuring small objects, including precious stones and metals. Practices and terminology evolved over time, but the term "carat" stuck around as the weight unit for gemstones.
Why 1/24th?
The curious use of 1/24th to measure gold purity traces its roots back to ancient Rome. The foundation lies in the history of the "solidus," a substantial gold coin that served as the Roman Empire's primary currency. A smaller silver coin called the "siliqua" was precisely one twenty-fourth of a solidus. Over time, this fractional relationship was adopted as a standard for gauging gold purity.
What Karat Gold is Best?
One-size-fits-all doesn’t exist when deciding on the purity of your gold jewelry. Before selecting a karat amount, you should consider personal factors such as your budget, the color of gold you’d prefer, and when and where you’ll wear the jewelry. Here are a few tips for determining the right karat value for you.
- Karat’s impact on gold color: Higher-karat gold, such as 24k, contains more pure gold and has a deeper, richer yellow hue. As the karat value decreases, the amount of gold decreases, resulting in a lighter and sometimes less vibrant yellow color due to the addition of other metals.
- Jewelry type and wear: Considering the piece's purpose can be helpful. Higher-karat gold is softer and more prone to scratches or dents. So, if you're looking for a piece for everyday wear or an active lifestyle, a lower karat value with increased durability, such as 10k, 14k, or 18k might be a more practical choice.
- Gold markings: If you’re new to shopping for gold jewelry, you may wonder, "How will I know the karat value of each piece?" Fortunately, gold jewelry often has a marking or stamp indicating its karat value. An 18k gold piece of jewelry may contain markings such as “18k” or “750”, indicating 75% gold. If gold jewelry lacks markings or you are unsure of the marking's meaning, ask a salesperson for guidance.
- Budgeting and the pricing of gold jewelry: Determine a budget to help you narrow down the types of gold jewelry within your price range and familiarize yourself with current gold prices per karat for a baseline understanding of fair pricing. As you’d expect, the price of gold jewelry increases as the proportion of gold (and the karat value) increases. Therefore, a 20k gold necklace will cost more than its otherwise identical 14k gold counterpart.
What Carat Diamond is Best?
Selecting the right carat amount for a diamond is a delicate dance between your personal desires, budget realities and a sprinkling of other considerations. But once again, personal preference is your compass. Do you dream of a showstopping sparkler that commands attention? Or a more delicate diamond that exudes elegance? Bigger isn't always better; a smaller, well-cut diamond can deliver incredible brilliance. Let's break it down to find the carat sweet spot for you with a few diamond shopping tips.
- Budget: Diamonds are precious, and their price tags reflect that. Be honest about your budget and explore options within your range. Remember, a smaller, high-quality diamond might outshine a larger, lower-quality one.
- The cut is king (or queen!): A diamond's cut – how it is faceted – has a dramatic impact on its sparkle. A well-cut diamond, even at a smaller carat weight, can out-dazzle a poorly cut larger stone.
- All four of the Cs: The diamond you choose doesn't just have to be decided on carat weight, or just on its cut for that matter. Analyze each of the 4Cs and understand how a particular diamond's beauty and value are impacted by its rating in each 4Cs. Then, choose the one that speaks to you. A smaller-carat diamond with a brilliant color and cut will shine brighter than a larger-carat diamond without them.
- Finding finger flattery: Consider your finger size and hand shape. A large carat on a petite hand might overwhelm, while a smaller stone on larger hands might appear ill-proportioned. Play with proportions and try on different carat sizes to see what flatters your fingers most.
- Lifestyle considerations: An active lifestyle might require a more practical diamond size. For everyday wear, a smaller stone is less likely to snag or get damaged. Or, if you have your eye on a larger stone but are concerned about snags, consider a low-set diamond.
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