Have you ever looked at a diamond ring or a gold necklace, wondering what those little "ct" and "k" markings mean? Don't worry, you're not alone!
The world of jewellery has its own lingo, which can seem alien to newcomers. The words "carat" and "karat" are often used interchangeably, but they’re actually two different terms. So, what is the difference, if there is any?
To put it simply, karats are for diamonds, and carats are for gold. Keep reading to learn more about their differences.
Carat vs. Karat: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve confused the terms “carat” and “karat,” don’t worry – you’re not alone! Let’s break down the main differences in their definitions.
What Is a Carat?
A carat is a specific unit used for weighing diamonds and pearls. It’s equal to about 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams.
Carat weight is a major factor in determining a diamond’s value since larger stones are a lot rarer and more sought after. Still, it’s not the only factor – the value of a diamond is also dependent on its cut, clarity, and colour.
What Is a Karat?
A karat is a specific unit that indicates the purity of gold in an alloy. Pure gold is defined as 24 karats, meaning it is 100% gold.
But pure gold is too soft to be used for jewellery, so it's typically alloyed with other metals. Copper, silver, or nickel can be mixed with gold to improve its durability and alter its colour.
The karat number signifies how many out of 24 parts of the alloy mixture are pure gold. For instance, 18K gold is 75% pure gold (18 out of 24), while 14K gold is 58.3% pure gold (14 out of 24). The remaining portion consists of the alloying metals.
Karatage also greatly influences the price, colour, and hardness of gold jewellery. Higher karat gold is more valuable but softer, while lower karat gold is more affordable and durable.
Carats vs Karats: An In-Depth Comparison
To really understand how carats and karats impact the value of diamonds and gold, let’s look at an in-depth comparison.
9 Karat vs. 14 Karat Gold
9kt gold consists of 37.5% pure gold, and it’s incredibly durable due to its higher alloy content. This makes it resistant to scratches, dents, and everyday wear and tear – ideal for permanent jewellery. However, its lower gold content can also result in a paler colour. It can also cause slight skin irritation for those sensitive to nickel, a common alloying metal.
On the other hand, 14K gold has 58.3% pure gold. It has a richer, warmer colour and is less likely to cause allergic reactions. While it’s not as durable as 9 karat, it still holds up pretty well for daily wear.
14 Karat vs. 18 Karat Gold
18K gold is 75% pure gold. Due to its greater gold content, it has a richer, more saturated yellow hue and a higher intrinsic value. It's also hypoallergenic, making it a wise choice for those with sensitive skin.
However, its higher purity means it’s also a softer metal, making it more susceptible to scratches, dents, and warping over time. It’s not ideal for everyday wear, especially in rings or bracelets.
On the other hand, 14K gold is 58.5% pure gold. It’s a lot more durable due to its higher alloy content. It's more resistant to scratches and damage, making it a practical choice for daily wear. However, the colour is slightly paler than 18K gold.
Other than that, 14K gold is generally more affordable than 18K gold.
18 Karat vs. 22 Karat Gold
As mentioned, 18K gold consists of 75% pure gold – the perfect balance between purity and durability. It has a rich, warm hue and is less prone to dents, scratches, and damage compared to higher-karat gold. This gold is most often used for engagement rings and high-end jewellery.
On the other hand, 22K gold is 91.6% pure gold. It has an even deeper, more vibrant yellow colour and holds a lot more value in the market. However, its softness makes it more susceptible to damage. That’s why it’s not as often used in jewellery.
22 Karat vs. 24 Karat Gold
24 karat gold is known as the purest form of gold – not mixed with any alloy metals. Since it’s 100% gold, its softness makes it unsuitable for most jewelry. It’s very easily scratched and prone to damage and deformation.
Instead, it’s used in gold bars, coins, and some cultural jewellery.
22-karat gold, on the other hand, is about 91% gold. Since it’s slightly less pure due to the addition of alloy metals like silver or copper, it’s a lot more durable. It's still a rare high-value option, thanks to its rich color and relative softness.
However, it’s still not used in gold jewellery as often, except for regions where gold purity holds cultural significance.
0.25 Carat vs. 0.50 Carat Diamonds
The main difference between a 0.25-carat and a 0.50-carat diamond is its size and visual impact.
A 0.25-carat diamond is typically used as an accent or side stone. It’s delicate and subtle, with a diameter of about 4.1mm. They generally cost around £250 to £650.
On the other hand, a 0.50-carat diamond is a popular choice for engagement rings. Of course, they’re much larger at about 5.2mm in diameter. These diamonds are typically the centrepiece of whatever jewellery they’re on, which explains the £1,200–£3,000 price tag.
While the 0.25-carat diamond is a lot more affordable, the 0.50-carat diamond is what you need for a better visual presence.
0.50 Carat vs. 0.75 Carat Diamonds
0.50-carat diamond has an approximate diameter of 5.2mm. Their classic appeal is perfect for engagement rings and pendants, serving as the centrepiece. Expect to pay around £1,200–£3,000 for these diamonds.
On the other hand, a 0.75 carat diamond measures around 5.8mm. They’re much more eye-catching – the perfect size for a solitaire. The price difference between the two can be major, with the latter available at £2,500–£6,500.
But if size and brilliance are your priorities, a 0.75 carat diamond may be worth the investment. If you’re on a budget, a 0.50 carat diamond can be just as beautiful.
0.75 Carat vs. 1.00 Carat Diamonds
While both sizes are good enough for engagement rings and other jewellery, the 1.00-carat diamond is noticeably larger and more attractive. It measures about 6.5 mm.
This size difference may seem tiny, but it’s noticeable. The 1.00-carat diamond reflects more light and carries a certain prestige and symbolism. Of course, it comes at a cost – a staggering £4,000–£12,000.
1.00 Carat vs. 1.50 Carat Diamonds
Now, if you want something that’s instantly noticeable on the finger, you need 1.50-carat diamonds. Compared to the 1.00-carat diamond, it measures at 7.4mm – perfect for a round brilliant cut.
Of course, the size isn’t the only difference between these two carats. As you can expect, 1.50 carats are much pricier, estimated at £8,000–£25,000.
1.50 Carat vs. 2.00 Carat Diamonds
2.00-carat diamonds are one of the rarest gems you can get, which explains the £30,000–£50,000 price range. These diamonds typically have a diameter of around around 8.2mm, which is why they’re best used on statement pieces.
The rarest and heaviest type of diamond is a 3.00 carat, which can cost over £120,000! This unique and luxurious gem is a true showstopper, the 9.4mm diameter shining through on any kind of jewellery.
How Can You Cross-Check the Gold Purity?
We all know gold jewellery doesn’t come cheap. After spending such a hefty amount, you’ll want to make sure your investment is worthwhile and the gold is pure. So, how can you cross-check the purity of gold without having to visit a jeweller?
Well, there are a few different ways.
First, you can look for certain hallmarks and stamps – reputable jewellers typically mark pieces with their logo and the gold's karat (e.g., 14K, 18K). Different countries have different hallmarking standards, so make sure you’re familiar with your country’s standards.
For instance, in the UK, authentic jewellery typically has a symbol representing the purity of gold, e.g., a crown for 18K gold. You may also find a letter indicating the year the item was hallmarked, along with a cyclical pattern. Lastly, look for a symbol representing one of the four UK Assay Offices (London, Birmingham, Sheffield, Edinburgh) where the item was tested and hallmarked.
The second verification method is acid testing. Jewellers use nitric acid to determine the gold's karat based on the colour change of a small scratch on the item. You can find home testing kits online, but they may be less accurate.
Other tests include the magnet test, which checks for magnetism since gold is not magnetic. Meanwhile, the density test can also determine the gold’s purity – pure gold has a specific density of 19.32 grams per cubic centimetre. Lastly, XRF spectrometry is another highly accurate, non-destructive way to analyse gold’s composition.
Keep in mind that gold-filled or plated jewellery won't pass acid or density tests. Instead, you can look for stamps like "GF" or "HGP" to identify them. If you're still unsure about the purity, it’s wise to consult a professional appraiser.
How Many Karats of Gold Are Best for Jewelry?
It’s hard how many karats of gold are “best” for jewellery since there are many factors that come into play.
Purity vs. Durability: Pure gold (24 karat) is very soft and prone to scratches. For everyday wear, it's mixed with other metals to create alloys that offer greater strength. Lower karat gold, like 9K or 14K, is more durable but contains less pure gold.
Colour: Yes, karat also influences gold's colour! Higher karats (18K and above) are a richer, warmer yellow. Lower karats may be alloyed with other metals to create white gold, rose gold, or other tones.
Cost: As karat increases, so does the price. 24K gold is the most expensive, so lower karat options are generally more budget-friendly.
So, what’s the best compromise? Many consider 14K the sweet spot. It’s the perfect blend of durability, affordability, and a still-vibrant gold tone. Meanwhile, 18K is a better pick for fine jewellery and has a richer colour, but it is much softer and pricier.
How Many Carats Are Good for Diamond Jewellery?
How do you decide how many carats are good for diamond jewellery? There’s no right answer, but looking at the three Cs – cut, colour, and clarity – can help you come to a conclusion. Let’s dive into a few factors that determine how many carats are good for diamond jewellery.
Size: When it comes to diamonds, people often think, “The bigger, the better.” But that’s not always true – huge diamonds can sometimes overpower the jewellery and take away its value. When choosing a carat weight for your diamond jewellery, consider the piece of jewellery it’ll be set in.
Budget: Obviously, carat weight also affects costs – the heavier, the pricier.
The Three Cs: Don't just fixate on the carat weight. A diamond's cut, colour, and clarity are equally important in determining its value. A smaller diamond with excellent cut and clarity will sparkle more brilliantly than a larger, poorly cut stone.
Rare Carat Weights: Diamonds slightly below common "milestone" carat weights (e.g., 0.90 carats instead of 1 carat) can be a lot more affordable without a noticeable difference in size.
At the end of the day, the “best” carat size depends on your personal preference and intended use. For instance, if you’re going to buy an engagement ring (congrats!), 0.5–1.00 carats are the way to go. Meanwhile, 1.00–1.50 carats are better for statement pieces.
Conclusion
The next time you're admiring jewellery, remember the difference between carats and karats. One’s for gold, and one’s for diamonds.
Ready to shop with confidence? Visit Love Luxury’s jewellery collection to find the best gold and diamond pieces on the market.
