Carats vs Karats: What's the Real Difference?

Shopping for diamonds and gold? Then you must have, at some point, faced the confusion between 'carat' and 'karat.' These words are deceptively identical and used at the wrong place more times than one would like to admit. But they are definitely not the same thing.

What’s a carat and what’s a karat? Let's not hesitate to determine and, with precision, give an answer to all your queries.

Whether you’re shopping for a diamond engagement ring, earrings with lab-grown diamonds, or a gold bracelet, this blog will give you a complete idea of what each term means and how to evaluate your jewelry against these terms.

What Is a Carat?

One carat (ct) represents the weight of a gemstone. It is not the same as a stone’s size. It tells us how heavy a diamond or a gemstone is.

How much does one carat weigh?

• One carat is equal in weight to 200 milligrams, or 0.2 grams. 

• Nevertheless, a diamond of one carat may, depending on its cut and shape, forestall in size or larger.

• The carat is further divided into points - hence a diamond of 0.50 carats is labeled as a “50-pointer.”

Carat can also be divided into different points. A diamond weighing 0.50 carats is called “50 pointer.” Which, by extension, means a 1.5 carats would be 300 mg. 

Now, it does not mean that all 1.5-carat diamonds look the same. The cut, depth, and shape (oval, round, cushion, etc.) determine the perceived size of the diamond.

Do you wish to give your diamond a larger or more significant appearance without the carat weight change? Opt for designs like hidden halos or oval engagement rings that visually increase the diamond’s surface area.

What Is a Karat?

Now let’s switch to karat (k or kt) - which refers to gold purity, not weight.

• 24 karat gold is pure gold (100%).

• 18 karat gold is 75% gold and 25% alloy metals.

• 14 karat gold is 58.3% gold and 41.7% alloy.

Gold in 24k is extremely soft and ductile. This essentially means you cannot use it for daily wear. 

Preferably, mix it with other metals like copper, silver, or nickel. This helps increase the durability of the metal. So if you want bracelets and engagement rings made, go for options like 14k and 18k.

Fun Fact: In the USA, "karat" is the standard spelling for gold purity. In other parts of the world, like the UK or India, you might see “carat” used for gold too - but in American English, the distinction is clear.

Carats vs Karats: A Quick Breakdown

Both terms matter when you’re buying fine jewelry - but they affect your purchase in very different ways.

Why This Difference Matters in Jewelry Shopping

This is the point that makes a difference. For example, if at all, an engagement ring is what you are going to buy:

• A lab diamond of 1.25 carats, for the center stone, could be your choice.

• And a band of 18-karat yellow gold could be your choice for the ring.

If you don’t understand the difference, you could accidentally mix up diamond size with gold purity - or think you’re getting more gold or diamond than you really are.

Our customers are assisted throughout the design process as they make their choices regarding carat weight and karat metal at Precious Carbon, so there is no ambiguity at all. Each item is produced specifically for the customer—hence, the customer is able to get precisely what he or she wants, starting and ending with the stone and the setting.

Start your custom design for free.

Common Misunderstandings: Carat vs Karat

❌ “I want a 24-carat gold ring for my engagement.”

It’s actually referred to as 24 karat. But 24k gold is very soft and not ideal for rings. 14k or 18k is far more durable.

❌ “I saw a 1-carat diamond on sale!”

You probably saw a 1-carat diamond - not karat. Diamonds are measured in carats, not karats.

Which Should You Focus On?

Both! When buying fine jewelry, you’ll want to consider:

• Carat weight for the diamond or gemstone

• Karat purity for the metal (especially if you have sensitive skin or are concerned about durability)

In case your budget is tight, find below the way to make both possible:

• A diamond in slightly less carat weight, like, say, 0.90ct, against 1.00ct, can save you money

• 14k gold instead of 18k is not only less expensive but also way more durable. 

Pro Tip: Besides, you can acquire lab-grown diamonds over the internet and have a larger stone for the same amount spent. They are chemically identical to the natural ones and are certified.

FAQs

Which is correct: carat or karat?

Technically, both words are correct. It’s the context that makes them different. Carat is used in discussing the weight of diamonds or gemstones. Karat, on the other hand, is used for the purity of gold.

Is it 24 carat or 24 karat?

In the USA, the correct term for pure gold is 24 karat.
In other countries like India or the UK, “24 carat” may also be used, but “karat” is the standard American spelling for gold purity.

Which karat gold is costly?

24k gold is the most expensive because it's pure.
However, 18k gold is often the sweet spot - offering high purity and luxury at a more wearable level. 14k gold is way more budget-friendly and durable enough that you can.

Final Thoughts

Carat and Karat are terms that may sound alike; however, they denote different aspects that are completely opposite in terms of jewelry. The former indicates the weight of a diamond while the latter signifies the purity of gold. Understanding the difference between the two will not only make you a smarter but also a more confident buyer of fine jewelry, more so if you are having a custom engagement ring designed.

Precious Carbon is the one that will help you not only pick the perfect carat for your stone but also the perfect karat for your metal according to your taste, budget, and way of life.