Gold has carats (K) and diamonds and gemstones also have carats (ct). Although both terms sound the same, they mean different things and are of great importance in the world of jewelry. The difference between them can be confusing for many people, so let's take a closer look at what each means and how it affects the value of jewelry.
Carat (K) in gold:
Carats (K) in gold measure the purity of the gold in a piece of jewelry. They indicate how much of the metal is pure gold and how much is an impurity of other metals, such as silver, copper or palladium. When buying gold jewelry, you will often see designations such as 14K, 18K or 24K. The higher the karat, the higher the pure gold content of the piece.
What do carats mean in gold?
- 24K gold means that the piece is composed of 100% pure gold, without any impurities. This is the purest form of gold, however it is softer and more susceptible to deformation, which is why it is rarely used for everyday jewelry.
- 18K gold contains 75% gold and 25% other metals. This makes the jewelry stronger, but it still retains its characteristic golden luster.
- 14K gold is a popular alloy for jewelry as it contains 58.5% pure gold and 41.5% other metals. This combination makes gold more resistant and durable, which is ideal for everyday use.
Example:
If you buy an 18K gold ring, you will be wearing a piece of jewelry that is 75% pure gold. It has a brighter shine than 14K gold rings, but it is also a bit softer and care should be taken with rougher wear. 14K gold, on the other hand, contains less pure gold but is stronger and more durable, making it a popular choice for people looking for a balance between elegance and durability.
What's the point of these metal combinations?
Adding metals like copper and silver not only increases the strength of gold, but also changes its color. For example, rose gold, which is very fashionable nowadays, contains more copper in the alloy, giving it its characteristic pink hue. White gold, on the other hand, often contains metals such as nickel or palladium, which make it lighter and give it a silvery hue.
Curious fact:
Did you know that 24K gold is so soft it can bend with your fingers? That's why it's most often used for investment purposes (like gold bars and coins) rather than for jewelry making.
Carats (ct) in diamonds and stones:
When talking about diamonds and other gemstones, the term carat (ct) refers to the weight of the stone, not its clarity. This is an important distinction as many people confuse carats in diamonds with carats in gold. One of the first things to know is that 1 carat in diamonds is equal to 0.2 grams.
What does carat mean in diamonds?
- The carat in diamonds measures the mass of the stone.
- 1 carat = 0.2 grams. This may seem like a very small weight, but when it comes to gemstones, every fraction of a gram matters.
- For example, a 2 carat diamond weighs 0.4 grams, making it significantly more valuable than a 1 carat diamond. However, a diamond's weight does not always determine its visual size. The shape and cut of the stone can make it appear larger or smaller.
Example:
A 1 carat diamond can be cut differently. If cut well, it will reflect light and appear larger and more luminous. On the other hand, a poor cut can make the stone look smaller and less sparkly, even if its weight is the same.
Why is weight important?
A diamond's weight plays a huge role in determining its price. Larger diamonds are much rarer and therefore more valuable. For example, a 2 carat diamond can be several times more expensive than two 1 carat diamonds because larger stones are more difficult to find and process.
Curious fact:
Did you know that the world's largest discovered diamond, called Cullinan, weighed an impressive 3,106 carats? It was discovered in South Africa and was cut into several smaller diamonds, the largest of which is part of the British Royal Crown.
Key differences between K and ct:
Now that we've covered carats in gold and diamonds, it's time to summarize the main differences between them:
- Carats (K) in gold are used to measure the purity of the metal. The higher the karat number, the purer the gold.
- Carats (ct) in diamonds and gemstones measure the weight of the stone. They are not related to clarity or quality, but to how much the stone itself weighs.
How to remember the difference?
Here are some easy ways to remember what the carats mean:
- Karats (K) in gold = Purity of gold. This tells you how much of the jewel is made of pure gold.
- Carat (ct) in diamonds = Weight of the stones. This measure shows how much your gemstone weighs.
Example when buying jewelry:
Imagine you are choosing an engagement ring. You might decide to go with 14K gold because it is stronger and more suitable for everyday use. However, for the diamond in the ring, you want a stone of at least 1 carat to be impressive enough. But keep in mind that it's not just the weight of the diamond that matters - its cut also plays a key role in its sparkle and visual effect.
Next time you're shopping for gold or diamonds, you'll already know what to look for and how to interpret the labels. Gold with fewer carats is more resistant, and diamonds with more carats are more valuable and rare. But remember, it's not just the number of carats that's important when choosing jewellery - the quality of cut, colour and clarity also play a significant role in the overall look and sparkle of your piece. Always look for a balance between these factors to find the perfect blend of elegance, value and durability!
Thank you for taking the time to read our article, and we hope we have been helpful in explaining the difference between carats in gold and diamonds! Best wishes, ASTO Gold.
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