If you are buying fine jewelry, you will likely hear two terms that sound similar — carat and karat. Don't let the similar sounds confuse you: each term means something completely different.
One is weight of a diamond, and the other is a measurement of purity of gold. Both are important concepts to know when trying to understand the true value, beauty, and longevity of your jewelry. Whether you are selecting an engagement ring, or simply buying fine jewelry for wear over a lifetime, understanding the difference between carat and karat will help you make better, more informed, and confident choices.
In this guide, we will define what each term means, how that relates to price and appearance, and when to pay attention to each concept — especially when pairing a magnificent diamond with the right gold setting.
What is "Carat" (ct)?
A Measure of Diamond Weight
In the world of diamonds and gemstones, carat refers to weight, not size. One carat equals 0.2 grams (or 200 mg). Carat weight allows jewelers and gemologists to describe with precision the mass of a diamond. For even greater accuracy, each carat can be subdivided into 100 points, so a 0.75 carat diamond may also be referred to as a 75 point diamond.
Carat vs. Diamond Size
Many assume that a higher carat weight equals a larger looking diamond, which is certainly not always the case. Carat only describes weight, not the physical dimensions. Two diamonds can weigh the same carat weight, and look considerably different in size dependent upon the cut, depth, and even shape can allow the same weight diamond to appear larger. To understand how to balance these factors, it is crucial to know how to choose the right diamond carat size. For example, a shallow cut 1.00ct diamond likely has a larger face-up area than a deeply cut 1.00ct diamond, even though both diamonds weigh the same.
How Carat Impacts Price and Appearance
Carat weight is one of the more significant price drivers of diamonds, often in nonlinear fashion. For example, a 2.00ct diamond typically costs much more than two 1.00ct diamonds of the same quality because of rarity and demand. With that said, cut quality, color, and clarity still play a large role in beauty and price. For many buyers, striking a balance, such as slightly below full carat weight (like, 0.90ct) can bring good value while still getting a beautiful diamond.
What is "Karat" (k)?
Understanding the 24-Karat Scale
Karat (with a "k") is the unit used for measuring gold purity in jewelry. Pure gold is defined as 24 karats or 100% gold. Since gold in its purest form tends to be soft and malleable, it is commonly alloyed with metals like silver, copper, or zinc to make it more durable and convenient for jewelry use. The karat system reflects how much of the metal is actually gold:
- 24K = 100% Gold
- 18K = 75% Gold
- 14K = 58.3% Gold
- 10K = 41.7% Gold
Common Gold Karat Types
- 10K Gold: The most durable and affordable, with a lower gold content. Great for everyday wear, but slightly less vibrant in color.
- 14K Gold: Popular because it is a good mixture of strength,color and value; commonly found in fine jewelry.
- 18K Gold: Higher gold content means a stronger color and is favored as a gold quality for high-end pieces. Excellent balance between purity and strength.
- 24K Gold: Luxuriously bright and pure, but rarely used in everyday jewelry due to its softness and tendency to scratch.
How Karat Affects Durability and Price
Higher karat gold options are generally more expensive but provide less durability. That is why 14K and 18K gold are the most popular options for engagement rings and fine jewelry, because they provide the best balance of color, durability, and cost. Choosing the right karat often comes down to how the jewelry will be worn and individual preferences in the richness of the hue and the purity of the gold.
What to Look for When Buying Diamonds or Gold?
Whether you're buying a diamond, gold jewelry, or both, it’s essential to go beyond just surface-level beauty. Here are the key things to consider:
For Diamonds:
- Cut quality: This will have more impact on sparkle than anything else.
- Eye-clean clarity: Only buy diamonds that are eye-clean—don't pay for clarity grades you cannot see with your naked eye.
- Color balance: When considering your color balance, think about the color family of your setting color as well. White metals work with higher color grades (D–F) while warmer tones(like yellow gold or rose gold) will complement diamonds with lower color grade (G–J).
For Gold:
- Karat purity: Think about whether you want durability or richness in your gold. 14K gold is good for everyday wear, while 18K or 24K is good for your luxe pieces.
- Allergies or sensitivities: Often, higher karats are less alloyed metals, so they can be better if you have sensitivities or allergies.
- Finish and color: Do you want yellow, white, or rose gold based on your personal style or your diamond's color?
Find Your Perfect Diamond & Gold Setting at Lucenjuri
At Lucenjuri, we believe fine jewelry should feel just as good as it looks. That's why we have a variety of lab grown diamonds with high-quality gold settings in 14K, 18K, and platinum. Whether you're dreaming of a classic solitaire, minimalist bezel or an intricate vintage-inspired design, we will help you choose the perfect balance of carat and karat to reflect your style, values, and budget.
Our ethically sourced lab diamonds and expertly crafted settings are designed to last a lifetime. Explore our collection or work with our Artisan Studio for a fully customized piece that feels truly yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between carat, karat and carrot?
You probably won't be surprised to hear that this is one of the most common confusions in the jewelry industry. They sound exactly the same, here is the simple breakdown:
- Carat (ct): This indicates the weight of your diamond! So when someone says they have a "1 carat diamond," it is referring to the weight, not the size of the stone.
- Karat (K): This indicates the purity of your gold. It is a quality scale of the metal in your ring. For example, 24Kis pure gold, while 14K is a composite material that is great for everyday wear.
- Carrot:That's just a tasty, crunchy vegetable. We'll leave that one for the kitchen, not the jewelry box!
Is a higher carat diamond always better?
Not necessarily. While higher carat means a heavier weighted diamond, beauty and value also depend on the other aspects of 4Cs, which are cut, clarity, and color. A well-cut 1.5ct diamond can sparkle more than a poorly cut 2ct stone.
What karat gold is best for engagement rings?
14K and 18K are the most common choices. 14K gold is stronger, making it less prone to damage thus it is ideal for everyday wear. 18K gold has a richer colour because of the higher gold content and for many, there is a distinct luxurious feel to 18k gold.
Does 24K gold make good jewelry?
24K gold is considered pure gold, however, it is much softer and therefore more prone to scratches and bends. It is not commonly used in jewelry settings that need to hold diamonds securely, such as engagement rings or wedding bands.
Can 24K gold hold diamonds?
Generally, 24K gold is not used to hold diamonds in fine jewelry because it is too soft and malleable. As pure gold, it lacks the necessary hardness and durability to create a secure setting. For this reason, jewelers instead use gold alloys like 18K or 14K, which are mixed with other metals to provide the strength and hardness required to protect a diamond for a lifetime of wear.
Is carat the same as size?
Carat refers to weight, however, size, or how large a diamond seems to the naked eye, can also depend on the shape and cut of the diamond. For example, a 1ct marquise diamond often looks larger than a 1ct round diamond.
Why do people confuse carat and karat?
They sound the same and they are both used in jewelry! This confusion is further complicated by the spelling by region - karat refers to gold purity in the US and in the UK and other countries are generally referred to as carat.
How do I know which matters more—carat or karat?
It depends on what your purchasing. When buying diamonds, focus on carat and other related 4cs. When purchasing gold, consider the karat purity depending on how frequently you are likely to wear the item and your style preferences.
