Karat vs Carat

When you are buying jewellery, you hear the terms karat and carat. They sound the same but mean very different things. 

• Karat (with a K) tells you how much pure gold is in a piece of jewelry.
• Carat (with a C) measures how much a diamond or other gemstone weighs.

For example, 18K gold can be used to set a 1-carat diamond.
This difference between Karat vs Carat can help you understand what you are paying for and choose jewellery that best suits you.

What is Karat?

Karat is abbreviated as K or kt. It is a measurement of the purity of gold in a piece of jewellery. Pure gold is called 24K because it is 99.99% gold. 

The percentage of pure gold in a piece of jewellery can be calculated using the formula: 
Gold Purity (%) = (Karat ÷ 24) × 100. For example, 22K = (22 ÷ 24) × 100 = 91.6%. 

Higher gold content gives the jewellery a richer yellow colour. But pure gold is soft and easily scratched or bent. To increase the strength of gold, it is often alloyed with other metals. 

This provides for different karat levels, such as:

24K Gold: Roughly 99.9% pure gold. This is the softest option and is generally more appropriate for investment purposes than everyday jewellery.

22K Gold: Roughly 91.6% pure gold. It is very pure and is widely used for traditional jewellery.

18K Gold: Made up of 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. It has a nice balance of purity, strength, and appearance.

14K Gold: Approximately 58.3% pure gold. It is stronger and more durable, and thus it is a good choice for everyday jewellery.

9K Gold: Contains around 37.5% pure gold. It has a higher percentage of other metals. So it's durable and suitable for regular wear.

What is Carat?

Carat is shortened to "ct”. It is a measure of weight for gemstones such as diamonds. To calculate gemstone carat mass conversions, use these three formulas:

From Milligrams: Divide the weight by 200 (Carats = mg ÷ 200).

From Grams: Multiply the weight by 5 (Carats = grams × 5). Example: A 1.5 g sapphire equals 7.5 carats (1.5 × 5)

From Points: Divide the weight by 100 (Carats = points ÷ 100).

The carat weight of a diamond can influence its price and appearance. But the carat weight does not tell you directly how beautiful or how fine a diamond is.

The higher the carat, the larger and more valuable the stone. But it may not always look better if the cut or clarity is lacking. A well-cut 1-carat diamond can look brighter than a poorly-cut 1.5-carat diamond. That’s why carat weight should be considered with the other important diamond factors, known as the 4 Cs: Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat.

Which Matters More: Gold Karat vs Diamond Carat?

Karat and carat both matter when you're buying jewellery, but they tell you different things.

If you're choosing the gold, karat tells you about its purity. Higher-karat gold contains more pure gold. For example, 18K gold is 75% pure gold, while 14K gold is 58.3% pure gold. Your choice can depend on how you plan to wear the jewellery, how much gold purity you prefer, and the level of durability you need.

If you're choosing a diamond, carat tells you its weight, not its overall quality. A higher-carat diamond is heavier, but that doesn't automatically make it more beautiful or valuable. You'll also want to consider the 4Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat.

For example, a well-cut 1-carat diamond can have more sparkle and visual appeal than a poorly cut diamond with a higher carat weight.

So rather than asking whether karat or carat matters more, think about what you're actually buying:

Karat helps you understand the gold. Carat helps you understand the diamond's weight.

Both are useful pieces of information, but neither should be looked at in isolation when choosing jewellery.

Find the Perfect Piece with Confidence

Now that you know the difference between karat and carat, shopping for jewellery becomes much easier. Karat tells you how pure the gold is, while carat tells you how much a diamond or gemstone weighs.

At EMORI, you can choose from finely crafted jewellery in 9K, 14K, and 18K gold, paired with stunning lab-grown diamonds in a range of carat weights. You will find a variety of jewellery that's perfect for everyday wear and special occasions. 
Remember, a higher carat does not always mean a better diamond. The cut and clarity are just as important. Likewise, the best gold karat depends on the balance of purity and durability you need.

You can explore EMORI's collection and find jewellery that perfectly matches your style!

Frequently Asked Questions

How does karat affect gold jewelry pricing?

Gold with a higher karat contains more pure gold, so it costs more. For example, 18K gold is generally more expensive than 14K or 9K gold because it has a higher gold content.

Is 24K better than 18K?

24K is purer, but it is softer and more likely to scratch. 18K is more durable and is often preferred for jewelry worn every day.

What is 75% gold called?

75% gold is known as 18K. This means it has 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. 

Does a bigger carat mean a better diamond?

Not always. A larger diamond weighs more, but clarity, cut, and color also play a major role in its beauty and value.