Carat vs. Karat: What’s the Difference?
The term “carat” (ct) is the universal measure for the weight of diamonds or gemstones, with one carat equaling 0.20 grams. On the other hand, “karat” measures the purity of gold. Twenty-four karat gold, besides being the title of a notable Stevie Nicks album, is pure gold. By contrast, 12-karat gold contains 50% gold and 50% base metals or impurities.
Everything You Need to Know About Diamond Carat
Firstly, and most importantly: A higher carat size results in a higher price, which increases significantly on a non-linear scale as carat increases. Contrary to popular belief, carat refers to the weight of a diamond, not its size. The size of a diamond is measured in millimeters, by its length and width, or the stone’s diameter.
The carat weight influences the other 4Cs (cut, clarity, and color) you’ll need to consider when choosing a diamond within your budget. For example, opting for a larger carat size necessitates a higher color grade, as the color becomes more apparent. Similarly, a higher clarity grade is needed if you desire a clear, bright stone.
The most popular engagement ring size is 1 carat. Visually, it’s hard to distinguish between diamonds that differ by 5 to 10 percent in carat weight. For instance, a 0.95ct and a 1ct diamond will appear nearly identical.
Comprehending Gold Karat
In its purest form (24 karats), gold exhibits a bright yellow color. Typically, for rings and jewelry, gold is combined with other metals to form an alloy, enhancing both strength and color. The higher the proportion of other metals mixed with gold, the lower the karat. At Artful Bracelets, we craft jewelry using 14-karat and 18-karat gold, which differ in hue even within the same gold color categories, as illustrated below:
The variance in gold karat can significantly alter the appearance of your ring, even within the same color. For instance, 18-karat yellow gold has a different tone compared to 14-karat yellow gold — it’s less yellow. This distinction might matter if you select a diamond with a slightly yellow tone; setting it in yellow gold can help conceal the hue, influencing your karat choice.
Additionally, karat affects the durability of your ring. Pure gold is quite soft, not ideal for daily wear, especially on your hands, which undergo frequent use. Therefore, rings with lower karat gold are more common for everyday wear. For example, a 14-karat gold ring is slightly more durable than an 18-karat gold one, which might be an important consideration if you live an active lifestyle.
The karat level will also impact the cost of your setting, but the effect is far less pronounced than a change in carat.
There is indeed a lot to consider, and it might seem overwhelming! Fortunately, Artful Bracelets has skilled gemologists available to assist you. They are adept at working within various budgets to help couples discover the perfect engagement ring. Feel free to reach out to one below.
