The terms "carat" and "karat" are often confused due to their similar pronunciation, but they have entirely different meanings and uses in the jewelry industry. Here’s a clear explanation of each term:

Carat (ct)

• Definition: Carat is a unit of measurement used to express the weight of gemstones, particularly diamonds and other precious stones.
• Measurement: One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams, or 0.007 ounces.
• Significance: The carat weight of a gemstone significantly impacts its value. Larger gemstones with higher carat weights are generally more valuable, assuming other qualities such as clarity, color, and cut are equal.

Karat (k or kt)

• Definition: Karat is a unit of measurement used to denote the purity or fineness of gold in jewelry and other gold items.
• Measurement: It is expressed as a fraction of 24 parts. For example, 24-karat gold is pure gold (99.9% gold), while 18-karat gold is composed of 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metal alloys.
• Significance: The karat system describes the gold content in gold jewelry, with higher karat numbers indicating a higher percentage of pure gold. For instance, 14-karat gold contains 58.3% pure gold, making it a balance between purity and durability.

Summary

• Carat (ct): Measures the weight of gemstones. One carat equals 200 milligrams. Higher carat weight generally means higher value.
• Karat (k or kt): Measures the purity of gold. Expressed as a fraction of 24, with higher karat numbers indicating a greater percentage of pure gold.

Understanding the difference between carat and karat is essential when dealing with jewelry and gemstones to ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings.