Carat and carats: What's the difference? - Carat Bulgaria

Carat and carats: What's the difference?

Carat and karat sound the same, but they mean completely different things in the world of jewelry. If you've ever wondered what exactly "1 carat diamond" or "14 karat gold" means, this article will give you a clear and complete answer.

What is a carat?

Carat (abbreviated ct) is a unit of measurement for the weight of diamonds and gemstones.

• 1 carat = 200 milligrams (0.2 grams)
• 1 carat = 100 points – a 0.50 ct diamond is called a "fifty point"
• The word comes from the seeds of the carob tree.

Why carob seeds?

The word "carat" comes from the carob tree ( Ceratonia siliqua ). In ancient times, the seeds of the carob fruit were used as a natural unit of measurement.

• They were thought to weigh almost the same – around 200 mg.
• They were widespread, convenient for trade, and did not require scales.
• Today, 1 carat is standardized as exactly 200 mg.

Example:

A 1 carat round diamond usually has a diameter of about 6.5 mm (depending on the cut).

Interesting fact:

The price of diamonds does not increase linearly. A 2-carat diamond is worth much more than two 1-carat diamonds, especially if it is of high quality.

What is a gold karat?

Karat (abbreviated K or kt) indicates the purity of gold.

• 24 karat = 100% pure gold
• 18K = 75% gold + 25% alloys
• 14K = 58.3% gold
• 10K = 41.7% gold (the minimum standard in some countries)

Example:

A 14 karat gold ring contains 58.3% gold and 41.7% other metals – it is more durable than 18 karat.

Karat and Karat: Key Differences

Characteristics	Carat (ct) – weight of a stone	Karat (K) – purity of gold
What does it measure?	Weight of diamonds/stones	Percentage of gold content
Abbreviated	ct	K or kt
Rock	1 carat = 200 mg	24K = 100% gold
Used for	Diamonds, precious stones	Gold (rings, chains, etc.)
Region	International	Most common in the US and Europe

Quick response

"Carat (ct) measures the weight of diamonds and gemstones (1 carat = 200 mg), while karat (K) indicates the purity of gold (24 carats = 100% gold). One is weight, the other is composition."

Why is it important when buying jewelry?

Knowing the difference between ct and K protects you from misunderstandings and helps you make an informed choice:

• A 1-carat lab-created diamond may look just as impressive, but it's more affordable than a natural one.
• A 14K gold medallion will be more scratch-resistant than a 24K one – suitable for everyday wear.

Conclusion

Whether you're choosing a diamond engagement ring or a gold necklace, understanding the difference between carat and carat weight is key. Both affect the price, appearance, and durability of the jewelry.

💎 Explore our modern jewelry with lab-created diamonds and 14K/18K gold here - ethical, affordable, and designed to last a lifetime.

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