Carat vs Karat Gold:
Many people often get confused between the terms Carat and Karat when buying gold or diamonds. Though they sound similar, their meanings are completely different. Let’s understand what they actually mean and how they are used.
Gold prices are reaching record highs, crossing new milestones every day. Before buying gold, it’s important to know about its purity and quality. This is where the term Karat (K) comes into play. On the other hand, Carat (ct) is used in measuring diamonds and other precious stones.
Karat is the unit used to measure the purity of gold. Pure gold is considered 24 Karat (24K), which means it is 99.9% pure. However, pure gold is very soft, so it is often mixed with other metals like copper or silver to make it stronger.
For example, 18K gold contains 75% gold and 25% other metals. Similarly, 22K gold has about 91.6% gold. The higher the karat number, the purer the gold.
Carat, on the other hand, is used to measure the weight of gemstones and diamonds. One carat equals 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams. Larger diamonds have higher carat weights and therefore cost more, but carat alone does not determine a diamond’s value. Its color, cut, and clarity also play an important role.
The word “carat” comes from the carob seed, which was used in ancient times as a natural measurement for weighing gemstones because of its consistent size and weight.
Karat (K) – Used for measuring gold purity (24K = pure gold).
Carat (ct) – Used for measuring gemstone or diamond weight (1 ct = 200 mg).
So, next time you buy gold or diamonds, remember this difference. Karat tells you how pure your gold is, while Carat tells you how heavy your diamond is. Understanding these two terms helps you make a smart and informed purchase.
ALSO READ: Mamitha Baiju’s Role in Dude: Breaking Stereotypes or Playing It Safe