What’s the difference between carat and karat?
A carat measures gemstone weight. One carat equals 200 mg and helps compare the size of diamonds and other gems. A karat measures gold purity: 24 k is pure gold, 18 k is 75 % gold and 9 k is 37.5 %. Carat affects the size and price of a diamond; karat affects the color, hardness and price of gold.
- Carat = gemstone weight (1 carat = 200 mg)
- Karat = gold purity (24 k is pure)
- Carat influences size and sparkle
- Karat influences durability and cost