In the world of jewelry, the terms karat and carat are often confused—but they refer to completely different things. Understanding the difference between karat and carat is key to making informed jewelry purchases, especially when dealing with gold or gemstones.

What Is a Carat?

A carat (ct) is a unit of weight used to measure gemstones and pearls. One carat equals 200 milligrams. Carat weight plays a big role in determining the size and value of gemstones like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.

For example:

• A 1-carat diamond weighs 200 mg
• A 0.5-carat diamond weighs 100 mg

However, it’s important to note that carat weight alone doesn’t determine a gemstone’s value—cut, color, and clarity also matter significantly.

What Is a Karat?

A karat (K) refers to the purity of gold in a piece of jewelry. Pure gold is 24 karats, or 100% gold. Since pure gold is soft and not ideal for daily wear, it is often mixed with other metals to increase durability.

Common Gold Karat Values:

• 24K Gold: 100% pure gold
• 18K Gold: 75% gold, 25% alloy metals
• 14K Gold: 58.3% gold, 41.7% alloy metals
• 10K Gold: 41.7% gold, 58.3% alloy metals

The higher the karat, the more valuable the gold, but the softer and more prone to scratching it becomes. Lower karats are more durable and often more suitable for everyday wear.

Why the Confusion?

Many people confuse "karat" and "carat" because they sound the same and are both used in jewelry. However, they measure completely different things:

• Carat = gemstone weight
• Karat = gold purity

How to Use This Knowledge When Buying Jewelry

• When buying gold jewelry, check the karat value to understand how pure the gold is and how it fits your lifestyle.
• When buying gemstones, look at the carat weight, but also consider cut, color, and clarity for overall quality.

By knowing the difference between carat and karat, you can confidently choose jewelry that matches your preferences and budget.

Final Thoughts

At BOZ, we’re committed to educating our customers so you can shop smart and stylish. Whether you’re purchasing your first piece or adding to a growing collection, knowing the difference between karat and carat can make all the difference.

Have more jewelry questions? Visit our blog for more helpful tips and beautiful pieces that speak your style.