Carat vs Karat and the many alloys of Gold
Sounds like the opening to a children’s tale, doesn’t it?
Well, there is a unique story about the origin of these two similar words. With most Australian’s using the terms interchangeably, we should probably break it down and solve the confusion!
Kerátion
The word ‘carat’ originated from the Greek word "kerátion," meaning "fruit of the carob tree”. During Ancient Greek and Roman times, carob seeds were used to help measure the weight of precious stones and gold.
Today, the word ‘carat’ is used to refer to a stone’s size or gold’s purity. On the other hand, ‘karat’ can only refer to the purity of gold. In Australia and the UK, we use the terms interchangeably however in places like America, gold will always be referred to only as ‘karat’.
Now, let’s break down the two ‘carats’.
Diamond Carat
In the realm of diamonds and gemstones, carat weight plays a crucial role in determining their size. Specifically, it refers to how heavy a stone is when measured on a set of calibrated scales and serves as a key factor in determining a stones value and allure.
Today, the carat is standardised internationally, with one carat equaling 200 milligrams, offering a precise measurement for precious gems. Larger carat weights generally indicate larger stones, however other factors such as the cut and shape can influence the appearance of size.
It's important to note that carat weight isn't the sole factor to consider when selecting a diamond or gemstone. The "Four Cs" – carat, cut, colour, and clarity – collectively determine a stone's overall quality and value. While carat weight influences size, cut affects how the stone reflects light, colour determines its hue, and clarity measures its purity.
So, whilst carat weight is a significant factor in the world of diamonds and gemstones, it's essential for our clients to consider the entire spectrum of the Four C’s when selecting a stone. As a designer, I believe the clarity of a stone is often more important than the carat. By understanding the origins of carat weight and its role in determining size, clients can make informed decisions when choosing the perfect diamond or gemstone for their jewellery collection.
Want to understand more about the 4’c of Gemstones? Check out our upcoming Journal post ‘Carat, Cut, Colour and Clarity - The 4 C’s and why you should consider all factors”.
Gold Carat / Karat
Gold has captivated humans for centuries, prized for its beauty, rarity, and enduring value. We talked about the origins coming from the carob seed above. With each seed weighing about a fifth of a gram, 24 seeds became the standard unit of measure for gold purity, which is why 24ct represents the mark of pure gold.
Pure gold (24 carats) is too soft for most jewellery applications, so it is often alloyed with other metals to enhance its strength and durability. This gives us a variety of gold carats.
So, let’s explore the composition and characteristics of different gold alloys:
9ct Gold: Also known as 9 carat gold, this alloy contains 37.5% pure gold, mixed with 62.5% other metals such as copper, zinc, and silver. 9ct gold is known for its affordability and durability, making it a popular choice for everyday jewellery.
14ct Gold: With a gold content of 58.5%, 14 carat gold is a blend of 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals. This alloy offers a balance between purity and strength, ideal for both fine jewellery and everyday wear.
18ct Gold: Highly prized for its rich colour and high purity, 18 carat gold consists of 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. The addition of metals like copper and silver gives 18ct gold its distinct warm hue and enhances its durability. We often lean to 18ct Gold for engagement rings as it is a great blend of durable yet soft enough to bend or absorb the knocks that come with everyday wear.
24ct Gold: As the purest form of gold, 24 carat gold is 99.9% pure. However, its purity also makes it the most malleable and prone to scratching or bending, making it unsuitable for most jewellery applications.
When comparing 9ct and 18ct gold, the key differences lie in their composition and properties. While 9ct gold offers affordability, 18ct gold boasts a higher gold content, making it more valuable, flexible and at times, more durable. The choice between the two depends on personal preference, budget and intended use.
Additionally, the colour differences between 9ct and 18ct yellow gold are subtle but discernible. 18ct yellow gold tends to have a richer, stronger hue due to its higher gold content, while 9ct yellow gold may appear slightly paler in comparison.
Understanding gold carats and alloys is essential for selecting the perfect piece of jewellery. Whether you prefer the affordability of 9ct gold, the luxury of 18ct gold, or the purity of 24ct gold, each carat offers its own unique allure and charm, adding to the timeless appeal of gold jewellery.
We want you to have your jewellery made with the materials you desire most - so if you don’t see your alloy preference online, get in touch for a custom quote!