Carat is for Diamonds. Karat is for Gold.
Karat vs Carat: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to fine jewellery, two little abbreviations often cause a lot of confusion: Karat (kt) and Carat (ct). They may sound identical, but they refer to two very different things. So if you’ve ever wondered what’s the difference between kt and ct, keep on reading.
What is Karat (Kt) in Gold?
Karat means purity.
Karat (kt) refers to the purity of gold used in your jewellery. Pure gold is 24 karats but it’s also quite soft, which makes it less ideal for everyday wear. So gold is often blended with other metals (like nickel, copper or palladium) to increase its strength and durability.
Here’s a quick gold glossary:
24kt= 100% pure gold (rare in jewellery, too soft for everyday wear)
18kt= 75% gold +25% alloy (my personal favourite)
14Kt= 58.5% gold + 41.5% alloy
At Michelle Massoura, we work exclusively with 18kt gold, for its perfect balance of richness, strength, and luxurious feel. It’s gold at its most elegant, durable enough for daily wear, yet beautifully refined.
What is ct (carat) in Diamonds?
Carat means weight.
Carat (ct) is used for gemstones, most commonly diamonds. It measures how much a stone weighs.
1 carat = 0.2 grams
Generally, the higher the carat, the heavier (and often, larger) the stone. But it’s important to remember: bigger doesn’t always mean better . A Diamond’s cut, clarity and colour play a huge part in how beautiful it truly looks. Which is why when I design a piece, I don’t just look at the carat weight.
So, next time…
If you’re talking about gold, it’s karat (kt).
If you’re talking about diamonds or gems, it’s carat (ct).
And if you’re ever unsure? I’m just an email away.
I’ll be more than happy to guide you.
Until next time,
Michelle