Gold is one of the most popular precious metals in the world. It has been used for jewellery, currency, and investment purposes for centuries. However, there are two terms that are often confused when it comes to gold: karat and carat. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into these terms and what they mean.
Karat vs. Carat
Karat and carat are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different things. Karat (abbreviated as "K" or "kt") is a measure of the purity of gold, while carat (abbreviated as "ct") is a measure of the weight of gemstones.
Karat
Karat is used to describe the purity of gold. Pure gold is too soft to be used for jewellery, so it is alloyed with other metals such as silver, copper, nickel, and zinc to make it stronger and more durable. The purity of gold is measured in karats, with 24 karats being pure gold.
In the United States, gold jewellery is usually made in 10K, 14K, or 18K gold. 10K gold is 41.7% pure gold, 14K gold is 58.3% pure gold, and 18K gold is 75% pure gold. The higher the karat, the more pure gold is in the alloy.
Carat
Carat is a measure of the weight of gemstones. One carat is equal to 0.2 grams, or 200 milligrams. The word "carat" comes from the ancient Greek word "keration," which means "carob seed." The carob seed was used as a unit of weight for small quantities in ancient times.
The weight of a gemstone can affect its value, but it is not the only factor. The quality of the gemstone (such as its cut, colour, and clarity) is also important.
Gold Alloys
As mentioned earlier, pure gold is too soft to be used for jewellery. Gold is usually alloyed with other metals to make it stronger and more durable. Different alloys can have different colours and properties.
For example, yellow gold is made by alloying pure gold with copper and silver. Rose gold is made by alloying pure gold with copper. White gold is made by alloying pure gold with silver, nickel, or palladium.
In conclusion, karat and carat are two terms that are often confused when it comes to gold. Karat is a measure of the purity of gold, while carat is a measure of the weight of gemstones. Pure gold is too soft to be used for jewellery, so it is alloyed with other metals to make it stronger and more durable. The purity of gold is measured in karats, with 24 karats being pure gold. Gold alloys can have different colours and properties, and are often used for jewellery making.
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