What does Carat mean? And what what does it mean for the quality of my jewellery?
Carat/Karat/CT/K is a unit of measurement used to indicate the purity of gold in jewellery. It refers to the amount of pure gold in a piece of jewellery, which is often mixed with other metals to make it more durable or give it a different color.
The range of Carats typically used in jewellery are as follows:
24 Carat (24ct): This is the purest form of gold, with 99.9% gold content. It is soft and malleable, which makes it unsuitable for jewellery that will be worn daily. It is also the most expensive form of gold.
22 Carat (22ct): This has 91.7% gold content and is often used in high-end jewellery. It is softer and more malleable than 18ct and 14ct gold, making it easier to work with for intricate designs.
18 Carat (18ct): This has 75% gold content and is commonly used in high-quality jewellery. It is less malleable than 22ct and 14ct gold, making it more suitable for jewellery that will be worn every day.
14 Carat (14ct): This has 58.3% gold content and is a popular choice for everyday jewellery. It is more durable than 18ct and 22ct gold, making it less prone to scratches and other damage.
10 Carat (10ct): This has 41.7% gold content and is the minimum carat designation that can be legally called "gold" in the United States. It is the most affordable form of gold, but it is also the least pure and may not hold up as well over time.
In general, the higher the carat designation, the more pure the gold and the more expensive the piece of jewellery will be. However, higher carat gold is also softer and more prone to damage, so there is a trade-off between purity and durability. Ultimately, the choice of karat depends on personal preference, budget, and the intended use of the jewellery.
