What Is the Difference Between Carat and Karat?

When you're shopping for lab grown diamonds and gold, you might often see the terms "carat" and "karat" as you read through product listings. In this blog, let's talk about the differences between the two - because even if only one letter sets them apart, they're actually two very different units of measurement!

What's The Difference Between Carat and Karat?

Carat:

Carat is a unit of weight used to measure gemstones, including lab grown diamonds. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams or 0.2 grams. Larger diamonds typically have a higher carat weight, and this factor significantly influences their value. This is typically why a 11 carat total weight lab grown diamond tennis necklace will definitely be more expensive than if you purchase a 5 carat one.

Karat:

On the other hand, karat refers to the purity of gold in jewelry. Pure gold is too soft for everyday wear, so it is often mixed with other metals to enhance durability. The karat scale ranges from 24 karats (pure gold) to 1 karat (one part gold and 23 parts other metals). Common karat values include 10K, 14K, 18K, and 22K, each indicating the proportion of pure gold.

Which Gold is Better for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry, 14K or 18K?

The choice between 14K and 18K gold for lab-grown diamond jewelry is a common dilemma for consumers. So here's the difference between 14K and 18K:

14K Gold is more durable and resistant to scratches and dents, this is because 14K has 58% pure gold and the rest are other metals. The durability is very advantageous for everyday wear, making it a popular choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other frequently worn jewelry.

While 14K gold offers enhanced durability, it may have a slightly less vibrant color compared to higher karat options. However, this difference is often subtle and may not be noticeable to the naked eye. Additionally, 14K gold is more budget-friendly than higher karat options. This is why we recommend that if you purchase lab grown diamond jewelry with a ton of stones, 14K is better because of its durability.

18K gold is a higher karat option, consisting of 75% pure gold and 25% other alloy metals. The increased gold content contributes to a richer and more vibrant color. However, the higher gold content also makes 18K gold softer and more susceptible to scratches and dents.

While 18K gold may require more care to maintain its pristine condition, it offers a distinctive and elegant look that appeals to many. Choosing 18K gold for lab-grown diamond jewelry is often driven by a desire for a higher gold content and a preference for a more traditional and luxurious look.

Is VS1 Clarity Good On A Lab Grown Diamond?

A VS1 (Very Slightly Included 1) clarity grade is considered excellent for lab grown diamonds. This means that there are minimal inclusions visible under 10x magnification, making the diamond appear nearly flawless to the naked eye. Choosing a VS1 clarity lab-grown diamond ensures a beautiful and high-quality stone without breaking the bank. This is precisely why we only sell VS1 clarity lab grown diamond jewelry at Karaters - because you deserve the best!

What Is Best Color For Lab Grown Diamond?

Lab grown diamonds in the D-F color range are considered colorless and are highly valued for their purity. These diamonds exhibit a crisp and bright appearance, making them an best color choice for Lab Grown Diamond. This color range also makes the lab grown diamonds look so similar to natural diamonds. Our selection at Karaters includes F color lab grown diamonds for the maximum brilliance and fire.