What is "Karat" in gold?

The "carat" in gold is a historical measure of purity that has been maintained over the centuries, especially since in the year 309 AD Emperor Constantine minted the "Solidus", the name of which gave rise to the word used today as "salary" and which was initially a 24-carat (24 Qts) coin in gemstone weight and about 4.5 grams of pure gold. The use of this 24-part standard became a reference, as each carat represented a fraction of pure gold in a piece, which established the "law" of gold or the purity standard. Thus, in goldsmithing, the carat became the unit of gold purity, its abbreviation being the letter “k”, and this comes from the Greek term “Katharótita” which means purity.

What do the purity levels in carats mean? 

After the curious origin of its name, nowadays 24-carat gold still denotes absolute purity, with each carat representing one of those 24 parts of gold. However, there are also lower levels of purity measured in carats: 

	24 carats (24k): It is pure gold, without alloy, and its color is intensely golden. It is softer and, therefore, less resistant to deformation, which makes it more suitable for special jewelry, but not for daily use.
18 carats (18k): Contains 75% gold and 25% other metals, offering a blend of durability and an attractive color. It is ideal for fine jewelry that balances beauty and strength. It is known to contain 18/24 parts pure gold.
	14 quilates (14k): This level contains approximately 58.3% gold and is one of the most popular due to its durability and lower cost. It is ideal for jewelry for frequent use and provides a soft golden tone. It is known that contains 14/24 parts of pure gold.
10 carats (10k): With only 41.7% gold, this alloy is the most durable and affordable, although its color is paler. It is ideal for pieces that require high wear resistance. It is known to contain 10/24 parts pure gold.

The most recent measurement and at the same time, very comfortable

Currently, the purity of gold and other precious metals is also expressed in thousandths, which indicates the amount of pure metal in an alloy out of a total of 1,000 parts. For example, 999-thousandths gold is equivalent to pure gold, while 750-thousandths corresponds to 18-carat gold (75% purity). Although the thousandths system allows for precise understanding, the use of carat remains common and traditional in jewelry.

Importance of the carat in the value of jewelry

Each level of purity has advantages and disadvantages. 24k gold provides a unique color and shine, but it is less durable. On the other hand, lower carats offer strength and adaptability at more affordable prices. Thus, the carat system allows buyers and jewelers to understand and adjust the value, durability, and aesthetics of each piece.

If you want to know its difference with the carat of gems, you can enter this link and if you want to expand the topic of precious gems click here.

Final conclusions

The carat in gold is not only a measure of purity but also a window into the history of jewelry and the evolution of the precious metals trade. From its origin in the Roman Empire to its use in modern thousandths, this measure continues to be a benchmark in the jewelry industry, helping to preserve the value and meaning of each gold piece. At Napoleone Joyas, we choose to maintain the value of gold through the 750 or 18k legal purity, thus guaranteeing its quality and preserving the treasure it represents for posterity.