When shopping for jewelry, you’ve probably noticed abbreviations like KT and CT on tags or descriptions. Although they are pronounced the same and look similar, they actually describe two different things.
Knowing the difference between KT and CT helps you make smarter jewelry choices when shopping and truly understand the value of your pieces. Let’s take a closer look at the two.
What Does “KT” Mean in Jewelry?
KT stands for karat. Karat measures the purity of gold.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types of gold purity and what it means:
- 10KT = 41.7% gold + 58.3% other metals
- 14KT = 58.3% gold + 41.7% other metals
- 18KT = 75% gold + 25% other metals
- 24KT = 100% pure gold
Higher karat gold has a deeper yellow tone and higher value. However, pure gold (24KT), is too soft and is not recommended to wear daily.
Lower karat gold offers more strength and scratch resistance which makes it perfect for everyday wear. It is blended with other metals such as silver, copper, or nickel, to make it stronger and more durable. But it does result in a lighter yellow hue.
BMT Jewelry Tip: If you love everyday gold jewelry that balances beauty and durability, our 10KT and 14KT gold collections are great options!
What Does “CT” Mean in Jewelry?
CT stands for carat. Carat measures the weight of gemstones—like diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and other precious stones.
One carat equals 0.2 grams (200 milligrams or 0.007 ounces). Small differences in carat weight can have a big impact on the price and appearance of a gemstone. Yet, keep in mind, two stones with the same CT weight can look very different depending on their cut, color, and clarity.
For example:
- A 0.50 CT diamond weighs 0.1 grams
- A 1.00 CT diamond weighs 0.2 grams
Additionally, you may also come across the term carat total weight (CTW) when shopping for pieces. CT (carat) refers to the weight of a single gemstone meanwhile, carat total weight (CTW) is the combined weight of all the gemstones in the jewelry piece. For instance, a ring can have several small diamonds that equal 1CTW but that doesn’t mean each stone is 1 carat—just that their total weight equals 1 carat.
BMT Jewelry Tip: When shopping for our diamond jewelry, consider the 4 Cs—carat, cut, color, and clarity—to have great sparkle and value.
Final Notes
If you ever see a listing that says “14KT gold with a 1CT diamond,” you’ll know exactly what it means. KT refers to the gold’s purity and CT describes the gemstone’s weight. While both are important when evaluating jewelry—but they refer to *different aspects* of a piece.
At BMT Jewelry, we specialize in fine gold, diamond, sterling silver, and stainless steel pieces designed for everyday wear or special occasions. Whether you’re treating yourself or someone else, understanding KT and CT helps you choose jewelry that fits your style and budget.
| Jewelry Term | Definition | Used For | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karat (KT) | Measures gold purity | Gold Jewelry | 10KT Gold Necklace |
| Carat (CT) | Measures gemstone weight | Diamond & Gemstones | 1CT Diamond Ring |