CARAT

Carat covers two distinct measures depending on the field of application. For precious Metals, carat (symbol K) expresses the purity of the Alloy: 18-carat Gold (750/1000) contains 750 parts of pure gold for 250 parts of alloy (Copper, Silver, palladium). 24-carat gold is pure gold at 999.9 ‰. In watchmaking, cases and bracelets are generally made of 18-carat gold — a compromise between nobility, durability, and technical feasibility. For gemstones, carat is a unit of Mass: 1 metric carat = 0.2 gram. This unit has been standardized internationally since 1907. In Setting (stone/jewel setting) of dials and bezels, the number of carats of the diamonds used is indicated in the form “X.XX ct total”. Carat should not be confused with the fineness of gold nor with the term “karat” sometimes used in English-speaking countries to designate exclusively the fineness of precious metals.