Gold has long been cherished, whether as an investment or as jewellery. Its durability, resistance to tarnish, and hypoallergenic properties make it a timeless favourite across generations. Moreover, gold remains a valuable asset, with its price steadily increasing, making it a wise purchase regardless of its purity level.
If you’ve ever wondered what the different gold karats mean and how they affect jewellery quality and value, here’s a breakdown:
What Are Karats in Gold?
The purity of gold is measured in karats (K), with higher karats indicating a greater percentage of gold in the alloy. While pure gold is highly valuable, it is often mixed with other metals to enhance its strength and durability for everyday use.
24K gold is the purest form – 100% pure gold, containing no other metals. However, its softness makes it impractical for most jewellery, as it is prone to bending and scratching. Instead, 24K gold is commonly used for gold leafing, gilding, or investment purposes such as coins and bars. Due to its high purity, it is also the most expensive.
Then there is 22K with 91.7% pure gold. This is a preferred choice for jewellery, especially in traditional designs. While it retains a high gold content, it is alloyed with small amounts of other metals like copper or silver to improve durability. This karat is often used for plain gold jewellery such as earrings and pendants, offering both purity and strength for everyday wear.
Comprising 75% gold and 25% other metals, 18K gold is widely used in fine jewellery. It is strong enough to hold gemstones like diamonds while still retaining a rich gold appearance. This karat is a popular choice for rings, necklaces, and luxury jewellery, offering a balance between purity and durability.
With 58.3%, 14K gold is an excellent option for those seeking a balance of strength, affordability, and elegance. With a slightly paler yellow hue, it is often used in white and rose gold jewellery. It is highly durable, making it ideal for daily wear. Many modern, minimalist jewellery designs, particularly those favoured by younger generations, are crafted from 14K gold.
Lastly, the 10K gold! With 41.7%, it is the lowest purity commonly used in jewellery, making it the most affordable. It is highly durable and resistant to tarnishing, though it has a less vibrant gold appearance compared to higher karats. Its strength makes it suitable for everyday wear, especially in rings and bracelets. Additionally, its hypoallergenic properties make it a good choice for those with sensitive skin.
Which Gold Karat Should You Choose?
While 18K gold and above are traditionally considered premium choices, 14K gold has gained popularity for its modern aesthetic, affordability, and durability. Minimalist and lightweight 14K gold pieces are particularly favoured by millennials and Gen Z.
No matter the karat you choose, always ensure you purchase hallmarked gold from a reputable jeweller to guarantee authenticity and value for money. Whether for investment or personal adornment, buying gold is a significant decision—so make it wisely.
