Gold is probably the most popular and coveted precious metal to date. It has been this way for centuries for a multitude of reasons. Gold is beautiful, comfortable, flexible, and above all, stylish! From sturdy 10-karat gold to soft 24-karat gold there are a variety of different alloys to choose from to fit your individual jewelry buying needs. Here you will unlock the necessary information to decipher between 10K, 14K, 18K, and finally 24K gold. Read on to find out exactly what makes each variant special.
What quantifies Gold Purity?
Gold purity is determined by the amount of pure gold present in a piece of gold jewelry, often mixed with other metals to enhance durability and enhance its color. The purity is usually measured in karats (K), with 24K being pure gold. We get the number 24 from medieval coins when they were called a “mark” which weighed 24 carats. Carats were a common measuring tool for gemstones and other smaller oddities at the time and the linguistic stuck over the years. Now, we use “karats” to divide gold alloys into 24 equal parts, with the purest gold reaching 99.9% purity. With this in mind, it's easy to visualize different karats as different levels of purity. The closer you are to 24, the fewer alternative metals are added to the alloy, and the purer the material gets.
Why Do We Have Different Karats?
Different karats exist because pure gold (24K) is extremely soft and can be easily warped or even scratched. To improve its strength and durability, gold is often mixed with other metals such as copper, silver, or zinc to make them wearable. This results in numerous gold alloys, each with unique properties fit for different jewelry needs. See each karat variation below:
Gold Karat Comparison
10K Gold: Contains 41.7% pure gold. It is the most durable and affordable option but has a paler color than higher-karat golds. However, this does give it some unique properties you can't get otherwise.
- Strengths: It's the toughest gold variant among the options, as it has a greater percentage of alloys that strengthen the gold jewelry. This alloy of gold is less malleable and thus less prone to warping with constant everyday use.
- Weaknesses: It has a lighter gold color than the higher karat gold variants, which may take away from the gold's vibrancy and richness. Additionally, some people with sensitive skin are more likely to have an allergic reaction to metals with a higher alloy content, such as 10K gold.
14K Gold: Contains 58.3% pure gold. It strikes a good balance between purity and durability, making it a popular choice for everyday jewelry.
- Strengths: With a bit more pure gold in its alloy, 14K gold offers the best of both worlds. You get added durability from the extra metals and a richer color that is highly coveted. This is why 14K gold is often mentioned, especially in the context of diamond rings. It is a very popular and common choice in the jewelry world, making it perfect for wedding or engagement rings.
- Weaknesses: Similar to 10K gold, 14K gold tends to cause allergic reactions on some skin.
18K Gold: Contains 75% pure gold. It offers a richer gold color and higher purity, though it is softer than 14K gold.
- Strengths: It's one of the most gorgeous variants among the gold karat options. It has an amazing shine and a fairly saturated color that will draw many eyes. Its high purity makes it suitable for necklaces and a great hypoallergenic option.
- Weaknesses: As a softer gold alloy, it's more prone to scratching and warping, especially if worn daily as a ring. While you can wear 18K gold for an engagement or wedding, it may require frequent polishing and cleaning to maintain its appearance. It depends on what your budget and expectations are for the ring.
24K Gold: Contains 99.9% pure gold. It is the purest form of gold!
- Strengths: Have you had the chance to see 24 Karat Gold in person? It's a masterpiece of Mother Nature, practically untouched by human change or enhancement. 24-karat gold is also extremely valuable and will hold that worth for generations. Additionally, It shouts luxury and is great for family heirlooms.
- Weaknesses: Despite its beauty and allure, 24-karat gold is very soft and malleable. It scratches easily and can even change shape after constant wear. While this may not bother some people, it's important to weigh these disadvantages when considering 24k gold.
Now that you know the differences between 10K, 14K, 18K, and 24K Gold, you can make an informed decision on which gold purity is best for you. There are many different ways that gold rings and gold jewelry can be customized; choosing your purity is just the first step in finding your dream gold setting.
Choose your gold Hues!
There exist excellent variations of gold that come in fantastic hues and various saturations. The three main gold variants are Yellow, White, and Rose Gold. While there are other gold options available, they are highly experimental, and we do not offer those on our website, such as green gold. Green gold is not a myth! I would recommend you give it a quick Google search. Anyway, here are each of the main gold hues and what they have to offer."
Rose Gold: Mixing copper into the gold alloy gives it this lovely rosy pink color that you know and love. It's fascinating how adding such an everyday metal to precious gold can make it so vibrant and dainty. If you're looking for a ring that has that extra touch of feminine air, then rose gold is the perfect option. Like yellow gold, it comes in various karat weights which change the color in different ways. For example, 10k gold looks more pink. Also, if you're looking for 24-karat rose gold, you will find your investigation quickly cut short as adding copper to 99.9 percent pure gold doesn't change its color. Sorry to disappoint!
Yellow Gold: The most popular and well-known variety of gold is the classic yellow gold. This type of gold features a lovely golden-yellow hue that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also evokes a sense of nostalgia for many. Its rich, warm color has been cherished for centuries, making it a timeless choice for jewelry and accessories.
Yellow gold is comfortable to wear, thanks to its malleability and hypoallergenic properties, making it a practical option for everyday use. It complements a wide range of skin tones and styles, adding a touch of elegance to any attire. If you're seeking a more traditional and everyday option, yellow gold is undoubtedly for you.
White Gold: Clean and posh, white gold is a prime example of luxury. By adding a little silver or palladium into the gold alloy, you get this rich white/silver color to the gold, making it classy and sophisticated. If you want something that will be easier to style into your outfits, then white gold is a great choice.
One notable thing about white gold is that you can enhance its vibrancy even more by adding rhodium plating. Rhodium tends to make white gold richer and brighter and is a great way to add an extra level of protection, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Stay Gold!
At Dunkin's Diamonds, we provide all of the previously mentioned gold varieties at different purity levels. This way, you will never be without your favorite gold jewelry. If you are interested in any of the fascinating and priceless gold options mentioned, don't hesitate to shop around and find one for yourself! Hopefully, this short precious gold guide will help you pick the best engagement ring or gift out there. Good luck shopping and stay golden!