Many of us will buy gold at some point in a jewellery store or the jewellery section of a department store. If you’ve ever bought jewellery, you probably know what the word ‘karat’ means when it comes to gold. The more karats it has, the more it will cost. Have you ever thought about why? The short answer is that more karats mean more gold, but there’s more to it.
What Is Karat?
Karats, which are spelt “carats” outside of North America, are small numbers that look like “xxK” or “xxKT” and are stamped on a piece of gold. The numbers tell you what kind of gold it is and how much of it is in the piece of jewellery.
Here are some more facts about karats:
- Karat is a way to tell how much gold is mixed with other metals or alloys.
- A scale from 0 to 24 is used to measure karats.
- The higher the karat number, the higher the amount of gold and the lower the number of other metals.
- Remember, the purest gold you can buy is 24-karat gold. Some other metals and alloys are copper, silver, nickel (which isn’t used as much as it used to be), and palladium.
Understand the Difference Between Gold Karats
24K Gold
The gold that is 100% pure is called 24 karat gold because it has no traces of any other metals. It is said to be 99.9% pure in the market and has a bright yellow colour. Since it is the purest gold form, it costs more than other types.
But because it is less dense than gold with a lower karatage, it is soft and easy to bend. Because of this, it is not used to make regular jewellery. Most gold coins and bars are made from 24k gold. But 24K gold coins also contain a small amount of alloy to make them last longer. It could also be used in some medical and electronic devices.
22K Gold
22K gold is used to make jewellery. 22K means 22 parts of the metal are gold, and two parts are other metals that make gold harder and more durable.
Only 91.67% of 22K gold is pure. Silver, zinc, nickel, and other alloys make up 8.33%. 22K gold is used to make plain jewellery, not studded pieces. This form of gold is used in weddings and other occasional jewellery. Because diamonds and other precious gemstones are heavy, 22 karat gold can’t hold them securely during daily use.
18K Gold
18 karat gold is 75% pure gold and 25% copper, silver, etc. 18k gold is less expensive than 24K and 22K and ideal for studded and diamond jewellery. This rich yellow gold with a slightly dull shade is perfect for gold and diamond jewellery.
18k gold jewellery can be worn daily, and its lower metal content is better for people with metal allergies. 18-karat gold is used for rings, watches, and other jewellery. Its warm yellow shine is ideal for wedding rings and jewellery.
14K Gold
14 karat gold is 58.3% gold and 41.7% copper, zinc, silver, and nickel. 14 karat gold is cheaper than higher karats. 14K gold is more durable due to its higher alloy content. As it’s harder and more durable, it’s perfect for active daily-wear jewellery. It’s also hypoallergenic.
All prefer 14-karat gold jewellery due to its durability. Lower gold saturation makes 14k gold paler yellow. It’s used for rings and pendants/lockets.
The Best One?
Therefore, which type of gold is ideal for jewellery? There is no “the best type of gold” for any individual. It depends on the jewellery type you desire and the frequency you will wear. When selecting gold for a wedding ring or a chain for everyday wear, it is important to pay attention to your skin’s sensitivity, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences. Additionally, it is essential to shop with a budget in mind. Don’t forget to check the best gold price online at RPS Gold before purchasing any gold item.
