Gold is a beautiful and precious metal often used in jewelry. You’ve probably heard the term “karat” thrown around when discussing gold items, but what does that word really mean?
That’s what we’re here to explain. Karat is a measure of gold purity. 24K gold is considered pure gold, meaning it’s 99.9% gold. Understanding what does karat in gold mean is essential for making informed decisions when buying gold jewelry or investing in gold.
What Does Karat Mean?
The term “karat” with a “K” is used to measure the purity of gold. The karat number tells you the proportion of pure gold versus other metals in a particular piece of jewelry or gold item.
The scale goes from 24K, which indicates the highest level of gold purity, down to 10K, which means the gold is mixed with a significant amount of other metals.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what the various karat values mean:
- 24K gold: 99.9% pure gold
- 18K gold: 75% pure gold (18 parts gold, 6 parts other metals)
- 14K gold: 58.3% pure gold
- 10K gold: 41.7% pure gold
The lower the karat number, the less pure gold the item contains.
Why is gold alloyed?
Gold is alloyed, or combined with other metals, for two main reasons: to make it stronger and to change its color.
Enhancing durability
Pure gold, or 24K gold, is quite soft, so it’s easily scratched or bent. That’s why it’s not really right for most jewelry. When gold is mixed with other metals, it becomes more durable. Gold with lower karat numbers, like 14K or 10K, is actually more durable than gold with higher karat numbers, such as 22K or 18K.
Altering color
Alloying gold with different metals also changes its color. Yellow gold is usually alloyed with silver and copper, while white gold is often alloyed with palladium or nickel and then plated with rhodium. (Rhodium plating can wear off, so you may have to have it replated at some point.) Rose gold has more copper in it than yellow gold does.
Karat and Gold Color Variations
Different metals can be alloyed with gold to create different colors:
- Yellow Gold: This classic color is created with metals like silver and copper.
- White Gold: White metals, such as palladium or nickel, are used to make white gold. It’s often plated with rhodium to make it even brighter. You may need to have rhodium plating reapplied.
- Rose Gold: More copper is added to the gold to create a pink hue.
As the karat value decreases, the color tends to become less intense.
Choosing the right karat for your needs
The right karat of gold for you will depend on how often you plan to wear the piece, as well as your appearance preferences and budget.
Considerations for jewelry type and wear
If you plan to wear the piece every day, you’ll probably want to opt for a lower karat of gold. Lower-karat gold is more durable, so it will stand up to the wear and tear of daily life. For example, if you’re buying an engagement ring, you may want to choose 14K gold.
If you’re buying a necklace or earrings that you’ll only wear occasionally, you can choose a higher karat of gold.
Balancing durability, appearance, and budget
For jewelry you’ll wear daily, 14K and 18K gold offer a good balance of durability and value. If you lead a particularly active lifestyle, 10K gold may be a better choice.
Keep in mind that higher-karat gold is usually more expensive. Buy the highest karat of gold you can afford.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which carat of gold is best?
There’s no single “best” carat of gold, as it depends on your needs and priorities. Higher carat gold, like 24k, is the purest and most valuable but also the softest and most prone to scratching. Lower carat gold, such as 14k or 18k, is more durable due to the presence of other metals, making it better suited for everyday wear, but it’s less pure and less expensive. Consider your lifestyle and how often you’ll wear the piece when making your decision.
What is better, 9k or 24k gold?
Again, “better” depends on the context. 24k gold is purer, more valuable, and has a richer yellow color. It’s a great investment and ideal for items that won’t be worn frequently. However, 9k gold is significantly more durable and affordable. It’s a better choice for jewelry you plan to wear daily, as it’s less likely to scratch, bend, or tarnish. It contains a higher percentage of alloyed metals, which contribute to its strength and affordability. If you are looking for an investment, 24K is a better choice. If you are looking for something you can wear everyday, 9K is a better choice.
Closing Thoughts
Now you know that “karat” tells you how much pure gold is in a piece of jewelry. The higher the karat, the softer and more expensive the gold.
When choosing gold jewelry, think about how you’ll use it and how it will fit into your life. Then consider what karat will work best for your needs and your budget.
By using the information we’ve shared, you can be sure you’re making the best possible choice.