What exactly is a karat of gold, what do the different numbers mean, and which gold option is best for you?
When deciding on your metal choice, it may initially seem like a choice between colors—yellow, white, or rose gold. However, if you’re opting for gold jewelry, you'll also need to choose between 10k, 14k, and 18k gold.
Each gold karat affects the appearance, durability, and overall feel of your ring. Additionally, the karat will significantly impact your spending and budget allocation.
Let’s dive into what you need to know to choose the right gold for your engagement ring, wedding band, or right-hand ring.
The noble metal
Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au (from the Latin "aurum") and atomic number 79. Renowned for its radiant yellow color, gold is celebrated for its softness, malleability, and durability, earning it the nickname "the noble metal." Its rarity and timeless beauty have solidified its status as one of the most valued materials in human history. For centuries, gold has been treasured as currency, adornment, and art. Today, it continues to shine in the jewelry and investment markets while also finding modern applications in electronics and dentistry.
Gold's impressive resistance to corrosion and tarnish, combined with its inherent scarcity, reinforces its reputation as a symbol of wealth and prestige. As a relatively unreactive metal, gold does not corrode easily, which contributes to its desirability in fine jewelry.
Gold is found on every continent except Antarctica, typically embedded in minerals such as granite and quartz. Although trace amounts exist in the ocean, the difficulty of extraction keeps this vast reservoir largely untapped.
Due to its softness, pure gold isn't practical for everyday wear. To enhance its strength and durability, gold is blended with other metals to form alloys. These combinations also determine the color of gold:
- Yellow Gold: Typically alloyed with silver and copper.
- White Gold: Mixed with nickel or palladium for a silvery finish.
- Rose Gold: Enhanced with copper for a warm, pink hue.
Alloys not only increase gold's durability but also create diverse tones, giving each piece of jewelry its distinct character and charm.
Karat?
Karat is a measure of the purity of gold, indicating how much of the metal is pure gold compared to other metals in the alloy. The number before "karat" (k) denotes how many parts out of a total of 24 parts are pure gold. For example, 24k gold means that all 24 parts are gold, making it 100% pure.
Here’s a breakdown of the different gold karats:
- 10k Gold: Contains 10 parts gold and 14 parts alloy metals, resulting in 41.6% pure gold.
- 14k Gold: Comprises 14 parts gold and 10 parts alloy metals, yielding 58.3% pure gold.
- 18k Gold: Contains 18 parts gold and 6 parts alloy metals, offering 75% pure gold.
The most noticeable difference among these karat options is the color of the gold. Because pure gold is naturally yellow, the higher the karat, the more intense the yellow hue will appear in the metal.
10 K
A Ruby Mardi favorite! ✨
This popular Kink Ring features a vivid green garnet beautifully bezel set in elegant rose gold. Priced at $745, it's a perfect choice for those seeking a unique and stylish addition to their jewelry collection.
14 K
Introducing this beautiful one-of-a-kind Baleal Ring, crafted in 14k yellow gold. This stunning piece features a natural green sapphire, designed by Toronto-based jewelry designer Meg Lizabet. At $1,425, this unique ring is perfect for those looking to make a statement with distinctive jewelry.
18 K
This exquisite Pear Peach Spinel and Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring is handcrafted by Montreal-based jewelry designer Justine Quintal. Priced at $6,100, it showcases a unique blend of colors and a captivating design, making it the perfect choice for a distinctive engagement ring.
A closer look at 10k, 14k & 18k gold: What You Need to Know
18k Gold
Pros:
- Highest purity for practical jewelry use
- Rich, warm golden hue with remarkable depth of color
- Highest value among gold karats
- Lower risk of skin irritations or allergic reactions
Cons:
- More expensive than 10k and 14k gold
- Prone to scratching over time due to its softness
18k gold is one of the purest forms of gold widely used in jewelry, comprising 75% pure gold. It is often associated with the rich, luxurious color people envision when they think of gold jewelry. However, because gold is naturally soft, 18k gold can be susceptible to scratches from daily wear and tear, and it may become distorted if subjected to excessive pressure. Fortunately, its softness makes it easily reworkable; scratches can be polished out, and distorted bands can be reshaped by a jeweler.
Due to its high purity, 18k gold is significantly more expensive than 10k and 14k options. Nonetheless, the benefits of its high purity, including reduced risk of skin sensitivities, make it an excellent choice for those seeking quality and luxury in their jewelry.
14k Gold
Pros:
- Highly durable while retaining a significant amount of pure gold
- Offers great value for quality jewelry
Cons:
- More likely to cause skin irritation for those with sensitive skin
14k gold is the most popular choice for rings and wearable jewelry in North America. It’s an excellent option for individuals who may not have strong preferences regarding gold purity. With its classic gold appearance, 14k gold strikes a balance between richness and subtlety, avoiding the overly yellow tint sometimes seen in 18k gold.
One of the main advantages of 14k gold is its remarkable durability and affordability, making it an ideal choice for engagement rings and wedding bands—pieces that are typically worn every day.
While 14k gold is resistant to scuffs and scratches, it’s worth noting that it may exacerbate skin irritations for those with allergies to metals such as copper, zinc, silver, nickel, or iron.
10k Gold
Pros:
- Extremely hard and durable
- More affordable than higher karat options
Cons:
- Contains more alloyed metals, making it more prone to skin irritations
- Has a pale yellow color that some may find less appealing
10k gold is the least pure and least expensive form of gold widely used in jewelry today. With 41.7% gold content, it is also the most durable option, making it ideal for everyday wear. However, its hardness can make it more challenging to rework if you wish to modify the piece in the future.
Due to its higher alloy content, 10k gold can cause skin irritations or allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to nickel, silver, copper, zinc, or iron. The resulting pale yellow color may also be a consideration for those seeking a richer gold hue.
What type of gold is best for you?
Choosing the best type of gold for your jewelry ultimately depends on your personal criteria and various factors. When selecting gold for an engagement ring or any piece that will be worn daily, consider your career, activity level, aesthetic taste, budget, and skin sensitivity.
14K Gold: Most often, 14k gold strikes the ideal balance of depth of color, strong durability, and reasonable affordability. It is also frequently regarded as the best formulation for rose gold and white gold. The alloy percentage mixed with pure gold creates a warm rose gold when combined with copper, or a crisp, icy white gold when blended with silver or nickel.
While 18k versions of rose gold and white gold contain 75% purity, which may lead to an excess of yellow gold that can detract from the desired color appearance, 14k options resist tarnishing over time. However, white gold will require reapplication of rhodium plating to maintain its bright appearance, while rose gold will retain its shine for a lifetime.
Both 14k white gold and 18k white gold with rhodium plating may initially look similar. If you prefer a rich, golden hue, 18k gold is the way to go. Just remember that this type of gold is softer and more prone to scratches with regular wear during strenuous activities—though a good polish can restore its shine! Additionally, 18k gold is a more expensive option than 14k gold but tends to be more hypoallergenic, which is important if you have skin sensitivity issues.
If you're on a tighter budget, 10k gold remains a durable and long-lasting choice for your jewelry needs. While it is the least pure of the options discussed, its affordability and resistance to wear make it a practical alternative to gold-plated options. If you prefer a yellow hue in your jewelry but want something less rich than 14k or 18k gold, 10k gold offers a subtle, pale yellow color that can still provide an attractive option. Investing in 10k gold ensures you receive a genuine, sturdy piece that can withstand everyday wear without the concerns often associated with plated jewelry.
And what about gold alternatives?
While exploring the world of gold jewelry, it’s important to be aware of the differences between solid gold and alternatives like GOLD-PLATED and GOLD-FILLED pieces.
Gold-plated jewelry typically consists of a base metal coated with a thin layer of gold. This means that over time, the gold layer can wear off, revealing the less desirable metal underneath.
Similarly, gold-filled jewelry has a thicker layer of gold bonded to a base metal, making it more durable than gold-plated options.
However, it still cannot compare to the lasting quality and value of solid gold.
Due to their potential to tarnish and wear down, we do not recommend relying on gold-plated or gold-filled jewelry for your collection. Instead, investing in solid gold pieces ensures longevity and retains their beauty over time, making them a worthwhile addition to any jewelry wardrobe.
You still have a question?
Please get in touch with our team!
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