There’s a reason so many songs are sung about 24k gold. It is the only gold that is one hundred percent pure. It’s also extremely rare, which is why you may actually never see it in real life. But did you know that just because it’s the purest of all golds, that doesn’t always mean it’s the best? Keep reading as we delve into all types of gold, better known as karats, and see if you can decide if there’s one that comes out on top. 

What Exactly is a Karat? 

In the same way that diamonds are measured by weight in carats, gold is measured in purity by karats. To make it confusing, they can be used interchangeably to describe the weight of a gemstone, but only “karat” is used when it pertains to gold. The word “carat” comes from the ancient Greek for “carob seed”, very small bean-like seeds used to measure small weights and gold coins. The spelling of “carat” with a “k” evolved as a way to distinguish between diamonds and gold. The karat denotes the percentage of gold versus other metals in a piece, which is why karats are related to how pure, and in turn, how soft the metal is.  

24k Gold 

Twenty-four karat gold is considered the purest of all gold because it is twenty-four out of twenty-four parts gold. However, a more precise definition is 999 parts out of 1000, because it is actually impossible to achieve 100% purity in any metal. Because 24k is the purest, it is considered the standard for all other types.  While 24k is the only gold type that does not tarnish, it is actually too soft to be used for jewelry. This is why you often only see pure gold in the form of bars, decorations, or electronics. Because it is the purest of golds, it has a very bright, almost orangey sheen to its golden hue.   

22k & 18k Gold 

If percentages are a better visual for you, then think of 22K being 91.67% pure gold, mixed with other alloys while 18k would be 75% and mixed with other metals. Because these are less pure, they are less expensive; however, they have more durability and that classic honey-golden hue that people are accustomed to when they think of gold jewelry. 18k is the most expensive when it comes to purchasing gold jewelry because it is closet to 24k (22k is almost as rare as 24k). Unfortunately, because it is only mixed with a low amount of other metals, it is not very scratch-resistant. 

14k Gold 

14k gold is the most common type of gold used in jewelry in the US, with a makeup of 58.3% gold and 41.7% alloy. As seen with the 18k gold, these other metals actually help strengthen the gold and make it a great option for all types of jewelry: from rings and bracelets to necklaces and earrings. 14k has an even softer gold appearance, making it easy to wear and pair with. 

12K and 10K Gold 

These are the lowest karats in gold you’ll see, with 12k at 50% and 10k less than that. For that reason, most jewelers won’t carry these, however, it is typical to see them used for costume jewelry. While they have the appearance of fine gold, the yellow tone will the dullest, but they are incredibly durable because the higher content of other metals. 

Which is the Best? 

All in all, there are pros and cons to all karat types. It is best to keep in mind that karats are directly related to the purity of the gold and that a gold’s purity is what affects its color, durability, and whether it’s appropriate for use in fine jewelry. 

Visit our Shreve & Co. location in Palo Alto to explore our selection of gold jewelry!