The difference of of 22K, 18K, 14K, and 10K gold

 

This article introduces the common karat compositions of gold jewelry. Typically, we encounter 22K, 18K, 14K, and 10K gold. Since pure gold is very soft, to make jewelry more suitable for everyday wear, gold is mixed with other metals such as silver, palladium, and platinum to increase its hardness. In this process, depending on the proportion of gold used, it is classified into 24K, 22K, 18K, 14K, 10K, and 9K. Additionally, by incorporating different metal components, gold can be alloyed into various colors like white gold and rose gold. Some manufacturers also develop unique gold alloys like purple gold and green gold.

 

Extended Reading: What is Karat in Gold? Why Pure Gold is Not Suitable for Direct Jewelry Making?

 

22K Gold

Indicates that 22/24 parts of the alloy are pure gold, also marked as 916, meaning it contains 916 thousandths gold.

 

Characteristics of 22K Gold:

22K gold has the highest gold ratio among gold alloys. It retains the bright orange color of gold and is very popular in India. However, due to its high gold content, 22K gold is still very soft and lacks sufficient support, making it unsuitable for designs that involve gemstone settings.

 

18K Gold

Indicates that 18/24 parts of the alloy are pure gold, also marked as 750, meaning it contains 750 thousandths gold.

 

Characteristics of 18K Gold:

Balances high purity and practicality: 18K gold is one of the most common materials used in jewelry and is favored by major international jewelry brands. It has a high gold content, and the addition of 25% alloy increases its overall hardness, making it not only beautiful but also practical. Due to its high gold content, it rarely causes skin allergies.

 

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14K Gold

Indicates that 14/24 parts of the alloy are pure gold, also marked as 585, meaning it contains 585 thousandths gold.

 

Characteristics of 14K Gold:

14K gold has a lower purity than 18K, making it harder and less expensive. Due to its combination of relatively high purity and durability, it is quite popular in the United States.

 

10K Gold

Similarly, 10K gold is marked as 417, indicating that 10/24 parts of the alloy are pure gold.

 

Characteristics of 10K Gold:

Due to its lower gold content, 10K gold is relatively inexpensive and commonly used in affordable jewelry.

 

It is worth noting that since its gold content is less than half that of 24K, the quality of the alloy depends on the type of metals used in its creation. If you are prone to metal allergies, be cautious when choosing 10K gold products, as you may be allergic to some of its components.

 

Extended Reading: What is Karat in Gold? Why Pure Gold is Not Suitable for Direct Jewelry Making?

 

Discover our Gold collection

 

This article introduces the common karat compositions of gold jewelry. Typically, we encounter 22K, 18K, 14K, and 10K gold. Since pure gold is very soft, to make jewelry more suitable for everyday wear, gold is mixed with other metals such as silver, palladium, and platinum to increase its hardness. In this process, depending on the proportion of gold used, it is classified into 24K, 22K, 18K, 14K, 10K, and 9K. Additionally, by incorporating different metal components, gold can be alloyed into various colors like white gold and rose gold. Some manufacturers also develop unique gold alloys like purple gold and green gold.

 

Extended Reading: What is Karat in Gold? Why Pure Gold is Not Suitable for Direct Jewelry Making?

 

22K Gold

Indicates that 22/24 parts of the alloy are pure gold, also marked as 916, meaning it contains 916 thousandths gold.

 

Characteristics of 22K Gold:

22K gold has the highest gold ratio among gold alloys. It retains the bright orange color of gold and is very popular in India. However, due to its high gold content, 22K gold is still very soft and lacks sufficient support, making it unsuitable for designs that involve gemstone settings.

 

18K Gold

Indicates that 18/24 parts of the alloy are pure gold, also marked as 750, meaning it contains 750 thousandths gold.

 

Characteristics of 18K Gold:

Balances high purity and practicality: 18K gold is one of the most common materials used in jewelry and is favored by major international jewelry brands. It has a high gold content, and the addition of 25% alloy increases its overall hardness, making it not only beautiful but also practical. Due to its high gold content, it rarely causes skin allergies.

 

Discover our Gold collection

 

14K Gold

Indicates that 14/24 parts of the alloy are pure gold, also marked as 585, meaning it contains 585 thousandths gold.

 

Characteristics of 14K Gold:

14K gold has a lower purity than 18K, making it harder and less expensive. Due to its combination of relatively high purity and durability, it is quite popular in the United States.

 

10K Gold

Similarly, 10K gold is marked as 417, indicating that 10/24 parts of the alloy are pure gold.

 

Characteristics of 10K Gold:

Due to its lower gold content, 10K gold is relatively inexpensive and commonly used in affordable jewelry.

 

It is worth noting that since its gold content is less than half that of 24K, the quality of the alloy depends on the type of metals used in its creation. If you are prone to metal allergies, be cautious when choosing 10K gold products, as you may be allergic to some of its components.

 

Extended Reading: What is Karat in Gold? Why Pure Gold is Not Suitable for Direct Jewelry Making?

 

Discover our Gold collection