Gold Karats Explained

What Does "Karat" Mean?

A karat (K or kt) is the unit used to measure the purity of gold. Pure gold is 24 karats, meaning it is 100% gold with no other metals mixed in. However, pure gold is very soft and not ideal for everyday jewelry. That's why it is often alloyed with other metals like silver, copper, or zinc to increase its strength and durability.

Common Karat Types

• 24K Gold: 99.9% pure. Extremely soft, rich yellow color, and not typically used in everyday jewelry due to its delicacy.
• 22K Gold: 91.6% gold. Still quite soft; more common in South Asian jewelry.
• 18K Gold: 75% gold, 25% alloy metals. A good balance between purity and durability. Often used in fine jewelry.
• 14K Gold: 58.3% gold. Very durable and affordable, making it one of the most popular choices in the U.S.
• 10K Gold: 41.7% gold. The minimum karat allowed to be legally called "gold" in the U.S. Very strong and budget-friendly.

Which Karat Should You Choose?

The ideal karat depends on how you plan to wear the jewelry:

• Everyday wear: Choose 14K or 10K for strength and resistance to scratching.
• Special occasions: 18K offers a luxurious look with better purity and shine.
• Collectible or investment pieces: 22K or 24K is preferred, but may require gentle handling.