The Basics of Karats – or, What’s in Your Gold?

When we talk about gold in jewelry, karats (often abbreviated as "k") are the key measurement. Karats denote the purity of gold, which is measured in parts per 24. Pure gold, also known as 24 karat gold, is 100% gold. However, gold is rarely used in its pure form for jewelry due to its softness and susceptibility to damage.  
 
 
So How Do We Make Gold Wearable? 
 
To enhance durability and strength, gold is often alloyed with other metals such as copper, silver, nickel, or zinc. The proportion of pure gold in the alloy determines its karat amount. For instance: 
 
24 Karat Gold (24k): This is pure gold at its finest, with 24 out of 24 parts being gold. It's soft and easily malleable, making it unsuitable for everyday jewelry. 
18 Karat Gold (18k): This is 75% gold mixed with 25% other metals. It strikes a balance between purity and durability, making it a popular choice for high-end jewelry. 18k gold has a rich color and retains the value of gold while being more resistant to wear and tear when compared to higher karat amounts. 
14 Karat Gold (14k): Comprised of about 58.3% gold and 41.7% other metals, 14k gold is the most common karat amount used in the United States for jewelry. It offers a good mix of durability and value, making it suitable for everyday wear. 
10 Karat Gold (10k): With 41.7% gold and 58.3% other metals, 10k gold is the minimum karat amount that can be legally marketed and sold as gold jewelry in the United States. It is more affordable and harder than higher karat amounts but has a paler color due to the higher percentage of alloyed metals. 

 

 


Choosing the Right Karat for You 
 
When selecting gold jewelry, consider your lifestyle and preferences: 
Durability vs. Purity: Higher karat gold is purer but softer, while lower karat gold is more durable but less pure. 
Color: Higher karat gold has a richer yellow hue due to its purity, whereas lower karat gold may appear paler. 
Budget: Higher karat gold is more valuable per gram due to its purity, whereas lower karat gold offers a more affordable option without compromising on beauty. 

 
 



Wait, White? Rose? Colors? 
 
White gold emerged in the early 20th century as a popular alternative to traditional yellow gold. It's created by mixing pure gold with white metals such as nickel, palladium, or silver, and then typically plated with rhodium to enhance its whiteness and durability. This gives white gold a silvery appearance that resembles platinum or silver, making it a versatile choice for contemporary jewelry designs and, more popularly today, engagement rings. The karat amount of white gold can vary, but 14k and 18k are most common. When white gold jewelry is made, it is finished with rhodium; with wear, over time the jewelry may show a faint yellowish hue as the metal wears away and shows a touch of the original yellow gold in the composition.  
 
Rose gold, sometimes also known as pink gold or red gold, has gained popularity for its warm, romantic hue. It's created by blending pure gold with a copper alloy, giving it a distinctive pinkish color. The amount of copper used determines the intensity of the red-pink hue, ranging from subtle blush tones to deeper reddish shades. Like white gold, rose gold is available in a variety of karat amounts.  
 
The most important thing is to find what best fits your lifestyle and aesthetic. Here at Studio D. Jewelers, we offer a wide variety of gold options, as it’s certainly not a one-size-fits-all type of situation when it comes to jewelry preferences! Feel free to contact any of our friendly staff members with any questions.  
 
 
 
 
Mateusz Wielomek is Studio D’s Manager of Sales & Clienteling. He is a genuine old-school people person, the savviest dresser we know, and a longtime fan of Liverpool F.C. Stop by Studio D to talk shoes and/or Premier League football with him anytime. He’s also fluent in Polish!  
 
 
Mateusz mówi po polsku.