Inimitable color and shine—as the purest type of gold, 24k gold is also the most yellow. It has a luster and a warmth that cannot be found in lesser-karat jewelry.
When looking for the perfect gift or investment piece of jewelry, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of options. Gold jewelry comes in many shapes, sizes and, most importantly, karats.
The different type of gold you choose also greatly impacts the piece's feel, appearance and durability. At 7879, we always want you to find the right jewelry for you. It’s part of our mission. Beautiful jewelry for beautiful people.
With that in mind, let us guide you through a complete comparison of 10k vs 14k vs 18k vs 24k gold. By the end of this article, you’ll understand each karat type and how that affects the price of your jewelry.
Contents:
- What does the karat difference mean?
- 10K vs. 14K vs. 18K and 24K Gold: at a glance
- 10K Gold
- 14K Gold
- 18K Gold
- 24K Gold
- All in all, what’s the best type of gold jewelry to buy?
- Invest in 24k with 7879 jewelry
What does the karat difference mean?
All gold is categorized using the karat system. A karat count represents the ratio of pure gold to other metals. For instance, pure gold is 24 karat. This means that 24 out of 24 parts of the metal are gold. In contrast, 18 karat gold contains 18 parts gold to 6 parts of another metal.
10K vs. 14K vs. 18K and 24K Gold: at a glance
Naturally, it’s easy to assume that 24k gold is the best of the best. We believe this too, which is why all 7879 gold jewelry is made out of 24k gold. However, we also know that 24k gold isn’t suitable for everything or everyone.
In the following sections, you can discover the best karat gold for each application. This ranges from investment jewelry to costume jewelry, ornaments and more.
10K Gold
10k gold, as our gold karat scale shows, is made up of 41.7% pure gold. The other 58.3% is made of one or more other metals. In terms of karat measurements, it’s 10 out of 24 parts gold.
We’re often asked, is 10k gold real? And the short answer is yes. While 10k is the lowest purity of gold, it can be legally marketed as ‘gold’ in most countries. However, 10k gold is widely used in affordable costume jewelry and is rarely used for fine jewelry.
In appearance, 10k gold is paler than other karats. This is due to the other metals it’s mixed with. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; many people prefer the light-toned look.
If you’re considering buying 10k gold jewelry, check out the pros and cons below.
Advantages of 10k gold
- Inexpensiveness—10k gold is the cheapest type of gold used in jewelry. This is a good choice if you’re on a budget but still want something better than high-street jewelry.
- Durability—As 10k gold jewelry is fortified with other metals, it’s the most durable gold type. This makes it resistant to scratches and scuffs.
Disadvantages of 10k gold
- Pale color—Although some people like the muted shade of 10k gold jewelry, many think it lacks the luster of other karats.
- Likelihood of skin irritation—As 10k gold is mixed with other metals, it’s not suitable for those with metal allergies. If you’re allergic to nickel, zinc, copper or iron, you may break out by wearing 10k gold for an extended period of time.
When to opt for 10k gold
Although, at 7879, we only offer 24k gold jewelry, we also know there’s a time and a place for each karat. We love 10k gold jewelry for costume pieces. These pieces might not always be fashionable, so it’s not worth a more expensive investment.
14K Gold
14k gold is one of the most popular types of gold used for wearable jewelry in Western countries. It’s made up of 58.3% gold and 41.7% alloy.
A high percentage of engagement and wedding rings are made of 14k gold. This is thanks to its durability, affordability, and appearance. It has a classic gold color which looks more expensive than it is.
So is 14k gold good? That depends on your needs and preferences. It’s important to consider the following pros and cons.
Advantages of 14k gold
- Affordability—While 14k gold is still more expensive than 10k gold, affordable 14k gold pieces can be found at almost any jeweler. This makes it accessible too.
- Appearance—As mentioned, 14k gold has a rich appearance which is more yellow than 10k gold. As such, it’s more recognizable as a piece of quality jewelry.
Disadvantages of 14k gold
- Skin irritation - Although 14k gold is over half pure gold, it’s still not ideal for those with severe metal allergies. The metal alloys that help to fortify 14k gold jewelry can cause itchy and uncomfortable reactions if you have very sensitive skin.
When to choose 14k gold
If you’re still wondering whether 14k gold is good, our experts are here to help. Our 7879 jewelry stylists recommend 14k gold for everyday jewelry. There’s a reason many customers choose it for rings or bracelets, as it’s less likely to bend or accumulate marks.
18K Gold
18k gold is the type of gold you’re probably most used to seeing in luxury pieces. Made up of 75% pure gold, it's usually the purest form of gold used for rings, watches and other fine jewelry pieces.
18-karat gold has a beautiful yellow appearance which is synonymous with luxury. Naturally, it’s more expensive than the other karat ratings we’ve mentioned, yet it has unique advantages that make it well worth the price tag.
Advantages of 18k gold
- Pure yet practical—Most jewelers consider 18 karat gold as pure as possible, whilst remaining practical. It retains its luster and is still affordable to buyers on the higher end of the scale.
- Available shades—As 18-karat gold is part alloy, it can be used to create white gold and rose gold. 18k white gold is commonly created from gold mixed with silver and nickel, whilst 18k rose gold is gold mixed with copper.
- Available designs—Most fine jewelers create pieces using 18k gold. You, therefore, have access to a wide range of designs if you choose this karat rating.
Disadvantages of 18k gold
- Softness—Due to its purity, 18k gold can be easily scratched or bent. If you choose 18k gold jewelry, you must be careful to remove it during activities such as sports, cleaning, and cooking.
- Not investment-friendly—Although 18-karat gold is expensive, it’s not the best choice for investment. This is because it’s usually crafted into fashionable styles. For investment jewelry, you want to look for something more timeless.
Should you choose 18-karat gold?
18-karat gold is undoubtedly beautiful and valuable. That said, if you’re in the market for an 18k piece, we’d recommend considering 24k gold instead. Given the price tag of both materials, it may be worth investing in the purer material, which will give you a unique piece and a solid investment.
24k gold
Last but certainly not least, 24k gold is the highest karat gold available. 24k gold is 99.9% pure gold and hasn’t been mixed with any other metals. It’s the most valuable and rarest type of gold you can own.
24k gold jewelry is only offered by specialist jewelers like us, meaning you can count on its provenance, quality, and longevity. This matters whether you simply wish to own a beautiful and unique piece of jewelry or you wish to make a savvy investment.
Consider the following points when purchasing 24k gold:
Advantages of 24k gold
- Investment-grade—Pure gold retains its value like no other type. That means you can invest in 24k gold, whether in jewelry, bullion, or shares.
- Inimitable color and shine—As the purest type of gold, 24k gold is also the most yellow. It has a luster and a warmth that cannot be found in lesser-karat jewelry.
- Very hypoallergenic—24k gold isn’t mixed with other alloys. This makes it perfect for you if you have allergies or sensitive skin. It’s also antibacterial which further reduces your risk of irritation. - Investment opportunities** - Pure gold has consistently increased in price over the years due to its allure and scarcity. As such, you can rest assured your 24k gold jewelry will grow in value.
Disadvantages of 24k gold
- Easily damaged—24k gold is much softer than cheaper alloys. This means it can be easily damaged if not looked after properly. While we consider all our 24-karat gold jewelry suitable for daily wear, we recommend removing it before hands-on activities such as exercise or housework.
- Consider the design—As mentioned, 24k gold is a great investment option. However, overly embellished pieces can actually be worth less in the long run. At 7879, our 24k gold jewelry designs are timeless, sleek, and minimalistic. This means they’ll retain their value and stylishness for years to come.
All in all, what’s the best type of gold jewelry to buy?
When it comes to gold jewelry, the "best" type is a subjective matter that varies from person to person and situation to situation. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are several factors you should consider to make an informed decision. Here's a rundown of some key points to ponder:
- Appearance: The higher the karat, the richer and more yellow the gold will appear. 24k gold has a deep, lustrous yellow, while 10k and 14k golds are lighter and may even have a slightly rosy hue due to the other metals mixed in.
- Affordability: Lower-karat gold like 10k and 14k is generally more affordable than 18k and 24k gold. If you're on a budget but still want the gold look, these might be your go-to options.
- Allergies: If you have sensitive skin or metal allergies, higher-karat gold like 18k or 24k is less likely to cause irritation, as they contain fewer alloy metals.
- Durability: Lower-karat golds are alloyed with stronger metals, making them more durable and scratch-resistant. This could be a factor if you plan to wear the piece daily or during physical activities.
- Investment potential: Higher-karat gold like 24k is purer and therefore holds its value better over time. If you're looking at jewelry as an investment, this could be a significant factor.
- Personal taste: Some people prefer the softer yellow of lower-karat gold, while others love the rich, deep color of 24k gold. Your personal preference should be a major consideration.
- Purpose: Are you buying this piece for a special occasion, or is it an everyday item? Higher-karat golds are often reserved for special pieces like wedding rings, while lower-karat golds are durable enough for everyday wear.
Invest in 24k with 7879 jewelry
Whilst we know that 24k gold may not be the best choice for everyone, if you are considering investing in a quality piece, we’re here for you.
All of our 24k gold jewelry comes with a purity promise and the option to resell or reinvest it later. We’re confident you’ll love your unique 7879 pieces, our transparent pricing, and our beautiful lustrous gold.