What's The Difference Between Different Gold Types?
Gold comes in different types or purities, which are indicated by karats (K) or fineness.
Jeremy Lupke
Last Update 10 months ago
Here are the main differences between various types of gold:
24K Gold: This is pure gold, with 24 out of 24 parts being gold (99.9% gold). It is the highest purity and is very soft and malleable, making it less suitable for jewelry that needs durability.
18K Gold: This type of gold is 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals (75% gold). It is commonly used in fine jewelry because it combines a good level of purity with increased strength and durability due to the alloyed metals.
14K Gold: This gold is 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals (58.3% gold). It is more durable than higher karat gold and is widely used in jewelry for its balance of durability and gold content.
10K Gold: With 10 parts gold and 14 parts other metals (41.7% gold), this is the lowest karat gold that can be legally labeled and sold as gold jewelry in the United States. It is more durable but has a lower gold content compared to higher karat gold.
Gold Filled and Gold Plated: These are not solid gold but have a layer of gold bonded to a base metal. Gold filled has a thicker layer of gold than gold plated, making it more valuable and durable.
Color Variations: Aside from purity, gold can also come in different colors based on its alloy composition. For example, white gold is mixed with white metals like nickel or palladium, while rose gold has copper added to give it a pinkish hue.
Each type of gold has different properties that affect its appearance, durability, and price. When choosing gold jewelry, consider both the purity level that fits your preferences and the intended use to ensure it meets your needs for both aesthetics and longevity.