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Gold purity matters. Discover 18K, 14K, and 10K differences, hallmarks, and color variations with AURÉV’s expert guide to quality, sustainable jewelry.
by Stephanie Kim ・ 03 Sep 2023 ・5 min read
Not all gold is created equal. Understanding the purity and color of gold is essential for making informed purchasing decisions. At AURÉV, we're dedicated to providing you with the knowledge you need to choose the perfect piece of gold jewelry.
Let's delve into the intricacies of gold purity and color to help you find your ideal investment piece.
Karat (K) measures gold purity, indicating the ratio of pure gold to other metals in an alloy. Higher karat gold, like 18K, has a richer color, greater softness, and superior value, while lower karats are harder but contain more base metals. Understanding karat helps you choose jewelry that balances beauty, durability, and long-term worth.
24K, or 24 karat gold, symbolizes the pinnacle of purity, with each of its 24 parts being pure gold, surpassing 99.5% purity, emanating a distinct bright yellow hue.
This unmatched purity, however, comes with trade-offs as pure gold is extremely malleable, making it unsuitable for jewelry. Despite its softness due to the absence of alloy metals, 24k gold holds a higher price tag and finds prevalence in coins and bars.
18K gold, or 18 karat gold, strikes a harmonious balance with 75% pure gold and 25% alloy metals. This meticulous blend creates a lustrous, vibrant gold hue, marrying purity with enhanced durability.
Recognized for its versatility, 18k gold stands as a preferred choice for various jewelry styles. At AURÉV, our commitment extends to ensuring 18k gold is free from nickel and brass, enhancing both its hypoallergenic properties and overall quality.
14K gold contains 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% alloy metals, offering a practical balance of durability and color. Its subtly paler tone makes it versatile for everyday jewelry, while its lower pure gold content makes it a more affordable option compared to higher karats like 18K.
10K gold, or 10 karat gold features 41.7% pure gold and 58.3% alloy metals, offering slightly more color than 9K gold. While affordable, it remains prone to tarnishing and wear, and the higher proportion of base metals can trigger skin sensitivities.
9K gold contains 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% alloy metals, giving it a noticeably paler tone. Its lower gold content makes it more susceptible to tarnishing, less durable, and more likely to cause skin irritation, making it a less suitable choice for long-lasting jewelry.
Explore Curated Gold Selections
Selecting the ideal karat depends on your color preference, budget, and desired durability.
When choosing jewelry, it’s important to understand gold purity and how it’s measured. For a detailed breakdown, see our How to Check Gold Purity: A Complete Guide for Buyers
If you’re also comparing solid gold to other gold types, our blog Gold Plated vs. Gold Filled vs. Vermeil vs. Solid Gold: Which Jewelry Is Best? offers a simple breakdown of how each option differs in longevity, value, and wearability.
Understanding gold purity is only the first step. Evaluating a jewelry brand’s commitment to material integrity and transparency, as well as understanding the value of gold and silver, is equally important—a topic explored further in Gold & Silver Value Guide: The Economics Behind Precious Metal Jewelry. At AURÉV, these principles guide every piece, from our 18K solid gold to premium sterling silver designs crafted to last.
