We never grow tired of gold in any form, as investment or as jewellery. Gold has always been a popular choice for jewellery, and with good reason. It is durable, doesn’t tarnish and is hypoallergenic. Gold also has universal appeal and is popular across generations.
Furthermore, gold is a good investment; the price of gold is constantly rising, meaning that gold jewellery is a wise purchase, irrespective of the karat. And if you want to know what karats are and the difference between 24K, 22K, 18K, 14K & 10K Gold, read on.
When it comes to gold, the purity of the metal is measured in karats. A karat is a unit of measurement that measures the gold’s purity. The gold is considered at its purest when it has higher karats, i.e., the higher the karat, the purer the gold. Here is a breakdown of the different karats and what they mean:
24K gold is 100% pure gold
24K gold is very soft and may be too soft to be used for jewellery, so it is often used for gold leafing or other decorative purposes. Gold leaf is a very thin sheet of gold that is often used for gilding. Gilding covers an object with a thin layer of gold and contains no impurities. It is often used to decorate objects that will be on display or used for special occasions. It is also the most expensive. Since 24K gold doesn’t offer much by way of jewellery, we tend to buy coins like the Radhe-Krishna Gold Coin or even a Plain Gold Coin as an investment.
22K gold is 91.7% pure gold
22K gold is a popular choice for gold jewellery because it is strong enough to be used for everyday wear but still has a high purity level. It is also more affordable than 24K gold. Simple plain gold earrings like the MouKThika 22KT gold earrings or a Kripa 22Kt Gold Pendant are fine examples of gold jewellery made from 22K gold.
18K gold is 75% pure gold
18K gold is also a popular choice for jewellery, although it is not as strong as 22K gold. 18K gold is an alloy that is made up of 75% gold and 25% other metals. The other metals are usually copper and silver. 18 Karat gold is a popular choice for jewellery because it is strong enough to withstand everyday wear and tear but is still soft enough to be moulded into different shapes. You will find nose pins like the Hanita Shine Diamond Nose Pin, and necklaces like the Elle Interlooped Gold Necklace made in 18K yellow gold, strong enough to support diamonds and other gemstones.
14K gold is 58.3% pure gold.
14K gold can be an excellent choice if you want a balance of strength and purity. It is strong enough for everyday wear and pretty popular in jewellery because it is less expensive than pure gold but still has a beautiful yellow colour. You can also find white and rose gold jewellery made from 14K gold. CaratLane’s Infinity Multiwear Gold Bracelet, Knot Gold Ring in rose gold, and the Meher Gold Diamond Stud Earrings in white gold all look delicate but are strong and perfect for daily wear.
10K gold is 41.7% pure gold
10K gold is the least pure gold typically used for jewellery, but it is still popular because it is more affordable than the higher karats. It is a harder metal and does not tarnish as easily as other metals. The proportions of these metals can vary as it depends on the desired properties of the final product, but the gold part is 18K, and the other metals may be silver or copper. This specific alloy is known for its durability, making it a popular choice for use in jewellery. It is also a hypoallergenic metal, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin.
It is generally assumed that only 18K gold jewellery and above are worth buying. However, the truth is you can buy exceptional jewellery made of 14K gold, too. They are minimalistic, lightweight, and stylish to wear throughout the day and to the office. 14K gold jewellery is particularly favoured by the millennials and GenZ because of its contemporary look and style.
Regardless of the gold karat, you are looking for, you will want to buy hallmarked gold from a reputed jeweller, like CaratLane. Be it a gold coin for investment or gold jewellery to wear, it comes down to the money you spend and it is vital to ensure that it is money well spent.
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