Comparing 24K, 18K, 14K, and 10K Gold

You already know we love gold, right? Now, we’re going to break down gold karats for you and show why we’re particularly obsessed with 14K.

Basics of Karats

First things first: when we talk about karats, we’re discussing how pure gold is. Karats are important because, while we love pure gold, it doesn’t really make great jewelry. This is why it is often mixed (or alloyed) with other metals to provide strength and durability. The higher the karat, the purer the gold, and the brighter the yellow hue will be. Now let’s dive a little deeper into the differences between some of the most popular karats…

24 Karats

24 karats are kind of like the rockstar of jewelry – they're shiny, flashy, and pure gold all the way. But, as we said before, it’s super soft and malleable. In its natural state, it’s definitely not ideal for everyday wear, which is why it's often mixed with other metals to enhance its durability.

18 Karats

You’ll get a little more strength out of 18 karats, which is made up of 75% pure gold and 25% mixed with metals like copper and silver. 18 karat is less expensive than pure gold and has a rich, yellow hue but can still scratch easily because of it's high gold content.  

14 Karats

Our absolute favorite and one of the most popular options, 14 karat is made up of 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% alloyed metals. You’ll get an extra layer of sturdiness without compromising its inherent beauty. This karat level is often chosen for engagement rings and other pieces meant to be cherished for a lifetime. Since we make our jewelry for daily wear, we exclusively use 14 karat gold.

10 Karats

If durability and budget-friendliness are most important to you, 10-karat gold is a good option. It contains 41.7% pure gold and 58.3% alloyed metals, making it beautiful and affordable. While it may lack the richness of higher karats, it retains that unmistakable golden hue.

Jewelry is Personal

Everyone is looking for a little something different in their jewelry depending on their style, budget, and lifestyle, and that applies to deciding between karats too. Whether you're celebrating something special or just treating yourself, we hope this helps when you’re ready to add to your collection!

Do you have questions? We’d love to share more about purity, durability, hue, and more… drop us a question in the comments or send us an email.