Gold Karats Explained: 24K, 21K and 18K
What the karat number means, why pure gold is rarely used for jewelry, and how to choose the karat that fits the way you wear it.
The karat tells you how much pure gold a piece contains, measured in parts out of 24. Gold of 24 karats is practically pure gold. It is bright and soft, which is why it is mostly used for bars and coins rather than for everyday jewelry.
To make jewelry strong enough to wear, gold is mixed with other metals such as copper or silver. In 21K gold, 21 parts out of 24 are pure gold, which is 87.5 percent. In 18K gold, 18 parts out of 24 are pure gold, which is 75 percent. The more alloy a piece contains, the harder it is and the better it keeps its shape, while the colour becomes slightly lighter or warmer depending on the metals used.
How to choose. Many people prefer 21K for traditional pieces such as bangles and wedding sets because of its rich yellow colour. 18K is a popular choice for pieces set with diamonds and stones, because it holds the settings firmly and resists daily wear well. If you wear a piece every day, a slightly lower karat is usually more practical, and if you want a piece mainly to keep as a store of value, a higher karat may suit you better.
Whatever you choose, check that the karat is stamped on the piece and written on the invoice, and ask us if you would like help comparing options. This article is general information.
General information only. Ask us about any piece before you buy.
