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

You already know I love gold, right? Now, I'm 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. That said, there can still be a fair amount of variation in color within the same karat depending on the exact metals used in the alloy. 

Now let’s dive a little deeper into the differences between some of the most popular karats…

24 Karats
24k is the purest form of gold that you can buy. But, as we said before, it's super soft and malleable. In its natural state, it's not ideal for everyday wear, which is why it's often mixed with other metals to increase its durability.

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

14 Karats
Our absolute favorite and one of the most popular options, 14k is made up of 58% gold and 42% alloyed metals. You’ll get an extra layer of sturdiness without compromising its beautiful gold hue. Compared to higher karats, 14k gold has a slightly softer, rosier tone without being pink like rose gold.

This karat level is often chosen for engagement rings and other pieces meant to be loved for many years.  Since our jewelry is made for daily wear, I exclusively use 14k gold.

10 Karats
If durability and budget-friendliness are most important to you, 10k gold is a good option. It contains 42% gold, making it more 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. 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!

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