Many people may wonder or have heard of terms like 18K, 9K, 20K, 24K when it comes to jewelry, whether it’s necklaces, rings, or earrings. Today, we will take everyone on a journey to get to know these types of gold and understand how they differ. We’ll also explore why wedding rings and various jewelry pieces often choose 18K gold.
What is 18K Gold?
Pure gold is a metal with low hardness and is easily malleable, making it unsuitable for setting gemstones like diamonds or sapphires. When using gold for making jewelry, it is essential to increase its hardness by alloying it with other metals such as silver, copper, or palladium. This alloying process also gives rise to various gold colors like yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold.
18K gold is authentic gold, consisting of 75% pure gold and 25% other metals in the alloy. This ratio is the most commonly favored international standard for creating jewelry. It provides a balance between the beauty and luster of pure gold and the durability needed for everyday wear and gem setting. Therefore, 18K gold is highly popular for crafting jewelry due to its ideal blend of purity and strength, allowing for exquisite designs and gem settings.
18K Gold vs. 9K, 24K, and Other Types of Gold – How They Differ
Some people may have heard the term “K gold” and might associate it with fake gold. However, in reality, the “K” stands for Karat, which is an international unit used to measure the purity of gold. Pure gold is represented as 24K, which means it’s 100% pure. Any gold with a Karat value lower than 24 indicates that it’s alloyed with other metals. Here’s a breakdown of the purity of various gold types:
- 24K Gold = 100% pure gold
- 18K Gold = 75% pure gold
- 14K Gold = 58.3% pure gold
- 10K Gold = 41.6% pure gold
- 9K Gold = 37.5% pure gold
So, when comparing 18K gold to 9K or other Karats, the difference lies in the amount of pure gold contained in the alloy. 18K gold is 75% pure gold, making it more valuable and durable than 9K gold, which is only 37.5% pure. These variations in purity affect the color, strength, and overall quality of the gold used in jewelry.
Which Gold is Best for Making Jewelry?
Some might think that the more gold components in jewelry, the more beautiful, pure, and expensive it is. This is partially true, but choosing 18K gold is a better option. Here’s why:
- 18K Gold: 18K gold is the most popular choice for making jewelry, such as wedding rings, necklaces, and bracelets. It contains 75% pure gold, making it strong, durable, and resistant to tarnish when properly cared for. Its low chance of tarnishing sets it apart from 9K and 14K gold, which have lower levels of pure gold. For example, Rose Cut Diamond with Natural Touch Ring is designed with elegance and uniqueness. It provides a touch of timeless beauty that you can wear every day or on any special occasion.
- 24K Gold: While 24K gold is the purest form of gold, it’s too soft and malleable for most jewelry applications. It is primarily used for investment purposes rather than jewelry making.
- 14K Gold: 14K gold is more affordable than 18K and offers a good balance of strength and purity, making it suitable for those with budget constraints.
- 9K Gold: 9K gold is the least pure among these options, containing only 37.5% pure gold, and is the most affordable. It’s suitable for those looking for budget-friendly jewelry.
When selecting gold for crafting jewelry, it is advisable to opt for 18K gold, as it represents a gold standard renowned for offering a variety of shades that complement multiple styles. We offer a wide range of jewelry pieces, including rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and pendants, all crafted from 18K gold. These pieces come in various designs to cater to different preferences. Additionally, our selection of gemstones, carefully curated to suit your specific taste, enhances the uniqueness of your jewelry.
Moreover, our team of experts is available to assist you in the selection process and to provide personalized services. You can click here to view additional product options and get more information. With 18K gold, our diverse selection of designs, and meticulously chosen gemstones, you can be confident that you’ll find the perfect piece of jewelry that aligns with your style and preferences.
