Karats indicate the purity of gold, represented as a number out of 24. The higher this number, the purer the gold. Here’s a detailed explanation of the differences:
24-Karat Gold
- Composition: 99.9% gold
- Features: Very soft and bright yellow
- Uses: Primarily in coins and artistic pieces since it is too soft for everyday jewelry.
22-Karat Gold
- Composition: 91.6% gold and 8.4% other metals (like silver or copper)
- Features: Stronger than pure gold
- Uses: Popular in high-quality jewelry and coins.
18-Karat Gold
- Composition: 75% gold and 25% other metals (like nickel, copper, or silver)
- Features: Balanced between purity and strength with a bright yellow color
- Uses: Commonly used in luxurious and durable jewelry.
14-Karat Gold
- Composition: 58.5% gold and 41.5% other metals
- Features: More durable and resistant with a slightly duller yellow color
- Uses: Suitable for everyday jewelry that undergoes wear and tear.
10-Karat Gold
- Composition: 41.7% gold and 58.3% other metals
- Features: Cheaper and harder with a color less yellow, more influenced by other metals
- Uses: Often used in trendy and more affordable jewelry.