Understanding Karat and Purity
What Does “Karat” Mean?
When choosing a piece of gold jewellery, you may have noticed markings such as 10K, 14K, 18K or 24K. These numbers refer to the purity of the gold. Gold purity is measured out of 24 parts:
-
10K = 10 parts gold out of 24
-
14K = 14 parts gold out of 24
-
18K = 18 parts gold out of 24
-
24K = 24 parts gold out of 24
The remaining metal is made up of other alloys, such as silver, copper, zinc or palladium. These metals are added to give jewellery greater strength, durability and different colours.
10K
41.7% Pure Gold
10K gold contains approximately 41.7% pure gold, with the remainder made up of other metals.
Because it contains a higher percentage of alloy metals, 10K gold is generally harder and more durable than higher-karat gold.
Why Choose 10K?
Durable: A great choice for jewellery that receives everyday wear.
Affordable: Because it contains less pure gold, 10K is generally the most economical of the common gold options.
Great for everyday jewellery: Its durability makes it well suited for rings, bracelets and other pieces that are worn regularly.
14k
58.3% Pure Gold
14K gold contains approximately 58.3% pure gold.
It offers a balance between gold purity, durability and price, making it one of the most popular choices for jewellery.
Why Choose 14K?
A great balance: 14K sits between the durability of 10K and the higher gold content of 18K.
Durable: It is well suited for everyday wear.
Classic appearance: 14K gold provides a beautiful gold colour without being as soft as higher-karat gold.
Versatile: It works well for engagement rings, wedding bands, earrings, necklaces and custom jewellery.
18k
75% Pure Gold
18K gold contains 75% pure gold, with the remaining 25% made up of alloy metals.
With its higher gold content, 18K has a richer gold appearance and contains considerably more precious metal than 10K or 14K.
Why Choose 18K?
Higher gold content: 18K contains significantly more pure gold.
Rich colour: Especially in yellow gold, 18K can have a noticeably warmer and richer appearance.
Luxury feel: Its higher gold content makes it a popular choice for fine and higher-end jewellery.
Beautiful for special pieces: 18K is an excellent option when gold purity and appearance are priorities.
Because gold is naturally soft, 18K is generally softer than 14K and 10K. For pieces that receive heavy everyday wear, the design and construction of the jewellery are also important considerations.
24k
Approximately 99.9% Pure Gold
24K is considered nearly pure gold. It contains approximately 99.9% gold.
While 24K has the highest gold content, pure gold is also very soft and malleable.
For this reason, 24K gold is generally not the first choice for jewellery that receives significant everyday wear, particularly rings that can be exposed to knocks, scratches and bending.
Why Choose 24K?
Highest purity: 24K contains virtually all gold.
Rich yellow colour: Pure gold has a distinctive, intense yellow colour.
Highly valuable: It contains the greatest amount of gold by weight.
Commonly used for: Gold bullion, investment products and certain traditional jewellery styles.
Does Higher Karat Mean Better Gold?
A higher karat means a higher percentage of pure gold, but that does not automatically make it the best choice for every piece of jewellery. For example, 24K gold contains much more gold than 14K, but its softness makes it less practical for many everyday jewellery designs. The right choice depends on how the piece will be worn, the design, your preferred colour and how much gold content you want.
Think of it this way:
10K: Maximum durability and affordability
14K: Excellent balance of durability, gold content and price
18K: Higher gold content and richer colour
24K: Maximum gold purity, but very soft
What About Yellow, White & Rose Gold?
Karat tells you how much gold is in the jewellery. The colour comes from the other metals mixed into the gold.
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold maintains the natural warm appearance of gold. Different alloy combinations can create different shades of yellow.
White Gold
White gold is created by mixing gold with other metals that make the alloy appear white. White gold jewellery is also commonly finished with rhodium plating to give it a bright, white appearance.
Rose Gold
Rose gold gets its warm pink or reddish colour primarily from a higher proportion of copper in the alloy.
The same karat can therefore look different depending on its colour and alloy composition.
What Do the Numbers Stamped Inside My Jewellery Mean?
You may see markings such as:
10K / 417
Approximately 41.7% gold
14K / 585
Approximately 58.5% gold
18K / 750
75% gold
24K / 999 or 999.9
Approximately 99.9% gold
These numbers are another way of expressing gold purity using parts per thousand. Canadian regulations recognize specific quality marks for gold jewellery.