You’ve probably come across the term "Karat" in every jewelry store you’ve visited, but what does it actually mean?
Don’t worry—we’re here to break it down in an easy-to-understand way!
A gold "Karat" is a unit that indicates how much pure gold is in an alloy, which is a mixture of metals like stainless steel or sterling silver.
Pure gold is marked as 24K, the highest karat value, meaning it’s 100% pure gold. However, pure gold is too soft for jewelry, so it’s often mixed with other metals—such as copper, silver, zinc, nickel, or palladium—to make it stronger and more suitable for various designs and colors.
In simple terms, the lower the karat number, the less pure gold is in the mix. Here’s a breakdown:
- 18K Gold: 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals (like silver, copper, and zinc), which means it has a purity of 75%.
- 14K Gold: 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals, giving it a purity of 58.3%.
- 10K Gold: 10 parts gold and 14 parts other metals, resulting in a purity of 41.7%.
You’ve probably come across the term "Karat" in every jewelry store you’ve visited, but what does it actually mean?
Don’t worry—we’re here to break it down in an easy-to-understand way!
A gold "Karat" is a unit that indicates how much pure gold is in an alloy, which is a mixture of metals like stainless steel or sterling silver.
Pure gold is marked as 24K, the highest karat value, meaning it’s 100% pure gold. However, pure gold is too soft for jewelry, so it’s often mixed with other metals—such as copper, silver, zinc, nickel, or palladium—to make it stronger and more suitable for various designs and colors.
In simple terms, the lower the karat number, the less pure gold is in the mix. Here’s a breakdown:
- 18K Gold: 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals (like silver, copper, and zinc), which means it has a purity of 75%.
- 14K Gold: 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals, giving it a purity of 58.3%.
- 10K Gold: 10 parts gold and 14 parts other metals, resulting in a purity of 41.7%.
Here’s the deal: the higher the karat of your gold jewelry, the more yellow it will appear. On the other hand, the lower the karat, the more likely it will have a white or rose hue.
- 24K Gold: This is the purest form of gold, with an intense, bright yellow color that’s unmatched by any other gold. However, it’s also quite soft and prone to scratches and dents, which makes it less ideal for daily wear or jewelry that faces constant wear and tear.
- 18K Gold: With a warm yellow color, 18K gold is slightly less intense than 24K but still retains that classic gold look. It offers a good balance of strength and purity, making it perfect for everyday wear. It's more resistant to scratches and wear than 24K gold, yet still soft enough for intricate designs. This karat is often chosen for engagement rings and wedding bands.
- 14K Gold: This has a more moderate yellow color, which can vary depending on the amount of other metals mixed in. If it has a higher silver content, it may have a whiter hue, while more copper gives it a rosy tint. It's the most popular choice for jewelry in the US, striking a perfect balance between quality, durability, and affordability. Ideal for daily wear, 14K gold is a great choice for most types of jewelry.
- 10K Gold: With a pale yellow color, 10K gold also varies depending on its alloy mix. It’s the most affordable option and offers excellent durability. However, because of the metals used in the alloy, it might cause allergic reactions in some people, so it's something to keep in mind if you have sensitive skin.
Here’s the deal: the higher the karat of your gold jewelry, the more yellow it will appear. On the other hand, the lower the karat, the more likely it will have a white or rose hue.
- 24K Gold: This is the purest form of gold, with an intense, bright yellow color that’s unmatched by any other gold. However, it’s also quite soft and prone to scratches and dents, which makes it less ideal for daily wear or jewelry that faces constant wear and tear.
- 18K Gold: With a warm yellow color, 18K gold is slightly less intense than 24K but still retains that classic gold look. It offers a good balance of strength and purity, making it perfect for everyday wear. It's more resistant to scratches and wear than 24K gold, yet still soft enough for intricate designs. This karat is often chosen for engagement rings and wedding bands.
- 14K Gold: This has a more moderate yellow color, which can vary depending on the amount of other metals mixed in. If it has a higher silver content, it may have a whiter hue, while more copper gives it a rosy tint. It's the most popular choice for jewelry in the US, striking a perfect balance between quality, durability, and affordability. Ideal for daily wear, 14K gold is a great choice for most types of jewelry.
- 10K Gold: With a pale yellow color, 10K gold also varies depending on its alloy mix. It’s the most affordable option and offers excellent durability. However, because of the metals used in the alloy, it might cause allergic reactions in some people, so it's something to keep in mind if you have sensitive skin.
Important Notes:
Currently, Celeste primarily offers 14k and 18k PVD processed gold. We recognize that our customers have diverse tastes and preferences, which is why we’re always open to expanding our collection. In the future, we may introduce other types of gold, such as 10k, 22k, or even 24k. If you have a specific request, we’ll do our best to accommodate it and find the perfect piece for you, provided the right conditions are in place.
Wondering whether 14K or 18K gold is the right fit for you?
Both options have their pros and cons, so it really comes down to what matters most to you...
But we’re not your average jeweler. Here’s the good news: both our 14K and 18K gold are PVD processed, which means they’re waterproof and hypoallergenic. Thanks to this process, concerns about durability, fading, or potential allergens are no longer an issue.
That said, there are still a few things to consider when making your choice:
- 14K Gold: If you’re after something strong, budget-friendly, and with a subtle yet beautiful gold shimmer, 14K might be your best option.
- 18K Gold: If you’re leaning toward something more luxurious and elegant with a rich, vivid yellow hue, 18K gold, which contains more pure gold, could be the perfect match.
No matter which you choose, rest assured that you’re investing in a timeless piece of jewelry that will always maintain its beauty.
Wondering whether 14K or 18K gold is the right fit for you?
Both options have their pros and cons, so it really comes down to what matters most to you...
But we’re not your average jeweler. Here’s the good news: both our 14K and 18K gold are PVD processed, which means they’re waterproof and hypoallergenic. Thanks to this process, concerns about durability, fading, or potential allergens are no longer an issue.
That said, there are still a few things to consider when making your choice:
- 14K Gold: If you’re after something strong, budget-friendly, and with a subtle yet beautiful gold shimmer, 14K might be your best option.
- 18K Gold: If you’re leaning toward something more luxurious and elegant with a rich, vivid yellow hue, 18K gold, which contains more pure gold, could be the perfect match.
No matter which you choose, rest assured that you’re investing in a timeless piece of jewelry that will always maintain its beauty.