How many different gold types are there and how do you distinguish between them? What determines the price of your favorite golden ring? Whether you’re planning to buy new golden jewelry, evaluate the one you already own, or sell some golden items, use this guide to determine if your stunning golden accessories are 10K, 14K, 18K, or 24K gold. 

How to understand the real value of gold?

Get to know the karats, and you’ll know the real worth of every golden item out there! 

But what is a karat? The name ‘karat” came from ancient bazaars. The traders used carob beans to weigh precious metals. Today, the purity of gold determines its value, and it is measured in karats. 

Also, we need to remember that “karat” is not the same as “carat”. A carat is a standard used for measuring precious gems, especially diamonds. 

Instead, karat with abbreviations the “k” or “kt” is the measurement that jewelers all around the world use to describe the purity of their gold jewelry. 

Know these three golden rules and you’ll always know the worth of your gold! 

1. Karat is a measurement of the ratio of gold to other metals (especially alloys).
2. The higher the karat number, the higher the price is. A higher karat number is synonymous with golden purity.
3. Karats are measured on a value from 0 to 24. 

Now you understand why the 24k gold is the most sought and the most expensive type of gold out there. It is the purest gold and therefore has the highest value on the market. 

10K, 14K, 18K and 24K gold

Once we’ve got that covered, let’s dive into the world of 10k, 14k, 18k, and 24k gold. What are the pros and cons, and how to choose the best type of gold for you? Let's start from the beginning. 

10K gold properties

The 10k gold has 41.7% gold and 58.3% of other metals, like silver, nickel, or zinc. As you can see, the percentage of alloys is way higher than the golden one, and that makes the 10k jewelry cheaper, less precious, but at the same time more vulnerable to tarnish. 

It is inexpensive and supremely tough. It can stand so much more than other golden counterparts, so if you’re looking for something extra durable, this is your best choice! 

However, there are also downsides: The 10k gold has a really pale golden color and the high percentage of alloys and other metals can cause allergies and skin irritations, so it’s not suitable for the ones who have sensitive skin. 

14K gold properties

14K gold contains 58.3% gold plus 41.7% alloying material. It has that beautiful golden luster, but it’s still more saturated than the 18k or 24k gold. It is durable and solid, and pretty affordable compared to the higher-karat gold types. That’s why it is one of the most popular golden wedding rings picks among newlyweds in the USA: it has that beautiful golden rich color, and it’s durable and reasonably priced.

18K gold properties

Moving into the higher echelons of class, purity, and beauty: meet the stunning 18K gold! This one is 75% gold and 25% alloy. Its beautiful, golden-yellow shine makes it a favorite choice for engagement and wedding rings worldwide. It is also used for rings, necklaces, and all types of jewelry because of its high luster and high purity. The allergic reactions with this option are minimal, and if you’re looking for something pure and worthy, go for the 18K.

Have in mind that the 18K type of gold jewelry is less durable compared with 14K. 

And also, if you’re budget-conscious, bear in mind that 18K will be more pricey than 14K.

24K gold properties

Finally, meet the Queen: majestic 24K gold! If you’re looking for purity and everlasting worth, this is your ultimate goal - the Holy Grail. If you want to invest in gold, or you want to purchase a piece that will be passed as a family heirloom for generations, the 24K gold is your option. It also has the highest resale value on the market. 

But there are some significant disadvantages to it: it is too malleable, too expensive and it’s almost impossible to find as it is usually not used in jewelry making because it is so easily bendable. 

If you’re looking for something durable and practical, which can endure the ups and downs of everyday life, the 24K is just not an option. Instead, go for 14K or 18K. 

What type of gold is the best for me?

10K, 14K, 18K, or 24K gold? It can be so confusing at a first glance. I want something beautiful and durable for many years to come. I don’t want to make a mistake, what should I do? 

If you’re feeling completely overwhelmed with information, don’t panic! We’ve compiled all the pros and cons discussed previously in a chart, highlighting the most important features of every gold type. 

Take a moment, think and decide what are your primary criteria for choosing your perfect golden jewelry.

• Do you want to have a strong, durable item that you can wear every day? Or do you need a more extravagant luxury piece t you will use only for special events? 
• Do you want to get an item that you can later resale at a much higher price? Or, on the contrary, do you want to pass it down to the next generations? 
• Perhaps you have very sensitive skin and you’re looking for stunning and hypoallergenic golden jewelry? Or maybe it doesn’t bother you at all and you can wear anything, as long as you like how it looks? 

Make a list of your most important requirements and then compare it with this table. Tick the boxes which fit your criteria. The one with the highest tick score is your perfect type of gold jewelry!  

Karat Type	Gold Percentage	Pros	Cons	Type of jewelry	Recommended for
10K	41.7%	Very affordable, extremely durable	Least pure, high chance of allergies, palest golden color	All jewelry types	Active lifestyle, budget-conscious
14K	58.3%	Durable, solid, reasonable price	Requires regular care and maintenance (like all fine jewelry)	All jewelry types, but most engagement and wedding rings also earrings	Excellent choice for newlyweds, reasonable prices. Suitable for everyday use and active lifestyle
18K	75%	Rich golden color, combines beauty with quality	It can be damaged easier than other alloys, ,  less affordable for everyone	All jewelry types, especially necklaces, rings, wedding bands	Perfect for skin-sensitive customers, not for everyday use. Not for the ones with a highly active lifestyle
24K	99.9%	The purest form of gold on the market	Too pricey, is usually considered an investment piece or luxury staple. Extremely malleable, not suitable for everyday use.	Rarely used in regular jewelry. It is usually used to make gold coins, bars, and medical devices.	Special jewelry pieces that are used only on rare occasions. Only for the ones who crave luxury and uniqueness in its purest form

 

Different gold colors: yellow, rose, white, what else?

Apart from different karats, gold comes in a variety of colors. It doesn’t matter if it’s the rich golden shine, romantic rose gold shade, or elegant white gold color – it always remains everlasting, radiant, and beautiful. The various colors only enhance its natural beauty and make us fall in love with this noble metal, the most precious of them all. Yes, we love colored gold! 

Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly used golden colors, and the latest various shades and hues made by modern jewelry enthusiasts who love some golden glamour with a twist! Read the full blog post about gold colors here.

 

We hope you enjoyed this guide on the different gold types!  

So, which type of gold do you like most? Is it the golden 18K shine? Or the eternal elegance of 14K white gold? Regardless of the karats and colors, when it comes to gold types, there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution. You have to choose your favorite piece according to your priorities and needs. 

When it comes to merging class and quality with your active lifestyle and affordability, nothing beats the everlasting 14K gold jewelry, suitable for your everyday needs or more glamorous events. At Eden Garden Jewelry we are fully committed to bringing you exquisitely crafted handmade golden jewelry, which will last a lifetime. 

Come and choose among our vast selection of 14k or 18k engagement rings, designed to make your special day unforgettable! If you really want an original heirloom item, we can design one-of-a-kind rings according to your specifications. All you have to do is send us a message and our skilled designers will do their best to bring your vision into reality. 

At Eden Garden Jewelry we will be flattered to bring your jewelry dreams to come true.