There is so much to know when shopping for jewelry. The more knowledge you have, the more confident you can be in your purchasing decisions. I truly believe you can’t go wrong when purchasing gold (see my last blog on why I love gold), but there are still many things to consider. Let’s dive a little deeper into something that is very important when discussing gold: purity.
When you’re looking at gold jewelry, you’ll often see things like gold filled, 10K, 14K, 18K, 585, and 750. But what does that all mean?
The Basics of Gold Purity
Gold purity is measured in karats (K), with 24K being pure, 100% gold. However, pure gold is very soft, which makes it less practical for everyday wear. That’s why gold is often mixed with other metals (called alloys) like copper, silver, or zinc that are harder, making the mixture more durable.
- Gold plated or gold filled: A base metal (NOT gold) that has a thin (plated) or thick (filled) layer of gold coating the outside. I never recommend or work with this material since the plating is not very durable and will wear away. Even the thickly plated gold filled jewelry is not very thick, so you’ll eventually have base metal showing which will probably turn green or black.
- 10K Gold: Contains about 41.7% pure gold and 58.3% other metals. It’s the most durable due to its higher alloy content, but the gold color is not as vivid since it isn’t even half gold. I never recommend 10K because I believe you should at least be getting a material that is over half gold if you are paying for gold!
- 14K Gold (aka 585): Contains about 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% other metals. This is the most popular choice for jewelry in the US as it balances durability with a rich gold color. I primarily work with 14k gold.
- 18K Gold (aka 750): Contains about 75% pure gold and 25% other metals. It is softer than 14K or 10K but offers a deeper, more luxurious gold color. It may be considered softer, but it is still durable enough for engagement and wedding rings. It is a wonderful metal to work with!
Choosing the Right Purity
When I’m designing custom pieces, I always consider how and where the jewelry will be worn. For daily wear items, 14K is usually the best balance of beauty and strength. For special occasions or heirloom pieces, 18K is a wonderful choice for its rich color and luxurious feel. 18K is also wonderful for everyday pieces (like engagement rings) for people that don’t work with their hands (or those who remember to take their rings off before working with their hands).
Why It Matters
Understanding gold purity isn’t just about knowing the numbers; it’s about finding the right balance between beauty, durability, and value for your specific needs. Whether you’re choosing a wedding band, pendant, or a pair of earrings, knowing what each karat level offers helps ensure your jewelry will be cherished for years to come.
I’m excited to help you choose the perfect gold purity for your next custom piece. Whether you have a design in mind or need some guidance, I’m here to help bring your vision to life with the ideal blend of beauty and durability. Fill out the custom design inquiry form today to start the conversation with me!