Educational Guide
Gold Karat Guide
Everything you need to know about gold purity: from 10K to 24K, understand the differences in composition, durability, and beauty.
The Basics
What Does Karat Mean?
Karat (abbreviated as "K" or "kt") is the unit of measurement used to indicate the purity of gold. Pure gold is 24 karats, meaning 24 out of 24 parts are gold. When gold is alloyed with other metals, the karat number decreases proportionally.
For example, 14K gold means 14 out of 24 parts are pure gold, with the remaining 10 parts being other metals such as copper, silver, zinc, or nickel. These alloy metals are added to improve durability, alter colour, and reduce cost.
It is important not to confuse "karat" (gold purity) with "carat" (gemstone weight). While they sound the same, they measure entirely different things.
The Karat Formula
Gold Purity (%) = (Karat / 24) x 100
Compare Side by Side
Gold Karat Comparison
Select a karat to explore its properties in detail, or scroll down to compare them all at once.
10K Gold
41.7% Pure Gold
Purity
417 parts per thousand
Durability
Most durable
Hallmark Stamp
417Best Uses
- Everyday jewellery worn daily
- Active lifestyle jewellery
- Budget-friendly fine jewellery
- Bracelets and chains prone to stress
Common Alloy Metals
Copper, silver, zinc, and sometimes nickel. The higher alloy content gives 10K its superior strength.
Pros
- + Most affordable gold option
- + Extremely scratch-resistant
- + Excellent for daily wear
- + Holds up well over time
Cons
- − Less rich gold colour
- − May cause reactions if nickel-sensitive
- − Lower resale value
14K Gold
58.3% Pure Gold
Our ChoicePurity
585 parts per thousand
Durability
Very durable
Hallmark Stamp
585Best Uses
- Engagement and wedding rings
- Gemstone-set pieces (diamonds, sapphires)
- Everyday fine jewellery
- Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings
Common Alloy Metals
Copper, silver, and zinc in carefully balanced proportions. This creates the ideal balance of beauty, strength, and wearability.
Pros
- + Perfect balance of purity and durability
- + Beautiful warm gold colour
- + Ideal for gemstone settings
- + Great value for money
- + Most popular choice worldwide
Cons
- − Not as yellow as 18K or 24K
- − Contains alloy metals (as does all karat gold except 24K)
18K Gold
75.0% Pure Gold
Purity
750 parts per thousand
Durability
Moderately durable
Hallmark Stamp
750Best Uses
- Luxury jewellery collections
- High-end watches
- Special occasion pieces
- European-style fine jewellery
Common Alloy Metals
Copper and silver in smaller proportions. The higher gold content produces a richer, warmer colour.
Pros
- + Rich, warm gold colour
- + High purity with reasonable durability
- + Less likely to cause allergic reactions
- + Strong resale value
Cons
- − More expensive than 14K
- − Scratches more easily than lower karats
- − Less suitable for pieces under heavy stress
22K Gold
91.7% Pure Gold
Purity
916 parts per thousand
Durability
Soft, bends easily
Hallmark Stamp
916Best Uses
- Traditional Indian and Middle Eastern jewellery
- Ornamental and decorative pieces
- Wedding and ceremonial jewellery
- Coins and medallions
Common Alloy Metals
Small amounts of copper or silver. Just enough alloy to give the gold minimal structural support.
Pros
- + Deeply rich gold colour
- + Very high purity
- + Excellent investment value
- + Hypoallergenic
Cons
- − Very soft, scratches and dents easily
- − Not suitable for gemstone settings
- − Significantly more expensive
24K Gold
99.9% Pure Gold
Purity
999 parts per thousand
Durability
Softest, not for everyday wear
Hallmark Stamp
999Best Uses
- Gold bars and bullion investment
- Collector coins and commemorative pieces
- Electronics and medical devices
- Gold leaf for decorative arts
Common Alloy Metals
None. 24K gold is essentially pure gold with only trace impurities (less than 0.1%).
Pros
- + Purest form of gold
- + Vivid, unmistakable gold colour
- + Highest resale and investment value
- + Completely hypoallergenic
Cons
- − Too soft for most jewellery
- − Bends, dents, and scratches very easily
- − Cannot securely hold gemstones
- − Most expensive option
At a Glance
Complete Comparison Table
| Property | 10K | 14K Our Pick | 18K | 22K | 24K |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Purity | 41.7% | 58.3% | 75.0% | 91.7% | 99.9% |
| Colour | |||||
| Hallmark | 417 | 585 | 750 | 916 | 999 |
| Durability | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Low | Very Low |
| Scratch Resistance | Highest | High | Moderate | Low | Lowest |
| Price Range | $ | $$ | $$$ | $$$$ | $$$$$ |
| Allergy Risk | Moderate | Low | Very Low | Minimal | None |
| Best For | Daily wear, budget | All-purpose jewellery | Luxury, special occasions | Traditional, ceremonial | Investment, collectibles |
Understanding Alloys
Gold Alloys & Colour Variations
Yellow Gold
Classic
The most traditional gold colour. Created by alloying pure gold with silver and copper in balanced proportions. The natural warm yellow hue is what most people picture when they think of gold.
Typical alloy: Gold + Silver + Copper
White Gold
Modern
Created by alloying gold with white metals such as palladium, nickel, or silver. Often plated with rhodium for a bright, silvery finish. A popular choice for engagement rings and modern designs.
Typical alloy: Gold + Palladium + Silver + Zinc
Rose Gold
Romantic
Achieved by using a higher proportion of copper in the alloy. The distinctive pinkish hue has become extremely popular in recent years. The more copper used, the deeper the rose colour.
Typical alloy: Gold + Copper + Silver (trace)
Our Philosophy
Why Frank & Label Uses 14K Gold
After years of testing and customer feedback, we chose 14K gold as our standard because it represents the ideal balance between luxury and practicality. Here is why we believe it is the perfect choice:
Optimal Durability
14K gold withstands daily wear beautifully. Our pieces are designed to be worn every day without worry, maintaining their shape and finish over years of use.
Beautiful Colour
14K gold has a gorgeous warm tone that is noticeably richer than 10K. It provides the classic gold look our customers love without the excessive softness of higher karats.
Exceptional Value
14K gold offers genuine fine jewellery at an accessible price point. Our customers get more gold per dollar compared to 18K, with better longevity and wearability.
Secure Gemstone Settings
The structural integrity of 14K gold makes it ideal for holding precious stones securely. Prong settings in 14K are strong enough to protect diamonds, sapphires, and other gems.
14K Gold by the Numbers
Pure Gold Content
International Hallmark
Most Popular Karat Worldwide
More Durable Than 18K
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
While 14K and lower karat gold will not be damaged by water, we recommend removing your jewellery before swimming in chlorinated pools or hot tubs, as chlorine can weaken gold alloys over time. Showering with soap is generally fine for 10K-18K gold, but avoid prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals.
Pure gold (24K) does not tarnish. However, lower karat gold contains alloy metals that can react with moisture, chemicals, and sweat over time. 10K gold is more prone to tarnishing than 14K or 18K. Regular cleaning and proper storage will keep your gold looking beautiful.
Look for a small hallmark stamp on the piece. Common stamps include 417 (10K), 585 (14K), 750 (18K), 916 (22K), and 999 (24K). The stamp is usually found on the inside of rings, on clasps of necklaces, or on earring posts. A professional jeweller can also test gold purity.
Not necessarily. Higher karat gold is purer and has a richer colour, but it is also softer and more prone to scratching and bending. For everyday jewellery, 14K offers the best combination of beauty, durability, and value. For ceremonial or investment pieces, higher karats may be preferred.
Karat (K) measures gold purity on a scale of 1-24. Carat (ct) measures the weight of gemstones, where one carat equals 200 milligrams. Despite sounding the same, they are completely different measurements used in the jewellery industry.
Pure gold is hypoallergenic. However, lower karat gold contains alloy metals such as nickel, which can cause reactions in sensitive individuals. If you have metal sensitivities, opt for 18K or higher, or choose nickel-free 14K alloys. All Frank & Label pieces are crafted with hypoallergenic alloys.
Ready to Shop?
Explore Our 14K Gold Collection
Every Frank & Label piece is crafted with certified 14K solid gold and hand-selected gemstones. Discover jewellery that is built to be worn and loved every day.