Gold comes in many variations, from 8 karat all the way to 24 karat gold. At Hardtwein, we have decided to offer 14 karat gold because it offers the perfect balance between durability, color and price. But what is the difference for example between 8 karat and 18 karat gold and why does gold come in so many categories? Let’s dive into what the characteristics of each gold variance is.

Karat values

The different values in karat represent the amount of gold mixed with alloys. Pure gold is considered too soft for daily wear, which is why it is mixed to various degrees with other metals to make it harder. Metals used are copper, nickel, zinc, silver and palladium. This combination of metals is called an alloy and the gold variations are also called gold grades or gold purity levels. Every country has its own traditions when it comes to gold. Some start as low as 8K whereas others only accept 10K and above.

8K gold (333 gold)

8K gold contains 33,3% pure gold and is sometimes referred to as “European gold” due to its popularity in various European countries like Germany. 8K gold can’t be sold in countries like the US but some jewelers still decide to use it due to its affordability. 

9K gold (375 gold)

Contains 37,5% pure gold and is also found across European countries, especially the UK. Due to the higher percentage of base metals, both 8K and 9K gold are more prone to tarnishing. Nevertheless, it offers great value for money and can last a lifetime. If you have a solid gold piece that has tarnished, simply polish it with a polishing cloth to buff off the oxides.

10K gold (417 gold)

10K gold is made up of 41,7% of pure gold and is the lowest karat considered gold in the US. The high number of alloys make 10K gold very durable but you might notice that the gold color is paler compared to jewelry with higher gold content.

14K gold (585 gold)

In our opinion the golden mean (see what we did there). 14K gold contains 58,8% pure gold meaning more than half of the metal will contain pure gold. It’s the perfect balance between durability, price and value. The gold content is high enough to make it a valuable jewelry piece and still contains enough alloys to ensure durability.

18K gold (750 gold)

Another popular option and offered by many jewelers today. 18K gold contains 75% pure gold which means ¾ of your jewelry contains pure gold and will therefore have a richer yellow color. Due to the higher gold content, it is softer than 14K gold and therefore more prone to scratches but some customers prefer it because of the higher value.

22K gold (917 gold)

Is the popular choice in many Middle Eastern and Asian countries like China and India. It contains 91,7% pure gold and has a deep yellow color but is also the softest option and therefore should only be used for less intricate jewelry pieces.

24K gold (999 gold or pure gold)

Contains 99,9% pure gold and is the highest form of gold. It is very soft and therefore not suitable for daily wear. Instead, it’s a great option for investments or wedding gifts.

Gold Purity Chart