Gold Karats and Measurements

The current market loves white gold and it is truly an amazing sight. Let’s see the karat system to understand their percentage of gold and how much they should cost you.

·     Gold if 100% pure is known as 24K gold but white gold cannot be 24K since gold is mixed with other metal to make it look white. Gold is naturally yellow and if it is not mixed with anything it will remain yellow. Of course you can plate 24K gold jewellery with rhodium or other white metals but it will wear off after some time. Again plating with 24K gold inside is also very uncommon as pure gold is used for cold bars and coins. Therefore, normally there is no white gold jewellery in 24K gold.

·     Normal jewellery normally uses 22K gold and it has 91.6% of pure gold. This is done to increase the strength of gold since pure gold is too malleable for everyday use. It is almost impossible to find white gold jewellery in this karat level also as the other metal ratio is only 8.4%. It is quite absurd right now that 22k gold jewellery can be made white without using plating. In the case it is said the authenticity of the gold needs to be confirmed. There will also be a problem regarding price since 22K gold is sold at day’s rate and white gold will also be sold at the same rate.

·     Gold of 18K is where it is highly possible to add metals and make it white. There are many examples of 18K white gold jewellery and they turn out to be stunning. This is practically and scientifically possible since pure gold is only 75% in 18K gold. This not only helps in changing the colour of gold but also gives strength to the jewellery. Rings and earrings are popular choices in the 18K gold category since they have to bear a small amount of beating. Some people might feel a big weird that their jewellery has only 75% gold, but the other metals give immense value since they add the hardness to your jewellery so that it remains beautiful for generations.

·     Now in the case of 14K gold the gold is only 58.33% and 41.67% is other alloys of metals. Normally 18K and 14K gold are almost similarly priced since though the precious metal is lesser the designs in 14K can be really extravagant. Goldsmiths can work really freely in this variety of gold and that allows them to create complex designs. Setting stones in 14K gold is worriless as the metal is very strong and stone falling off situations are very rare. Intricate designs, complex structures and larger gemstones increase the price of 14K jewellery over 18K jewellery.

·     Another variety of gold is available which is known as 10K gold. This variety of gold has a gold percentage of 41.47% gold and 58.33% of other metals. This is a popular option for people looking for a more affordable white gold jewellery. This variety gold gives the jewellery enough strength to be worn every day.

·     Gold is also available in 9K format where only 37.5% is gold and 62.5% is other metals. This jewellery though available is not very popular however this jewellery will be undoubtedly strong.

The measurements other than 9K are also available but not popular for jewellery making. Here is the rest of the karats, 8K has 33.34% gold, 7K has 29.167% gold, 6K has 25% gold, 5K has 20.834% gold, 4K has 16.67% gold, 3K has 12.5% gold, 2K has 8.34% gold, and 1K has 4.167% gold.

I hope this clarifies all doubts from everyone’s mind about gold karats and white gold availability.