What is the real difference between 18k and 24k gold ?

If you are just starting to research jewelry, this is one of the most frequently asked questions out there.

With so much information on social media, it's normal to feel overwhelmed and without a coherent response.

It is also common to see shops and accounts that offer you jewelry made of 100% gold, but is this possible?

Jewelry made in 18k yellow gold and natural stones

In this article we are going to clear up any doubts you may have about the differences between 18k gold and 24k gold, as well as which is the best option for you.

Differences between 18k and 24k gold

The brilliance and beauty of gold has captivated humanity for years, but is there a big difference between 18 karat (k) and 24 karat (k) gold ? Can I have jewelry made of both materials?

To answer this question you must first know some basic terms, such as what caratage is, its uses, composition and value.

What are carats in gold?

To understand the differences between 18k gold and 24k gold, it is essential to know about carats.

Carat is the unit of measurement used to identify the degree of purity or fineness of gold.

This degree of purity of the material is measured on a scale of 1 to 24. And is represented by the letter K.

Now, taking this into account, we can say that:

• 24k gold (or 24 carats) has a purity of 99.99%
• 18k gold (or 18 carats) has a purity of 75%

That is to say, 18k gold jewelry is made with 75% pure gold and 25% of another metal, such as copper or silver.

This alloy is the one you will most often see in fine jewelry and haute jewelry.

If you would like to learn about jewelry alloys, we have left you an article: Read about alloys.

Knowing the purity levels of gold will help you differentiate its variants and when each one can be used. Composition and purity levels of gold

One of the main differences between 18k and 24k gold is their composition and degree of purity.

• 24 karat gold is what we know as pure gold, that is, it is the raw material and its purity is 99.99%.
• While 18k gold is an alloy or mixture of gold with another metal, often with copper, silver and/or palladium. In this case, its purity is 75%. This mixture, despite reducing the purity of the gold, is able to offer the hardness and resistance needed to make a jewel.

This means that this difference lies in the nature of the material.

Although gold is a malleable and corrosion-resistant metal, its natural state or absolute purity makes it very susceptible to deformation and wear, especially in objects that are used daily, such as jewelry.

That is why it is combined with other precious metals to create a more resistant alloy suitable for jewelry.

Snake-shaped ring made of 18k gold and with a faceted finish

Which one is better rated?

Another fundamental aspect that differentiates 18k gold and 24k gold is their value and price in the market.

And since 24k gold is raw material or pure gold , its value is linked to the price that is handled in the financial markets.

The price of pure gold varies in relation to supply and demand in the global precious metals market.

On the other hand, 18k gold being of lower purity, its value in itself is lower.

18k gold jewelry hallmark

In the case of 18k gold, its value is not based solely on the amount of gold in the jewel, but also on other factors such as the quality and rarity of the other metals used in the alloy.

This indicates that 18k gold can vary significantly in price depending on the quality of the other materials used in the alloy and the reputation of the manufacturer.

FUN FACT: Jewelry that is gold plated or dipped only contains 3% or less gold in its composition. So it is only really 0.07k gold jewelry.

Uses of 18k and 24k gold

The differences between these types of gold also lie in the way they are used.

24 carat gold

When we talk about 24k gold, thanks to its purity, it is mainly used where its purity management is essential, as is the case with bullion and collector coins.

It is also used in the electronics industry, because it is an excellent conductor.

24k gold was once used to make jewelry, but in these cases the jewelry was quite thick and rough, due to the low malleability that the raw material allows.

Nowadays it is rare to see jewelry made of 24k gold.

18 carat gold

This type of gold is the preferred one in the jewelry industry and the most commercial in Peru.

This is because it has greater durability, quality and resistance, making it perfect for:

• Rings
• Earrings
• Necklaces
• Bracelets
• Piercings, among other jewelry.

Virtually any jewelry that is for everyday use.

INTERESTING FACT: In other countries such as the United States, the gold that is most commonly sold is 14k gold, which is of lower purity.

Another advantage of this type of gold is that you can get it in a wide variety of colors and shades.

Its color and tone varies according to the material and percentage placed in the remaining 25%.

Which makes it an ideal choice for jewelers and their creative process.

Ring made in 18k white gold

Now that you know this, they won't be able to fool you by offering you a “jewel made of 100% pure gold”... Unless they specify 100% 18k or 18k pure gold.

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