Differences in Karats
A carat is not a karat; both are jeweler's terms and pronounced the same, but the similarity ends there. "Carat" refers to the weight of gemstones such as diamonds, while a "karat," on the other hand, describes the purity of gold contained in an item. Purity is relevant information because gold is naturally a soft metal to which other alloys are added to increase its hardness. Karat expresses the ratio of gold to alloy using a numerical base of 24, and experts classify 100 percent pure gold as "24/24" or "24 karat." As hardening alloys are added, the ratio of gold declines, so 75 percent gold is expressed as "18/24" or "18 karat." Experts can determine karats theoretically down to 10; in practical terms, however, most jewelry is produced in a few standardized purities. Genuine gold jewelry typically is stamped in an inconspicuous place with the karat designation followed by "k." Does this Spark an idea?
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22 Karat
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Too soft for modern daily wear, you typically see 22 karat gold only in museums where ancient or antique jewelry is displayed. Although it exudes a deep, rich color, its high purity requires frequent polishing to preserve the shine. Great care must be taken in polishing or in wearing 22k gold because it is easily bent or deformed.
18 Karat
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European jewelry-makers traditionally prefer gold with a purity of 18 karat. Alloyed with silver, it strikes a balance between durability and the classic yellow hue of the more malleable 22 karat gold. In addition, 18k gold ages gracefully as you wear it, taking on a subdued, muted sheen over time.
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14 Karat
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Americans have long favored 14 karat as the all-purpose jewelry gold; the term "14 karat" represents a gold content of 58.5 per cent. Its alloyed metals are usually a blend of silver, copper and zinc; 14 karat gold is hard and retains its shape and shine with minimal maintenance. Fine detail and casting intricacies are preserved over generations of wear. White gold is manufactured from 14k yellow gold alloyed with nickel, zinc, copper, tin and manganese. Displaying a faintly yellow, high-sheen finish, white gold's tough resilience is suitable for rings and pins as well as gemstone settings.
10 Karat
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Jewelry sold as 10k is the minimum karat legally permitted in the United States to be termed genuine gold; with a purity of less than 50 percent, it's usually the least expensive version of the real thing. The high alloy content of 10 karat produces the most durable gold for everyday jewelry such as bracelets and gold chains as well as specialty items like fine writing instruments. Individuals who work with their hands may prefer a 10 karat gold ring for its superior resistance to scratching. The low percentage of gold makes 10 karat jewelry susceptible to colors introduced by alloy metals, allowing it to be produced in a wide variety of hues.
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