The Complete Guide to Gold Karats
24K, 18K, 14K — what do these numbers actually mean, and which is right for your jewelry?
## What Is a Karat? A **karat** (K) measures the proportion of pure gold in an alloy. Pure gold is 24 karats — but pure gold is too soft for most jewelry. ## Karat Comparison | Karat | Gold Content | Durability | Best For | |-------|-------------|------------|----------| | 24K | 99.9% | Very soft | Investment bars, some Asian jewelry | | 22K | 91.7% | Soft | Traditional/ceremonial jewelry | | 18K | 75.0% | Good | Fine jewelry, engagement rings | | 14K | 58.3% | Very good | Everyday wear, active lifestyles | | 10K | 41.7% | Excellent | Budget-friendly, children's jewelry | ## Why 18K Is Our Standard At CBVH, we primarily work with **18-karat gold** because it offers the ideal balance: - **Rich color** — noticeably warmer than 14K - **Durability** — holds up to daily wear - **Hypoallergenic** — less likely to cause reactions than lower karats - **Value** — retains worth over time ### The Color Difference The karat affects color intensity: > "Place a 14K yellow gold ring next to an 18K ring, and the difference is immediately visible. The 18K piece has a deeper, more luxurious warmth that photographs beautifully." ## Gold Colors Explained The metals mixed with gold create different colors: - **Yellow gold** — gold + copper + silver - **White gold** — gold + palladium (or nickel) + silver - **Rose gold** — gold + copper (higher copper ratio) - **Green gold** — gold + silver (no copper) ## How to Test Gold If you're unsure about a piece's karat: 1. Look for the **hallmark stamp** (e.g., "750" for 18K) 2. Use a **magnet** — real gold is not magnetic 3. Check for **discoloration** — plated items wear differently 4. Visit a jeweler for **acid testing** (non-destructive) ## Caring for Different Karats Higher karat gold is softer and needs more care: - **24K/22K** — store separately, avoid impact - **18K** — regular cleaning, annual inspection - **14K/10K** — more resilient but still benefits from proper care All CBVH pieces come with a **hallmark certificate** verifying the exact gold content.
