When buying gold jewellery, one of the first things you’ll notice is the karat number: 9K, 10K, 14K, 18K, or even 24K. While they may look similar at first glance, the differences between these carats affect durability, colour, wearability, and long-term value.
What Does “Karat” Actually Mean?
Karat (K) refers to how much pure gold is present in an alloy, measured out of 24 parts.
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24K = 100% pure gold
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18K = 75% gold
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14K = 58.5% gold
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10K = 41.7% gold
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9K = 37.5% gold
The remaining percentage is made up of other metals (such as silver or copper) added to increase strength and wearability.
24K Gold: Pure, But Impractical
24K gold is soft, highly malleable, and easily scratched or bent. Because of this, it is rarely used for fine jewellery meant to be worn daily.
Best for:
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investment bars and coins
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ceremonial or occasional pieces
Not ideal for:
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stone settings
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everyday jewellery
18K Gold: Rich Colour, Softer Structure
18K gold contains more pure gold, giving it a warmer, deeper yellow tone. However, this also makes it softer than 14K gold.
Pros:
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rich gold colour
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higher gold content
Cons:
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more prone to bending and wear
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stone settings can loosen over time
Often chosen for high-end pieces worn occasionally rather than daily.
Why 14K Gold Is the Sweet Spot
14K gold offers a balance that makes it ideal for fine jewellery that’s meant to last.
Why 14K stands out:
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strong enough for daily wear
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holds stones securely
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resists scratches and deformation
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still contains a high percentage of real gold
This is why 14K gold is widely used in heirloom-quality jewellery and why brands focused on durability choose it intentionally — not to cut costs, but to protect the piece over time.
At Bolek Jewellery, we work exclusively with solid 14K gold because it allows us to hand-fabricate settings that are both elegant and structurally sound.
10K and 9K Gold: Lower Gold Content
Lower-karat gold contains more alloy metals and less actual gold.
Pros:
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harder material
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lower price point
Cons:
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duller colour
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less intrinsic gold value
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not recognised as “fine jewellery” in many countries
These carats are often used in mass-produced jewellery rather than handcrafted pieces.
Colour vs Strength: A Quick Comparison
| Karat | Gold Content | Colour | Durability | Daily Wear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 99.9% | Very rich | Very soft | ❌ |
| 18K | 75% | Warm yellow | Medium | ⚠️ |
| 14K | 58.5% | Balanced gold | Strong | ✅ |
| 10K | 41.7% | Pale | Very strong | ⚠️ |
| 9K | 37.5% | Dull | Strong | ⚠️ |
What This Means for Jewellery Buyers
Choosing gold carat isn’t about “more is better.” It’s about how the piece will be worn.
If you want:
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jewellery that lasts decades
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secure stone settings
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resistance to daily wear
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real material value
14K gold is often the most honest choice.
According to the World Gold Council, 14K gold remains one of the most widely used standards for fine jewellery worldwide because of this exact balance.
The Bolek Approach
We do not chase trends or extremes. We choose materials that work.
By combining solid 14K gold with hand-fabricated techniques — instead of casting — we create jewellery that is meant to be worn, not stored away.
Because jewellery should age with you, not against you.