Gold is everywhere in jewellery — but not all gold is created equal. If you’ve ever wondered what “14 karat” actually means, or why some gold jewellery costs ten times more than others, this guide is for you.
At Bolek Jewellery, we work exclusively with solid 14 karat gold. Not gold plated. Not gold filled. Solid gold, through and through. Here’s why — and what that means for you.
What Does “Karat” Mean?
Karat (abbreviated as “k” or “kt”) is the unit that measures the purity of gold. Pure gold is 24 karats — meaning it’s 99.9% gold. But in its pure form, gold is too soft for jewellery. It would scratch, bend, and lose its shape within days of wearing it.
That’s why gold is alloyed — mixed with other metals like silver, copper, and sometimes palladium — to make it stronger and more durable. The karat number tells you how much of the alloy is actual gold.
14 karat gold contains 58.5% pure gold and 41.5% other metals. This specific ratio gives 14k gold its perfect balance: warm enough in colour to look unmistakably golden, yet strong enough to withstand decades of daily wear.
The 585 Hallmark
When you see “585” stamped inside a piece of jewellery, that’s the hallmark for 14 karat gold. It refers to the gold content: 585 parts per 1000 are pure gold. In the Netherlands, all gold jewellery over 1 gram must be hallmarked by an official assay office (WaarborgHolland or Edelmetaal Waarborg). This stamp is your guarantee of authenticity.
Every Bolek piece carries this 585 hallmark — because every piece is made of solid 14 karat gold.
How 14k Compares to Other Karat Values
9 karat (375): Contains 37.5% pure gold. Lighter in colour, more affordable, but not legally classified as “gold” in the Netherlands. More prone to a slightly coppery hue due to higher alloy content.
14 karat (585): Contains 58.5% pure gold. The Dutch standard for gold jewellery. Beautiful warm colour, excellent durability, and the best balance between beauty and strength. The most popular choice for jewellery that’s worn every day.
18 karat (750): Contains 75% pure gold. Richer, deeper yellow colour. Slightly softer than 14k, which means more susceptible to scratches. Often chosen for special occasion pieces or high-end designs.
24 karat (999): Contains 99.9% pure gold. Too soft for jewellery — primarily used for gold bars, coins, and investment purposes. The deep yellow colour is striking, but the material can’t hold a setting or withstand daily wear.
Why 14k Gold is Ideal for Jewellery
There’s a reason 14 karat gold is the standard in the Netherlands and across much of Europe. It offers a unique combination of qualities that make it the best choice for jewellery you want to wear every day.
Durability comes first. 14k gold is hard enough to resist scratches and maintain its shape through years of daily use. This matters especially for rings, bracelets, and earrings that are in constant contact with surfaces.
Colour is the second advantage. While 9k gold can look pale or coppery, 14k gold has a warm, rich golden tone that looks unmistakably like real gold. It’s the colour people picture when they think of gold jewellery.
Value makes 14k gold a smart choice. You get genuine gold — with genuine lasting value — at a price point that’s accessible without compromising quality. Unlike gold plated jewellery, which loses its gold layer over time, solid 14k gold retains its beauty and its material value permanently.
Skin-friendliness seals the deal. Solid 14k gold is naturally nickel-free and hypoallergenic. If you have sensitive skin or react to cheaper metals, solid gold is the safest choice.
14k Gold at Bolek Jewellery
At Bolek, we don’t just use solid 14 karat gold — we shape it by hand. Every stone in our jewellery is individually wrapped in gold wire using our signature stone-wrapping technique, creating a setting that’s stronger and more refined than machine-cast alternatives. Combined with the durability of 14k gold, this means Bolek jewellery is built to last a lifetime.
Discover our collection of handcrafted 14k gold jewellery and feel the difference that real craftsmanship makes.