Jewelry is not made of 24 carat gold because pure gold (24 carats) is very soft and not very resistant, which would make them easily deformable or brittle. To enhance their durability, they are alloyed with other metals, giving rise to alloys such as 18 carat gold, more suitable for jewelry making.
Carats indicate the amount of pure gold present in a piece of jewelry. It is a unit of measurement of the purity of gold, where 24 carats means that the gold is completely pure, or 100% gold. Therefore, when a piece of jewelry displays 18 carats, it simply means that it contains 18 parts of pure gold out of a total of 24, in other words, about 75% pure gold. Thus, the lower the carat number, the less pure gold there is, in favor of other added metals. These metals are used to strengthen, change the color, or reduce the cost of the jewelry.
Pure gold (24 karats) is very soft. You can easily scratch, deform, or damage it. Its atomic structure does not allow it to be strong enough to withstand daily stresses, such as small impacts or regular friction. As a result, pure gold jewelry would wear out very quickly, lose its original shape, and have a very limited lifespan. Therefore, to create solid and durable jewelry that lasts over time, it is better to mix gold with other metals that provide strength.
Pure gold is lovely, but it’s a real hassle when it comes to durability, which is why mixtures called alloys are useful. By combining gold with other metals like silver, copper, or zinc, you get a material that is stronger, resistant to scratches, distortions, and everyday wear. Two very common examples are 18-carat gold (essentially 75% pure gold and 25% other metals) and 14-carat gold (about 58% pure gold), both of which have a durability significantly higher than 24-carat pure gold. These mixtures allow your favorite jewelry to last over time without deforming at the slightest impact, while still containing enough gold to maintain their typical warm color.
The purer the gold, therefore with a higher karat rating, the more expensive it is. It makes sense: an 18-karat gold piece contains more pure gold than a 9-karat piece, so naturally, its price rises quickly. This level of purity can really impact your wallet, making some jewelry out of reach for tight budgets. Conversely, by opting for an alloy with less pure gold, the cost becomes significantly more accessible, allowing many people to wear gold jewelry without breaking the bank. Basically, the karat rating directly affects your budget and how much you have to put on the table to get the piece of jewelry you want.
Pure gold is always bright yellow and shiny, but you may have noticed that gold jewelry comes in many different colors: yellow, white, or rose. Why? Simply because jewelers use alloys by mixing gold with other metals, resulting in a varied aesthetic palette. For example, adding copper gives a lovely warm rose color called rose gold, while an alloy with nickel or palladium produces white gold, with a modern and silvery look. The choice of alloy allows for jewelry styles that cater to everyone’s tastes or current desires.
Did you know that the color of gold jewelry depends on the metals present in the alloy? For example, white gold is created by combining gold with palladium or nickel, while rose gold owes its warm hue to a combination of pure gold and copper.
On average, it takes about 20 tons of ore to produce a single 500-gram gold bar. This is one of the reasons why pure gold jewelry (24 karats) remains rare, valuable, and very expensive.
The gold content varies according to cultural regions: for example, while 18 carat (750 thousandths) is particularly appreciated in Europe, 14 carat (585 thousandths) is very popular in the United States for its durability and affordability.
The indication of the title, expressed in carats, on a piece of jewelry is legally mandatory in many countries. This ensures complete transparency for the buyer regarding the actual amount of gold present in the item.
Preferences in terms of carat weight vary depending on traditions, culture, and shopping habits. In India or the Middle East, for example, 22-carat gold is highly valued for its rich color and its appearance close to pure gold, while also offering greater durability than 24-carat pure gold.
Generally, the carat content is directly engraved on the jewelry by the goldsmith or manufacturer, such as 18K or 750 for 18 carats. If in doubt, you can ask a jeweler or a professional to conduct a verification or analysis.
Not necessarily. Although the value of a piece of jewelry partly depends on its gold content, the brand's reputation, design, and craftsmanship are equally important in assessing the jewelry's worth over time.
Yes, gold alloys can result in different shades. Classic yellow gold typically uses copper and silver. White gold is often alloyed with white metals such as palladium or nickel and is coated with a layer of rhodium. Rose gold is achieved with a higher proportion of copper.
For a ring worn daily, 14 or 18 karats is often preferred. An 18-karat alloy contains 75% pure gold and offers an excellent balance between strength, brilliance, and durability.
Because pure gold (24 karats) is very soft and easily deformable, it is often alloyed with other metals such as silver, copper, or platinum to enhance its strength and durability in jewelry.
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