What is 14 Karat gold?

November 28, 2014

Gold alloys are described in terms of 24 parts or karats are pure. 14 karat (carat in the old country) is 14 parts gold and 10 parts alloy. 9 carat is used frequently in Britain and Ireland = 37.5% gold. 10 karat = 41.7% gold. 14 karat, most common in US = 58.3% gold. 18 karat = 75% gold. 22 karat = 91.6% gold. Generally speaking the lower karats are harder and more like brass and the higher karats softer and have more gold color and shine. This is not however universally true since modern alloys have been cleverly engineered for various properties like hardness and color. Our work is substantial enough that we are confident that an 18 karat ring will hold up almost as well as a 14 karat ring. Unless you do very heavy or abrasive work with your hands we would not think that wear should be much of a consideration in choosing karat for one of our rings.



Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make a custom piece for me?

September 21, 2020

Continue Reading

How do I find my ring size?

November 28, 2014

Continue Reading

How long do orders take?

November 28, 2014

Continue Reading