Karat – Standard of Gold Purity

 

In its pure form, gold is bright yellow, soft, and highly malleable. However, pure gold is not commonly used for making jewelry or other everyday items because it is too soft and prone to scratching or bending. To improve its durability and strength, gold is often alloyed with other metals, such as silver, copper, nickel, or zinc.

24 karat gold is the purest form of gold that is commercially available. It is also referred to as "pure gold" and is denoted by the symbol "24K." The term "karat" (sometimes spelled "carat") is used to measure the purity of gold, with 24 karats representing 100% pure gold.

22 karat gold (22K) is a type of gold alloy that contains 91.67% pure gold and 8.33% other metals. It is one of the most commonly used gold alloys for making jewelry and has a slightly lower gold content compared to 24 karat gold (pure gold).

The reason for adding other metals to gold to create alloys is to enhance its durability, as pure gold is relatively soft and can be easily scratched or dented. The metals used in the alloy can vary and may include copper, silver, zinc, and nickel.

Jewelry made from 22 karat gold has a beautiful golden appearance and is popular in many cultures for its traditional and aesthetic value. Compared to lower karat gold alloys, such as 18K or 14K, 22K gold has a deeper yellow color and is considered more valuable. However, it is slightly less bright and rich in color than pure 24 karat gold.

When purchasing jewelry made of 22 karat gold, it's important to keep in mind that its higher gold content also makes it more malleable than lower karat gold, so it may be more susceptible to bending or scratching. Nonetheless, 22K gold is still a popular choice for high-quality jewelry and investment pieces in many parts of the world

Lower karat gold alloys, such as 18K, 14K, or 10K, contain a lower percentage of pure gold and a higher proportion of other metals, making them more suitable for jewelry and other applications. For instance, 18 karat gold contains 75% pure gold, while 14 karat gold contains 58.3% pure gold, and 10 karat gold contains 41.7% pure gold.

When purchasing gold jewelry, it's essential to understand the karat value, as it determines the gold content and influences the item's value, appearance, and durability. 24 karat gold is relatively rare in jewelry due to its softness, but it is sometimes used in luxury and investment pieces where purity is of utmost importance.