Gold Carat Guide: Differences Between 14, 18, 22 and 24 Carat
One of the most common terms we hear when buying gold jewelry is "karat." Is 14 karat or 22 karat better? Why is 24 karat more lustrous but less popular? In this blog post, we examine the different karat grades of gold in detail, explaining what each karat represents and what its appropriate use is.
🟡 What Does Setting Mean?
"Karat" refers to the purity of gold. Pure gold is considered 24-karat and contains 99.9% gold. Other karats are achieved by adding different metals (silver, copper, etc.) to pure gold.
1 carat contains ≈ 4.17% gold
Well:
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24 carat = 99.9% pure gold
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22 carat = 91.6% pure gold
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18 carat = 75% pure gold
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14 carat = 58.5% pure gold
✨ 24 Carat Gold – Purest, Softest
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Contains 99.9% pure gold
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The color is very bright, saturated yellow
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Because it is quite soft, it is not preferred in jewelry production .
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It is mostly used in bullion and bracelets for investment purposes.
Usage Area: Investment, jewelry, pure gold jewelry
✨ 22 Carat Gold – Indispensable for Traditional Jewelry
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Contains 91.6% pure gold
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It is common in traditional bracelet, set and jewelry designs in Türkiye.
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More durable than 24 carat but still soft
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It requires care in hand workmanship, its stone holding is weak.
Area of Use: Classic jewelry, engagement-wedding sets
✨ 18 Carat Gold – Modern and Balanced
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Contains 75% pure gold
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The remaining 25% alloy hardens the gold
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It is suitable for stone jewelry because it is more durable.
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It has a lighter, softer yellow color than 22 carat.
Area of Use: Stone rings, necklaces, modern designs
✨ 14 Carat Gold – Ideal for Daily Use
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Contains 58.5% pure gold
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The most durable and economical gold setting
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It is the most preferred option for daily use.
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Thanks to its hard structure, it is ideal for handcrafting and holding stones.
Usage Area: Daily jewelry, rings, earrings, necklaces
🛍️ Which Gold Carat is Right for You?
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The balance between elegance and investment: 22 carat
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Modern and stoned designs: 18 carat
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Durability and price advantage: 14 carat
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If purity is your priority: 24 carat (for investment purposes)
At Moko Art Design, we offer 14-karat and 18-karat gold options for our products. Each design combines elegance and durability.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why isn't 24 carat gold used in jewelry?
Because it is very soft, it bends easily and cannot hold stones.
Does 14 carat gold tarnish?
Gold does not tarnish, but due to its alloy content, it can become dull over time.
Is gold plating the same as 14 karat gold?
No. Plating is a thin layer of gold over silver. 14 karat is a fully alloyed gold metal.
🖋️ Result
Gold carat is important not only for price but also for its intended use. If durability is important for daily use, 14-karat is recommended, while if display and value are paramount, 22 or 18-karat are preferred. Choosing the right carat for your jewelry ensures longevity and comfort.