When you choose a piece of fine jewellery you will often see options such as 10KT, 14KT, 18KT and 22KT. The number tells you how much pure gold is in the metal, and it affects colour, durability and price. Here is everything you need to know.
Pure gold is 24 karat (24KT). Because pure gold is very soft, it is mixed with other metals (an alloy) to make it strong enough for everyday jewellery. The karat number shows how many parts out of 24 are pure gold.
| Karat | Pure gold content | Colour | Durability | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10KT | 41.7% | Paler | Very hard-wearing | Budget-friendly everyday pieces |
| 14KT | 58.5% | Warm | Hard-wearing | Active lifestyles, everyday rings |
| 18KT | 75% | Rich | Good | Engagement rings and fine jewellery |
| 22KT | 91.6% | Deep, intense | Softer | Traditional and occasion jewellery |
| 24KT | 99.9% | Deepest yellow | Very soft | Bullion, rarely for set diamonds |
The higher the karat, the more pure gold, the richer the colour and the higher the price, but also the softer the metal. That is why 14KT and 18KT are the most popular choices for diamond jewellery: they hold stones securely while still looking luxurious.
All three colours contain the same amount of pure gold for a given karat. The colour comes from the other metals in the alloy:
Colour also changes how the diamond looks: white gold makes colourless diamonds look icy-white, while yellow and rose gold flatter warmer, near-colourless grades.
Platinum is naturally white and will not fade or need plating. It is denser and heavier than gold and hypoallergenic, which makes it a premium choice for engagement and wedding rings. Sterling silver is the most affordable precious metal and suits fashion pieces, though it is softer and can tarnish.
Metal is priced by weight and purity, and gold prices move daily. On our product pages the metal cost updates automatically when you switch between 10KT, 14KT, 18KT, 22KT, silver and platinum, so you can see exactly how your choice affects the final price.
See every option in our engagement rings, wedding rings, bracelets and earrings.
18KT has more pure gold and a richer colour. 14KT is harder and more affordable. Both are excellent for diamond jewellery.
White gold is usually rhodium plated. Over time the plating can wear and show a slightly warmer tone; re-plating restores it.
Platinum is naturally white, heavier and hypoallergenic, but it costs more. Gold offers more colour choices.
Yes, but it is softer and scratches more easily, so it is less ideal for rings that hold diamonds.
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